SEWARD, Neb. – Concordia University, Nebraska Women’s Basketball punched out a dominant 35-point third quarter to dust Waldorf in a 40-point route (90-50). The Saturday (Feb. 1) afternoon contest was a defensive exhibit for the Dawgs forcing 31 turnovers and 20 steals. Four Bulldogs swiped at least three steals in Kendal Brigham (four), Abby Krieser (three), Raelyn Kelty (three) and Savannah Butterfield (three).
Head Coach Drew Olson and company have totaled five consecutive wins moving up to 13-10 overall and 8-9 in GPAC play.
“We had spurts that were really good,” Coach Olson said. “We got a little sloppy at the end of the first and the beginning of the second. We had a couple of turnovers that were uncharacteristic, playing a little too fast. Once we settled in and played our basketball, we were pretty good, especially in the second half. Defensively, we were really good. The press was good. We did a good job or regrouping at halftime and the second half we were much better.”
Concordia ran out to a 16-2 lead in the first quarter using their 12 forced turnovers turning into points in the first 10 minutes. Brigham had seemingly back to back scoop and scores making six points in the run. The Warriors cut the advantage down to seven late in the second.
Coming out of the halftime break, the Bulldogs came out with a scorching hot 21-2 run. Raelyn Kelty and Kristin Vieselmeyer had a couple baskets a piece to light up the scoreboard. The home squad continued to build on their 22-point lead into the fourth and dashed out of Friedrich Arena with a 40-point win.
The Lincoln North Star alum, Krieser, put up double figures (13) for the third time in four games adding three rebounds with her three steals.
Krieser said, “We pressed a lot. We love getting after teams and being aggressive. That’s honestly what keeps us going. It’s a lot of fun transition points. I’ve been trying to get downhill a lot. My teammates have been setting screens for me and it’s nice because everyone on the court can shoot threes. All of the defenders are spread out, so I’m able to drive in.”
Kelty was second in points (12) and rebounds (seven) as the team racked up 51 total. Makynna Robbins grabbed a team-high 10 boards (nine points) in her 16 minutes. Brigham (11) and Vieselmeyer (10) were the final two in double digit points scored with Savannah Butterfield totaling eight off the bench. The growing depth has shown once again in Robbins, Butterfield and 14 total Bulldogs scoring in the competition.
Krieser said, “Makynna is a beast out there. She is very confident and doesn’t feel like a freshman. She goes in there and does her thing. Getting boards and points. Savy as well. She is so fun to be around and takes it strong to the basket.”
Waldorf (5-16, 3-13 GPAC) was led by Brooke Dial’s 22 points. The Warriors will look to rebound against Morningside on Wednesday.
Concordia (13-10, 8-9 GPAC) will have the midweek off before making the trek to Orange City, Iowa to take on Northwestern (16-7, 12-5 GPAC() for the second time this season. The Bulldogs fell in a heartbreaker (74-73) in the first game in Seward.