Hurley, Swaters lift Central to women’s basketball win
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA—Despite enduring its second long road trip in three nights, the Central College women’s basketball team brought a high-energy defensive effort Wednesday and came away with a 58-46 victory at Nebraska Wesleyan University Wednesday.
Meanwhile, on offense forward Annie Swaters (junior, Deepwater, Mo., Lakeland HS) came off the bench to deliver 17 points and guard Kelsea Hurley (junior, Scottsdale, Ariz., Desert Mountain HS) rained in a game-high 23 to carry the Dutch (4-10 overall, 2-6 American Rivers).
“We really came out with a great deal of intensity on the defensive end,” coach Joe Steinkamp said. “Our energy level was high and our attention to detail was really good. It was one of our best defensive efforts of the year.”
Central limited Nebraska Wesleyan (4-15 overall, 2-9 conference) to 25.8% shooting, including a frosty 8.3% in the first quarter. The Dutch also won the rebounding battle 44-34, compensating for 21 turnovers. Central shot 45.1% from the field.
Steinkamp singled out guards Hannah Dau (freshman, Paullina, South O’Brien HS) and Denae Greig (junior, Albany, Ore., West Albany HS).
“Hannah and Denae were guarding their point guard most of the night and did a great job,” Steinkamp said.
Greig also led the team with four assists.
Swaters stepped up when one of the team’s top scorers, center Allison Van Gorp (freshman, Pella, Pella Christian HS) drew her second foul early in the first half. She knocked down five of seven shots on the night and added five rebounds.
“We got a great performance from Annie,” Steinkamp said. “She’s been in and out of the lineup with injuries, but she kept herself ready.
“We had kind of hoped she could be someone who could provide offense off the bench but she’s never really been healthy. I’m really happy for her that she could have a game like this tonight.”
Van Gorp still managed to add nine points and pull down a game-high 13 rebounds.
Hurley, who had a couple of off shooting nights, buried three 3-pointers Wednesday.
“The last couple games, we got offense from Allison (Van Gorp) and Kassidi (Steel) (sophomore, New Sharon, North Mahaska HS) and tonight Kelsea (Hurley) and Annie (Swaters) stepped up for us,” Steinkamp said. “It’s nice we’re getting contributions from lots of players.”
Central returns home for its fourth game in eight days Saturday, taking on Loras College in a women’s-men’s league doubleheader. The Dutch were outscored at Loras 96-75 Jan. 8. The Duhawks are 13-6 overall and 7-3 in the league after overpowering Coe College at home 76-51 at home Wednesday night.
Central’s starters had to play extended minutes Wednesday in the midst of a tough week, but Steinkamp was solely focused securing the road victory.
“We can’t worry about the minutes,” Steinkamp said. “We’ll worry about Saturday on Saturday. This was a great team win.”
A video webcast and live stats of Saturday’s action can be accessed at athletics.central.edu. KRLS radio (92.1 FM) will also broadcast the game with Tyler Crabb calling the action.
