Central women’s basketball team can’t complete comeback

Central College

DUBUQUE — After trailing by as many as 19 in the second half, the Central College women’s basketball team cut the deficit to five but ran out of time in a 72-65 loss to Loras Saturday.

Guard Mariah Swartzentruber (sophomore, Kalona, Mid-Prairie HS) drained a 3-pointer with 32 seconds left to pull the Dutch (9-6, 0-4) within six, 69-63. After Loras (9-6, 3-1) went 1-for-2 at the line, guard Kenzie Vander Molen (senior, Pella) hit a jumper to cut the Duhawk lead to 70-65. Loras hit two free throws to bring the final score to 72-65.

The teams started off the game trading baskets and were tied at 16 after eight minutes of play. Loras then took advantage of Central’s foul trouble and built a 41-28 halftime lead. The Dutch came out and outscored Loras 37-31 during the second 20 minutes. Coach Chelsea Petersen liked the difference in her team’s play in the second half.

“I’m really happy with our second-half effort,” said Petersen. “We came out and played with a lot of energy and focus.”

Vander Molen scored a game-high 19 points for the Dutch. She was 7-for-12 from the field and 3-for-6 from beyond the arc while grabbing five boards and dishing out three assists.

“Kenzie Vander Molen was phenomenal in the second half,” said Petersen. “She attacked the rim, and she really distributed the ball.”

Guard Tina Lane (freshman, Williamsburg) was also in double figures for Central, finishing with 14 points.

“Tina Lane had a great game tonight,” said Petersen.

The Dutch continued their recent trend of playing tough defense and forcing turnovers, causing Loras to commit 22 Saturday.

For the Duhawks, Victoria May scored a team-high 15, and Therese McMahon added 12.

One area that Central will look to get better at in the coming games is rebounding. Loras held a 44-26 advantage on the boards Saturday.

“Going in to Wednesday’s game we have to improve our transition defense and our rebounding,” said Petersen.

Next up for the Dutch is a home contest with Buena Vista (5-10, 0-4) Wednesday at 6 p.m.