Sharp-shooting St. Olaf steals women’s basketball win from Central

PELLA – Going 5-for-7 from beyond the 3-point arc in the third quarter propelled the St. Olaf College women’s basketball team past Central College 75-67 in the season opener Friday.

The Oles (1-0) made 12 (12-26) total 3-pointers in the game while the Dutch (0-1) were 2-14. Central had a higher overall shooting percentage (46.6%) than to St. Olaf (44.6%) but were done in by the Oles unexpected range.

“You have to give them credit, they had some players step up,” coach Justin Weiland said. “They shot 30% as a team from three last year so our goal was to protect the paint. They were able to hit some contested shots and that was the difference.”

Guard Emily Naughton (sophomore, Indianola) led all scorers with 20 points. Forward CeCe Moore (sophomore, Waterloo, West HS) also reached double figures with 13 points.

“Emily was able to get downhill and get to the rim a ton,” Weiland said.

Abby Johnson (senior, guard, Ankeny) the team’s leading returner scorer after averaging 13.2 points per game was limited to eight points on 4-11 shooting.

“They were extremely physical and took us out of our rhythm,” Weiland said. “They were hounding Abby and tried to take her out of the game. It looked like a face guard at times.”

Central was without two expected key rotational players. Forward Gabby Moore (senior, Waterloo, West HS) was interviewing for graduate school and forward Kaitlyn Mumm (sophomore, Waukee, Des Moines Christian HS) is still with the Dutch volleyball team.

“We’re not going to use that an excuse,” Weiland said. “It’s tough when you’re missing 6-1 Kaitlyn Mumm and 5-10 Gabby Moore against a team that has some length and size. ”

Johnson, CeCe Moore and Samantha Scott (senior, Davenport, North Scott HS) each had six rebounds. Johnson also had a team-high three assists.

Central plays a back-to-back by hosting Monmouth College (Ill.) Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. in P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium.