Bulldogs move to 5-0 with 83-53 win over Bethel College

The Bulldog women’s basketball team continued to impress with a convincing 83-53 win over Bethel College on the final day of the Cattle Classic Tournament.  The Bulldogs used a run late in the first half to take a 41-23 lead into halftime, and the Threshers were unable to get back into the game in the second half.  Defense was again the story, as Concordia forced 28 turnovers on the day.  With the win, Concordia improved to 5-0.  Bethel College slipped to 1-2. 

Concordia was just 15-of-41 from the field in the opening half for 36.6 percent.  However, Concordia’s pressing and trapping defense caused problems for the visiting Threshers.  Bethel was just 5-of-27 from the field in the opening 20 minutes for 18.5 percent.  Despite hitting just 15-of-41 shots overall, Concordia hit six 3-pointers and was 5-of-6 from the free throw line in the opening half. 

It was more of the same in the final half of play.  Bethel was just 10-of-25 from the field, and the Threshers continued to have difficulty solving Concordia’s pressure defense.  The Bulldogs totaled 16 steals on the day.  Katie Rich (Tilden, Neb.) led the way defensively with four steals in the win. 

For the game, Concordia was 28-of-79 from the field for 35.4 percent.  The Bulldogs were 8-of-23 from long range for 34.8 percent and a solid 19-of-23 at the charity stripe for 82.6 percent.  Concordia completely dominated the glass with a 56-38 rebounding advantage.  The Bulldogs had 28 offensive rebounds in the contest.  Concordia’s depth was again on display, as the Bulldog bench outscored Bethel’s bench by a total of 44-14.  The Bulldogs totaled 30 points off turnovers and poured in 22 second-chance points in the victory.   

Concordia was led by Kristen Conahan’s 14 points.  Conahan (Omaha, Neb.) hit two 3-pointers and was a perfect 4-of-4 at the foul line.  Beth Kohmetscher (Deweese, Neb.) and Brittany Benson (Naples, Fla.) each added 12 off the bench.  Britney Birtell (Madison, Neb.) chipped in with 10 points and a game-high eight rebounds (six offensive rebounds).  Amber Kistler (Minatare, Neb.) had nine points, six rebounds and three assists on the day. 

Bethel was led by Chelsea Harris, who scored 15 points.  Jess Muckenthaler added 11 points and seven assists for the Threshers. 

Earlier on Saturday, Doane College held on for a 66-56 win over William Penn.  The game was tied at 24-24 at halftime, but the Tigers hit 14-of-25 shots in the final half to secure the victory.  Madara Upeniece scored a Cattle Classic Tournament-high 27 points to go with 11 rebounds for Doane in the win.  Savannah Lohmeier added 12 points for the Tigers.  Orielle Thomas had 11 points and 14 rebounds for William Penn in the loss. 

The Cattle Classic All-Tournament Team was announced following Saturday’s games.  Chelsea Harris (Bethel College), Orielle Thomas (William Penn), Madara Upeniece (Doane College), Kristen Conahan (Concordia) and Amber Kistler (Concordia) were named to the team. 

2011 Cattle Classic All-Tournament Team
Chelsea Harris – G – Bethel College
Orielle Thomas – F – William Penn
Madara Upeniece – F – Doane College
Kristen Conahan – G – Concordia University
Amber Kistler – G – Concordia University