Central women’s basketball team cruises to road victory
Central College
ST. LOUIS, MO. — The Central College women’s basketball team used an 18-5 run late in the first half to pull away from Webster (Mo.) in a 79-60 win Friday.
The key to the run was guard Mariah Swartzentruber (sophomore, Kalona, Mid-Prairie HS), who hit three 3-pointers in 60 seconds. She finished the game with 15 points, making five of her 12 shots from beyond the arc.
“Mariah was the difference in the first half,” said coach Chelsea Petersen. “We were stagnant offensively for a long period of time before she connected on a series of 3-pointers that really built the lead and completely swung the momentum.”
The Dutch (7-2) lead was never less than 14 in the second half as they foiled any comeback attempt by the Gorloks (5-5).
“There have been games this season where we have given up double digit leads in the second half,” said Petersen. “Tonight we were able to handle that lead and come out with a victory.”
Guard Kaitlin Stump (junior, Lancaster, Mo., Schuyler R-1 HS) and guard Rachel Evans (senior, Fort Dodge) each scored 18 points for the Dutch. Evans earned her points at the charity stripe, going 12-for-14, while Stump was an efficient 7-for-8 from the field.
“Kaitlin did an exceptional job getting to the rim and knocking down hard shots,” said Petersen. “Rachel was clutch from the free throw line.”
On defense Central forced the Gorloks into 28 turnovers. Evans had five of the team’s 21 steals while guard Abbie Agan (sophomore, New Sharon, North Mahaska HS) had four.
“Overall I thought it was an outstanding defensive effort,” said Petersen. “We scored almost 50 points off of forced turnovers.”
Forward Jackie Kriegel (freshman, Marengo, Iowa Valley HS) led Central on the boards, grabbing a team-high seven rebounds.
“Jackie Kriegel has an engine that never quits,” said Petersen. “Every minute she plays she gives 100 percent. She creates opportunities for her teammates by refusing to let up.”
Britt Harris-Conway and Mia Williams each scored 18 points for Webster.
The Dutch will have 11 days off before they return home to face Lakeland (Wis.) (2-6) Dec. 30 at 2 p.m.
