ABILENE, Texas – Natalie Velardez posted a double-double with a game-high 16 points and 10 rebounds­­, but the Concordia Texas women's basketball team's comeback fell short, falling to Hardin-Simmons 57-54 on Thursday inside the Mabee Complex.

The Tornados entered the final quarter trailing the Cowgirls 48-36, but would not go quietly, scoring nine of the next 12 points to cut the deficit to three after Havyn Perez's layup with 4:26 to play.

Concordia Texas remained within striking distance and trailed 56-54 after Perez's steal and fast break jumper with 10 seconds to play. She finished the night with six points and seven rebounds.

After a Tornados foul to put HSU at the free throw line, the Cowgirls would make only 1-of2 free throws, leading to one last opportunity for CTX.

On the ensuing possession, Payton Berger found Kaycie Dunkerley in the corner for a 3-pointer, but her shot was blocked as the buzzer sounded and the Tornados fell 57-54.

Velardez scored eight of her 16 points in the final period, including hitting 6-of-8 free throws, and grabbed five rebounds on her way to recording her first career double-double.

In the first half, the Tornados outscored HSU 19-13 in the opening quarter aided by an 11-1 run that was capped off by Kennedy Donovan layup.

The Cowgirls rallied in the following quarter though, outscoring CTX 15-6 and led 28-25 as the teams went to the locker room.

Berger finished the night with a near double-double of her own, producing nine points along with eight rebounds, while Sam Hopper and Dunkerley each added eight points for the game.

The Tornados will have a quick turnaround when they will face McMurry on Saturday at 1 p.m. in Abilene, Texas.