Season-ending defeat for Central women’s basketball team
Central College
PELLA —The Central College women’s basketball squad came up just short of an Iowa Conference victory to end the season, falling 62-52 on the road at the University of Dubuque Saturday.
Central (4-21, 1-13 Iowa Conference) led 13-12 after the first quarter over Dubuque (9-16, 4-10 Iowa Conference). The Spartans led the rest of the way, but the Dutch stayed within 10 points all day and even cut the lead to four in the fourth quarter
“We played extremely well defensively,” Coach Chelsea Petersen said. “There was a key defensive stop we needed to get with two and half minutes left in the fourth quarter and it didn’t happen. Other than a couple of plays here and there, our defensive effort was great.”
Leading the team in scoring was Claire Marburger (Perry), who added to her freshman single-season scoring record with 25 points to finish season with 443 points.
“Claire was great,” Petersen said. “They had a defensive game plan to slow her down and it didn’t slow her down at all. I think a lot of that is because of Claire’s high basketball IQ and her ability to make reads. She did a great job of leading our team.”
Forward Jackie Kriegel (sophomore, Marengo, Iowa, Iowa Valley HS) played a key role for Central once again, corralling nine rebounds, scoring eight points and collecting two steals.
Petersen also cited the effort of Kylie Mack (sophomore, Euless, Texas, Gilbert HS (Ariz.)) off the bench.
“I thought Kylie was great,” she said. “She has steadily improved over the last three weeks. When she got an opportunity to play today she brought great energy.
Playing in their final game for the Dutch were seniors Ashley Radig (Pocahontas, Iowa, Pocahontas Area HS) and Shelbi Stimpson (Galt, Mo., Grundy County R-V HS).
“I very much appreciate their contributions to Central women’s basketball,” Petersen said. “They are valued members of our family and will be forever. We wish them well in the future.”
The future is bright for the Dutch. A young team in 2015-16, the Dutch will return 100 percent of its scoring production from this year into the 2016-17 season.
“This year provided an opportunity for players to gain game experience,” Petersen said. “We’re going to have a lot of chances to win basketball games in the future. We’re excited and hungry to improve.”
