YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. | Kelsey Hutchins scored 25 points and 10 rebounds as the University of North Georgia held off a valiant effort by Young Harris College 80-75 in a Peach Belt Conference women's basketball game Wednesday (Feb. 22) evening in front of a packed house at the YHC Basketball Arena.

The Nighthawks, who earned the No. 3 seed out of the West division, improved to 20-8 overall and to 12-7 in the Peach Belt. The Mountain Lions ended their season at 9-17 and 5-14. 

North Georgia took its largest lead - 10 points (60-50) - after Amber Skidgel hit a jumper with 61 seconds remaining in the third quarter. Young Harris reeled off the next seven points to close within three points (60-57) after Meredith Tarver banked in a three-pointer with 9:11 left in the game. The Nighthawks extended their lead back to seven with baskets on their next two possessions, but the Mountain Lions dug deep and scored the next five points - all from Jenny Vernet - to pull within 64-62 after an old-fashioned three-point play by Vernet with 6:35 to go.

After North Georgia got its lead back to six points (71-65), the Mountain Lions fought back yet again. A three-pointer from Meghan McQuade and two free throws by Tarver got the Mountain Lions within a points at 71-70 with 2:47 to play. However, a Hutchins layup and three-pointer by Skidgel a minute later gave the Nighthawks a 76-70 lead. North Georgia was able to hold off Young Harris as they hit all four free throw attempts down the stretch. North Georgia hit 18 of its 22 free throws, including Hutchins' 14-of-14 effort from the charity stripe. Young Harris hit 21 of its 24 attempts from the free throw line.

Tarver led the Mountain Lions with 20 points and nine rebounds, while Vernet had 15 points and seven rebounds. Sara Jorgensen added 14 points and six assists for Young Harris.

The game marked the final one for the three Mountain Lions seniors - Tarver, Vernet and Bria Ratliff.

"Meredith and Jenny have been tremendous representatives of this institution," said YHC head coach Matt Stearsman. "They are going to be real successful in life. I love those two kids and I'm so happy how their senior years have gone from an individual standpoint. And they should be proud too."