SEWARD, Neb. – The Bulldogs hosted No. 16 Dakota Wesleyan on senior day as the two GPAC teams battled for almost 40 minutes, but the visitors kept the home squad at arm's length in the final 60 seconds (74-65). Despite losing the shooting percentage from the floor, the Tigers used big shots and free throws (20-for-22) to deliver the loss to Concordia University, Nebraska. Senior Abby Krieser kept the Bulldogs in the mix with a 21-point performance.
The Seward lineup moves to .500 (13-13) overall and 8-12 in conference play.
“Dakota Wesleyan did a really good job of making big shots,” Coach Olson said. “Sometimes the game is just that simple. Our team did an awesome job of fighting and staying with it. We gave ourselves the opportunity. Unfortunately, we just didn’t make the plays we needed to. It just shows the character of our team. We aren’t going to fold and we fought really hard. This team has had a tough go but they continue to come back and be ready for the next challenge.”
Down 64-55 with three minutes remaining, the Bulldogs cut the lead down to three (64-61) with a Kristin Vieselmeyer bucket and four points from Krieser. After trading two points apiece, the Tigers were able to extend their lead in the final seconds with free throws from Rylee Rosenquist and Avery Broughton.
Krieser, a Lincoln North Star alum, turned on the jets with 15 second half points in her multiple trips to the rack. The senior guard burned Dakota Wesleyan on the way to the basket and added four rebounds, four assists and three steals. Abby Heemstra buried eight points in the two middle quarters to keep the Dawgs within striking distance. The Rock Valley, Iowa, native, also grabbed three rebounds and a steal. The two seniors were celebrated at halftime of the following men’s game.
Olson said, “I love both of them. What they have given to this program is amazing. I’m going to miss them a lot but thankfully we still have games to play. AK is a phenomenal player. A super great athlete but also a great teammate. Then, Abby Heemstra and her one-on-one play in the post but her leadership, toughness and maturity throughout the years have been really special.”
After a slow offensive showing (eight points) in the opening quarter by Concordia, Bree Bunting took over for a two minute run with eight of her 14 points, a steal and a rebound delivering a solid counterpunch for the Bulldogs early. The Kersey, Colo., product made her first five shots and has hit double figures for the third time this year.
CUNE shot (42.4 percent) slightly over the Tigers (41.1 percent) and forced 16 turnovers compared to the visitors’ 11. The Bulldogs best came at the end with a 53.8 percent (7-for-13) from the field. The two teams combined for 86.8 percent (33-for-38) from the charity stripe. Vieselmeyer broke into double figures (10) going perfect from the foul line (4-for-4).
Dakota Wesleyan (21-5, 16-4 GPAC) was led by Taliyah Hayes (23 points) and Maleighya Estes (15) off the bench. Rosenquist hit double figures (13) and Broughton had a game high four blocks. The Tigers made eight treys on 32 percent from beyond the arc. They will face Waldorf in Forest City on Wednesday.
Concordia (13-13, 8-12 GPAC) will have its last regular season home game versus Doane (15-11, 10-10 GPAC) inside Friedrich Arena. The tip is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT. The two teams needed double overtime to decide the contest earlier this season, as the Tigers won out (93-87).