Dutch women struggle in basketball season opener

SAINT LOUIS, MISSOURI – Facing off against No. 10 Washington University of St. Louis (Mo.) in its first game of the season proved a difficult task for the Central College women’s basketball team in a 65-39 loss Friday night.

The Dutch will now play for third place in the McWilliams Classic hosted by the Bears against Benedictine University (Ill.). The Eagles lost to the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater 97-65 in Friday’s other contest.

A stout Bears defense held the Dutch to just 25.5% shooting, making 14 of 55 shots attempted. Central hit just three 3-point field goals.

Emily Naughton (senior, Indianola) had a team-high 13 points. Newcomer Gracie Foster (freshman, Grand Meadow, Minn.) paced the team with seven rebounds. Forward CeCe Moore (senior, Waterloo, West HS) had six points and six rebounds.

The Dutch and the Eagles will play for third place at noon Saturday.