Simpson tops Central women’s basketball team
Central College
PELLA — The Central College women’s basketball team struggled to make shots in a 68-41 loss to Simpson College Saturday.
The Dutch (9-12 overall, 9-10 Iowa Conference) shot just 17.6 percent from the field and Simpson turned 24 Central turnovers into 17 points.
“We had a lot of open looks and ultimately didn’t connect on our opportunities offensively,” said coach Chelsea Petersen. “Turnovers and a low shooting percentage were the difference in the game.”
Central trailed by single digits a majority of the first half until Simpson (15-6, 5-5) ended the half on an 11-2 run to take a 37-19 lead into the locker room.
“We dug a big hole in the first half,” said Petersen. “When we were able to get set defensively we defended extremely well. However, we turned the ball over and gave Simpson second chance opportunities off missed box outs.”
Petersen saw some improvements out of her squad after halftime.
“The second half was better defensively and we valued the ball slightly better,” said Petersen. “We played hard for 40 minutes and I was proud of how our players continued to compete until the end of regulation.”
The Central coach said there were several positives to take out of Saturday’s game.
“We outrebounded Simpson and went to the free throw line 32 times,” said Petersen.
Forward Jackie Kriegel (freshman, Marengo, Iowa Valley HS) was a big reason why Central held a 49-38 advantage on the boards. She grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds, including five on the offensive glass, while also scoring six points and recording four steals.
“Jackie Kriegel turned in a phenomenal performance,” said Petersen. “She made strong moves to the basket, did an outstanding job rebounding the basketball, and gave the effort to give the team second chance opportunities.”
Petersen also said the Dutch received strong performances from guard Jessica Helton (freshman, Nevada) and forward Madeline Simmons (Elkhorn, Neb., South HS).
“Jess Helton played strong minutes off the bench and Maddie Simmons attacked the basket hard in the second half,” said Petersen.
Guard Mariah Swartzentruber (sophomore, Kalona, Mid-Prairie HS) and guard Rachel Evans (senior, Fort Dodge) each scored nine points for the Dutch. Swartzentruber sank three 3-pointers to give her 51 on the season and tying her for third place on Central’s single season list with Emily De Jong.
Central will travel to Cedar Rapids Wednesday to take on Coe (14-7, 7-3) at 6 p.m. The Kohawks defeated the Dutch 62-52 in Pella Jan. 24.
