OMAHA, Neb. – In returning to the same facility where it claimed victory in January 2012, Concordia University, Nebraska Women’s Basketball competed closely with NCAA Division I University of Nebraska Omaha for the better part of 40 minutes. The host Mavericks used a 60-32 rebound advantage on their way to a 79-66 victory inside Sapp Fieldhouse in Omaha on Wednesday (Oct. 21). The contest went down as an exhibition for both sides.
Head Coach Drew Olson is at the outset of his 21st season. Earlier in the day, The Bulldogs landed at No. 10 in the NAIA preseason coaches’ poll.
Returning second team all-conference guard Ayla Roth led her side with 17 points (8-for-10 on free throws) while regularly attacking the basket. Backcourt teammate Bree Bunting swiped six steals and rejected two shots. Other Concordia scoring leaders included Makynna Robbins (eight) and four players with seven points apiece: Bunting, Sammy Leu, Maci Pittenger and Ava Reed.
The best stretch of play for the Bulldogs occurred late in the second quarter. They turned a 32-21 deficit into a 36-35 lead with a 15-3 spurt. Roth and Robbins contributed four points apiece during the run. Concordia edged in front on Kelty’s bucket in the final minute of the first half.
The Mavericks eventually built their lead back to double digits on the strength of their size advantage. Avril Wilson grabbed 21 rebounds (13 offensive). Cora Olsen topped Omaha with 17 points. The Mavericks turned a tight five-point fourth quarter lead (57-55) into a double-digit final spread.
The Leu family came out in full force in support of Sammy Leu and her younger sister Ani Leu, a freshman at Omaha. Ani came off the bench to post 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Back in January 2012, Concordia won at Omaha, 68-60. That Bulldog team went on to reach the national semifinals.
The season will officially get started at the CorTrust Classic hosted by Dakota Wesleyan (Oct. 30-31) in Mitchell, S.D. Concordia’s two opponents at the event will be Valley City State University (S.D) and William Penn University (Iowa). The Bulldogs will make their home debut at the Cattle Classic scheduled for Nov. 6-7.