Central women’s basketball team downs Fontbonne
Central College
CLAYTON, Mo. — Sophomore forward Claire Marburger (Perry) scored 21 points and collected nine rebounds to spark the unbeaten Central College women’s basketball team to a 55-52 victory at Fontbonne University (Mo.) Saturday.
Trailing 30-28 at halftime, Central (5-0) responded with a 16-point third quarter to take a 44-38 lead over Fontbonne (1-3). A lead the Dutch never surrendered. The final score reflected a difficult game according to coach Chelsea Petersen.
“We had a tough road battle at Fontbonne today,” she said. “This was not our best game and we struggled with offensive flow. Our team showed resiliency in responding when we needed to most.”
Junior guard Emily Dine (Oldsmar, Fla., East Lake HS) had 11 points and five rebounds. Forward Jackie Kriegel (junior, Marengo, Iowa Valley HS) added 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting and collected seven rebounds.
“Emily Dine and Claire stepped up and hit shots when we needed them,” said Petersen. “Jackie Kriegel had several 3-point plays. Overall, we found a way to grind out a road win.”
Central’s defense held the Griffins to 33.3 percent shooting from the field.
The Dutch begin Iowa Conference play Wednesday, traveling to Cedar Rapids for a showdown with Coe College. Last season, Coe won both of the teams’ matchups. “We have areas of improvement to focus on as we prepare for our first conference game at Coe,” said Petersen. “We will use today to get better and look forward to league play Wednesday.”
