007-08 - Women's Basketball schedule/results

26-7 Overall, 13-6 GPAC | Season Statistics

Date	Opponent	Location	Time
Nov. 3	York	York, Neb.	W 107-60
*Cattle Classic:*
*Nov. 9*	*vs. Haskell*	*Seward, Neb.***	*W 76-51*
*Nov. 10*	*vs. Avila*	*Seward, Neb.***	*W 65-49*
*Thrivent Invite:*
Nov. 16	vs. Concordia Portland	Portland, Ore.	W 90-56
Nov. 17	vs. Pacific Lutheran	Portland, Ore.	W 81-62
Nov. 21	No. 3 Hastings College*	Seward, Neb.	W 76-70
Nov. 27	Doane College*	Seward, Neb.	W 83-72
Nov. 30	Peru State	Peru/Auburn, Neb.	W 101-93
Dec. 2	No. 3 Morningside College*	Sioux City, Iowa	L 87-68
Dec. 5	Nebraska Wesleyan*	Seward, Neb.	W 79-65
Dec. 8	Dakota Wesleyan*	Seward, Neb.	W 70-57
Dec. 15	Peru State	Seward, Neb.	W 101-82
*Columbia* *College* *Classic:*
Dec. 28	vs. William Woods Univ.	Columbia, Mo.	W 90-65
Dec. 29	vs. Columbia College	Columbia, Mo.	W 91-63
Jan. 5	Briar Cliff University*	Seward, Neb.	W 79-58
Jan. 9	No. 9 Hastings College*	Hastings, Neb.	L 66-49
Jan.12	University of Sioux Falls*	Sioux Falls, S.D.	W 80-74
Jan. 16	Midland Lutheran College*	Seward, Neb.	W 62-60
Jan. 19	Mount Marty College*	Yankton, S.D.	W 64-61
Jan. 22	Dana College*	Blair, Neb.	W 80-75
*Concordia Invitational Tournament:*
Jan. 26	Concordia Chicago	Chicago, Ill.	W 89-49
Jan. 27	Concordia Ann Arbor	Chicago, Ill.	W 75-55
Jan. 30	No. 23 Doane College*	Crete, Neb.	W 92-79
Feb. 2	No. 3 Morningside College*	Seward, Neb.	L 74-68
Feb. 6	Midland Lutheran College*	Fremont, Neb.	W 85-73
Feb. 9	No. 2 Northwestern College*	Seward, Neb.	L 91-77
Feb. 13	Nebraska Wesleyan University*	Lincoln, Neb.	W 94-71
Feb. 16	Dordt College*	Sioux Center, Iowa	L 80-72
Feb. 23	Dana College*	Seward, Neb.	W 70-63
*GPAC Tournament:*
Feb. 28	vs. Mt. Marty	Seward, Neb.	L 68-58
*NAIA National Tournament:*
March 13	vs. Union (Ky.)	Sioux City, Iowa	W 84-64
March 15	vs. Davenport (Mich.)	Sioux City, Iowa	W 82-72
March 16	vs. Ozarks (Mo.)	Sioux City, Iowa	L 73-58

*Indicates Great Plains Athletic Conference Games
Italics Indicate Tournament Games
All Home Matches in BOLD

2007-08 Women's Basketball roster

*No.*	*Name*	*Pos.*	*Ht.*	*Yr.*	*Hometown*	*Previous School*
10	Whitney Stichka	G	5-9	Jr.	Ruskin, Neb.	Deshler High
12	Stacy Scheer	G	5-8	So.	Madison, Neb.	Madison
20	Jordan Schmoldt	G	5-8	Sr.	Clay Center, Neb.	Clay Center
22	Danae Koopman	F	5-9	Jr.	Scribner, Neb.	Scribner-Snyder
24	Kathryn Ommen	G	5-9	Fr.	Jefferson City, Mo.	Jefferson City
30	Liz Bauer	F	5-9	Sr.	Meade, Kan.	Meade
32	Melissa Tinkham	G	5-9	Jr.	Kearney, Neb.	Kearney High
34	TaLisa Krejci	G	5-9	So.	Exeter, Neb.	Exeter-Milligan
40	Kristen Miller	F	6-0	Fr.	Jefferson City, Mo.	Blair Oaks
42	Amber Quinn	F	5-9	So.	Bellevue, Neb.	Bellevue East
44	Jenni Lovegrove	F	5-11	Sr.	Fairmont, Neb.	Fillmore Central
50	Kourtney Jo Rahder	F	5-8	So.	Atkinson, Neb.	West Holt
52	Libby Hirssig	C	5-11	Sr.	Rochester, Minn.	Faith Christian High
	Jess Topil	G	5-7	So.	Seward, Neb.	Seward
	Michelle Griedl	G	5-4	Jr.	Spring, Texas	Concordia Lutheran
	Jennifer Griedl	G	5-4	Jr.	Spring, Texas	Concordia Lutheran
	Rachel Uden	G	5-7	Fr.	Kenesaw, Neb.	Kenesaw
	Sarah Hinkfoot	F	5-11	Fr.	Colorado Springs, Colo.	Liberty
	Hannah Schardt	F	6-0	Fr.	Carleton, Neb.	Deshler

2007-2008 Coaching staff

Head coach: Drew Olson

Assistant coach: Amy Harms

Hoops hits triple digits in season opener

3 NOV 2007

Three players scored in double digits as the Concordia University, Nebraska women's basketball team opened their season with a 107-60 win over York College in non-conference action in York, Neb.

Concordia (1-0, 0-0 GPAC) jumped out to an early lead, 10-2, and never looked back against the Panthers (0-2). It was the second straight loss to a GPAC team by York this season.

Junior guard Melissa Tinkham led the Bulldogs offensively, scoring eight of the Bulldogs first ten points. Tinkham finished with 23 points, 18 coming in the first half, to lead all scorers. She finished the night perfect from the charity stripe, going nine-for-nine.

Concordia used agressive defensive pressure, including a full court press, forcing 24 York turnovers in the first half and 32 in the game.

Every player that saw the court scored for the Bulldogs. In addition to Tinkham's 24 points, Danae Koopman and Whitney Stichka eached chipped in with 16 points. Jenni Lovegrove reached double digits in rebounds and added six points.

Liz Bauer had nine points to go along with eight each for Libby Hirssig and Stacy Scheer.

The Bulldogs next action is on Friday as they take on Haskell Indian Nations University at 7 p.m., in the Cattle Classic Tournament in Seward.

Concordia, Waldorf win at Cattle Classic

9 NOV 2007

Concordia and Waldorf each picked up wins on day one of the Eighth Annual Cattle Classic on Friday in Seward. Concordia defeated Haskell 76-51 while Waldorf downed Avila 70-67.

Concordia vs. Haskell
After a slow start the Concordia University, Nebraska women's basketball team found their offensive rythm to defeat the Haskell Indian Nations University Indians, 76-51 in the second game of the 2007 Cattle Classic on Friday night in Seward, Neb.

Concordia improves to 2-0 with the win while Haskell evens their record at 2-2 on the season.

Both squads struggled early on, playing to a 12-12 tie with 10:35 left in the first half. Senior Libby Hirssig broke a 21-21 tie with a free throw and started what proved to be a 14-0 run by the Bulldogs over the final 3:39 in the first half.

Concordia picked up in the second half where they left off in the first, out-scoring Haskell 20-8 during the first 4:49 of the second half, capping the run with a triple by sophomore Stacy Scheer. Scheer long-range field goal was one of 10 on the night by the Bulldogs. Haskell would get no closer than 23 the rest of the way, as the Bulldog lead ballooned to as many as 34.

Junior Melissa Tinkham led Concordia from beyond the arc, going 6-of-8 from downtown. Tinkham finished with 20 points and eight rebounds to go along with three assists and a pair of steals in 24 minutes of work.

Whitney Stichka led all scorers in the game with 22 points. Stichka converted 75 percent of her shots from the field and dished out four assists. Freshman Kristin Miller just missed double digits in scoring with nine points.

As a team the Bulldogs shot 41.2 percent from the field but struggled from the charity stripe, hitting just 10-of-21 free throws.

Haskell was led by Kortney Smith who finished with 18 points. Whitney Warrior was the only other Haskell player in double digits with 15 points on 60 percent shooting.

Day Two, same results at Cattle Classic

10 NOV 2007

Day two was a lot like day one at the 2007 Cattle Classic as Concordia and Waldorf each picked up wins. The Bulldogs downed Avila, while Waldorf defeated Haskell. The All-Classic Team was also announced.

For complete results, including boxscores and recaps visit click here.

Concordia vs. Avila

The Concordia University, Nebraska women's basketball picked up their second win in as many days, defeating the Avila University Eagles, 65-49 on Saturday afternoon in Seward. It was the final game of the 2007 Cattle Classic Tournament.

With the win the Bulldogs remain undefeated at 3-0 on the young season while the Eagles fall to 2-3.

Sophomore Stacy Scheer provided a spark off the bench for the Bulldogs, scoring a team-high 15 points. Scheer shot 44.4 percent from the field and went 3-of-6 from beyond the arc in 15 minutes of work.

Concordia trailed just three times in the game, Once after the opening bucket and midway through the first half as the teams traded one-point leads. Junior Whitney Stichka put the Bulldogs on top for good with after a steal by Liz Bauer led to an easy layup with 11:38 left in the opening half.

A 13-3 run was capped by back-to-back three-point field goals from Danae Koopman and Melissa Tinkham to give Concordia their biggest lead of the half (12) just over 90 seconds left in the frame.

In the second half the Bulldog lead grew to as many as 17 after a pair of free throws by Stichka. Avila then mounted a comeback, pulling within eight points with 9:02 remaining thanks to a 10-0 run.

Concordia countered with an 18-3 outburst. During the run Scheer accounted for eight points, including a pair of threes, including one at the 3:27 mark to give the Bulldogs a 63-40 advantage.

Defensively the Bulldogs held three of the Avila starters scoreless. Ashley Townsend and Elizabeth Volmer were the only Eagle starters to score with 10 and one point respectively.

Jaime Kenney came off the bench to lead all scorers with 16 points while Jordan Palin also chipped in with 11 for Avila. Alyson Young just missed a double-double with nine points and nine boards.

Just two players reached double figures for Concordia, Schher (15) and Tinkham (11), but eight players scored in the balanced Bulldogs attack. Jordan Schmoldt added nine points and three assists. Stichka chipped in with eight, and Koopman and Libby Hirssig each had seven points. Jenni Lovegrove led the Bulldogs in rebounds with seven.

Scheer and Tinkham were each named to the 2007 All-Classic team. Tinkham, who went 6-of-8 from beyond the arc against Haskell, earned MVP honors for the second straight year. The complete All-Classic release can be found here.

Concordia's next scheduled action is on Friday and Saturday as they take part in the Thrivent Lutheran Invite hosted by Concordia Portland. Those games can be heard live on the Concordia Sports Network at www.cune.edu/athletics.

Bulldogs advance to title game

16 NOV 2007

The Concordia University, Nebraska women's basketball team picked up a 90-56 win over the Concordia-Portland Cavaliers in the opening round of the Pacific Northwest Lutheran Invitational Tournament being hosted by Concordia-Portland and Pacific Lutheran University in Portland, Ore.

The Bulldogs (4-0) will face Pacific Lutheran University in the championship game of the tournament on Saturday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. (PST). Pacific Lutheran was a 64-16 winner of Texas Lutheran in the opening game of the event.

In the battle of Concordias the Bulldogs had five players score in double figures, including a game-high 20 points by junior Danae Koopman. Koopman was 7-of-11 shooting including 3-of-6 from behind the three-point arc.

After leading by just nine at intermission, the Bulldog offense erupted for 53 points in the second half behind 62.1 percent shooting. For the game Concordia-Nebraska shot 55.9 percent from the field.

In all 10 different Bulldogs scored in the contest. Also in double figures in points were Whitney Stichka (12), Stacy Scheer (11) and Jenni Lovegrove (10).The Bulldogs also dominated the boards, out-rebounding the Cavaliers 43-26. Liz Bauer grabbed a game-high seven caroms while Libby Hirssige had six.

Danielle Clauson led the Cavaliers with 11 points while filling her stat line with two rebounds, steals, assists and blocks. She was the only Concordia-Portland player to reach double figures.

Bulldogs take title in Portland

17 NOV 2007

The Concordia University, Nebraska women's basketball team won the title at the inaugural Pacific Northwester Lutheran Invitational Tournament with a 81-62 win over the Pacific Lutheran University Lutes on Saturday night at Cavalier Gymnasium in Portland, Ore.

Three players reached double figures for the Bulldogs (5-0) who remain perfect on the season. The Lutes (1-1) opened the game with an offensively flurry before being slowed by the Bulldogs press.

Kyle Haag opened the scoring for the Lutes, nailing a three-pointer from the top of the key on the opening possession. She added another three and a 15-foot jumper to give the Lutes a 7-6 lead three and half minutes into the game.

Concordia opened up an eleven point advantage, scoring on their next eight possessions. The scoring run was sparked by a triple by Jordan Schmoldt on a kick-out pass from Danae Koopman. The Bulldogs also got back-to-back three-point field goals by Melissa Tinkham.

Pacific Lutheran then held the Bulldogs scoreless for over two minutes, cutting the lead to five. After a timeout Concordia responded, closing the half on a 16-5 run for a 44-26 lead at intermission.

The Lutes would get no closer than 10 the rest of the game, as the Bulldogs pushed their lead to 25 on a fastbreak layup by Tinkham with 4:42 remaining.

As a team the Bulldogs had the advantage in almost every statistical category, including out-rebounding the Lutes (47-35). Libby Hirssig had a game-high eight boards for Concordia to go along with four points.

Tinkham led the way offensively, scoring 19 points on 8-of-15 shooting from the field. She also grabbed five boards. Whitney Stichka finished with 16 points, going 6-of-8 from the charity strip.

Both Tinkham and Stichka were named to the five-person all-tournament team, with Tinkham taking MVP honors. It is the second straight tournament that Tinkham as been named the MVP.

For the second straight game Jenni Lovegrove was in double figures with 10 points. Schmoldt dished out five assists and had six points, all from beyond the arc, as well. Stacy Scheer added nine points off the bench. In all 10 different Bulldogs scored.

Pacific Lutheran was paced by Trinity Gibbons and Haag who each had 13 points. Melissa Richardson and Emily Voorhies contributed nine points apiece.

Concordia bucks No. 3 Broncos

21 NOV 2007

Junior Whitney Stichka scored 25 points to lead the Concordia University, Nebraska women's basketball team to a 76-70 victory over the third-ranked Hastings College Broncos in the season opening GPAC game for both squads on Wednesday night in Seward, Neb.

It marks the first win for the Bulldogs (6-0, 1-0 GPAC) over the Broncos since Feb. 9, 2005. Hastings (4-2, 0-1 GPAC) falls for the second time this season. Their first loss was to Dakota State.

The GPAC opener featured five lead changes and 10 ties and an uncharacteristic 27 turnovers by each team.

During the first half the Bulldogs opened up a five-point advantage on a pair of free throws by sophomore Amber Quinn. Hastings battled back to take a four-point lead of their own on a three-pointer by Kay Broekemeier with 2:20 left in the first half.

Concordia countered with a triple by junior Melissa Tinkham to cut the lead to one. After a bucket by the Broncos, Stichka finished the half with four straight points, including a driving layup with three seconds on the clock to give the Bulldogs a 36-35 lead at intermission.

Hastings opened the second half with a three by Haruka Yamashita to take the lead. The teams were tied five times during the first eight minutes of play in the second half. A Heather McKeon jumper gave the Broncos a 47-43 lead. Again Concordia answered with a three by Tinkham.

Another three, this time by Stichka, broke a 51-51 tie and gave the Bulldogs the lead for good with 11:17 remaining. Concordia opened up a nine-point lead with 2:10 remaining on a free throw by Stichka.

Hastings made a final push, cutting the Bulldog lead to three on a pair of occasions, but Concordia made 5-of-6 from the charity stripe down the stretch. Two of those free throws came from Libby Hirssig, who went 7-of-8 from the stripe for the game and also pulled down seven rebounds.

As a team the Bulldogs held the advantage on the boards, 41-35, and held the Broncos to just 22.2 percent shooting from beyond the arc.

Stichka paced Concordia with 25 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field. She also had eight points from the charity stripe and dished out six assists. Tinkham added 14 points, including three three-point field goals. Senior Jenni Lovgrove also reached double digits, scoring 12 points. Danae Koopman shot 75 percent from the field to finish with seven points.

Lindsay Ducey led the Broncos with 21 points and seven rebounds. Kay Broekemeier just missed a double-double, grabbing nine rebounds to go with 12 points. Rachel Isherwood chipped in with 11 points while Yamashita finished with nine points all from beyond the arc.

Concordia is back in action on Nov. 27 as they take on the Doane College Tigers in a 7:30 p.m. contest in Seward.

Bulldogs overcome woes at charity stripe in win

27 NOV 2008

Four different players scored in double figures as the Concordia University, Nebraska women's basketball team defeated Doane College, 82-73, despite a a poor performance from the charity stripe on Tuesday night in Seward Neb.

Concordia (7-0, 2-0 GPAC) shot just 53.3 percent from the free throw line in the game, including a 5-for-14 performance in the first half. Doane (5-5, 1-1 GPAC) has now dropped three straight games.

The Bulldogs trailed just once, after the opening bucket, but were unable to shake the Tigers in the first half. A traditional three-point play by junior Whitney Stichka gave Concordia their biggest lead of the first half, 11, at the 11:22 mark.

Doane countered with a 13-5 run over the next five and a half minutes to pull within three on a putback by Jackie Knievel. Concordia's Libby Hirssig was left open on the wing on the next possession and drained a three to push the Bulldog lead back to six.

Trailing by nine with 2:28 left, the Tigers closed the half strong, getting back-to-back three-point field goals by Alissa Holland and Lindsay Anderson. Anderson capped the half with a jumper to pull Doane within a bucket 35-33.

In the second half the Tigers got as close as one on three occasions and twice the Bulldogs answered with long-range field goals, one by Stichka, the other by Danae Koopman.

Junior Melissa Tinkham put the Bulldogs up by nine with 13:37 left on another triple. But Doane battle back within one just 90 seconds later on a fastbreak layup by Anderson.

Concordia then outscored the Tigers 9-0 in the next three minutes, forcing two missed shots and three turnovers. Senior Jordan Schmoldt capped the run for the Bulldogs on a backdoor pass from Koopman.

The Tigers got no closer than six the rest of the way as the Bulldog lead ballooned to as many as 14. Despite struggling from the line in the first half, Concordia improved in the second frame, hitting 11-of-16 from the stripe.

Hirssig paced the Bulldogs, scoring 16 points off the bench on 5-of-8 from the field. She also grabbed six rebounds. Stichka and Tinkham each added 15 points apiece and accounted for four of Concordia's seven triples. Koopman rounded out the Bulldogs in double digits with 13, including some clutch shots.

Amber Quin and Tinkham tied for team high honors on the glass, grabbing seven boards each. As a team the Bulldogs out-rebounded the Tigers, 41-34.

After struggling from the field in their past two games, shooting under 30 percent, Doane shot 50.9 percent for the game. Vanessa Munter came off the bench to lead the Tigers with a game-high 18 points. Anderson added 16 to go along with 13 and 12 by Hannah Helman and Amy Fox respectively.

Weekend of ups and downs for Bulldogs

30 NOV-2 DEC 2007

The Concordia University, Nebraska women's basketball eclipsed the century mark for the second time this season against Peru State, downing the Bobcats 101-93 on Friday before falling to eighth-ranked Morningside College, 87-68, on Sunday in Sioux City, Iowa.

It was a busy and strange weekend for the Bulldogs (8-1, 2-1 GPAC) who traveled to Johnson, Neb., to take on the Bobcats in a non-conference game on Friday night. Peru State, located in Peru, Neb., is unable to play on their campus due to renovations.

After the game on Friday the Bulldogs traveled to Bellevue, Neb., (Omaha) to spend the night rather than returning to Seward before departing for Sioux City, Iowa the next morning. Mother Nature threw the squad a curveball with the first winter storm of the season, forcing the Saturday game to be postponed to Sunday, thus forcing the Bulldogs to return to Seward.

Whether it was the travel schedule or the fact that Morningside is a quality team, the Bulldogs didn't fare as well as one might like on Sunday against the Mustangs.

Concordia opened the game with a flurry, jumping out to a 9-2 lead after a three-pointer by Melissa Tinkham. Morningside then went to work, out-scoring the Bulldogs by a margin of 28-10 over the next 14 minutes.

Trailing by 12 at intermission the Bulldogs would get no closer than that in the second half as the Mustang lead swelled to as many as 26. Morningside hit seven threes in the second half, 11 in the game, to pull away.

Concordia struggled to take care of the basketball throughout the contest, finishing the game with an uncharacteristic 36 turnovers.

Tinkham had a game-high 25 points on 6-of-15 shooting, including five three-point field goals. She also went 8-for-10 from the line and dished out four assists in 37 minutes of work. Whitney Stichka and Jordan Schmoldt each finished with nine points while Libby Hirssig grabbed a game-high 10 boards.

Morningside was paced by Kristi Tighe who had 25 points, 21 coming from beyond the arc where she finished 7-for-10. Autumn Bartel (15), Dani Gass (12) and Roni Miller (10) were also all in double figures.

Against Peru the Bulldogs had six players in double digits, led by Stichka and Stacy Scheer who tallied 20 each. Lovegrove added 13, Tinkham 12 and Hirssig 11 points to go with eight rebounds. Schmoldt rounded out those in double digits with 10.

The Bulldogs are back in action this week taking on bothWesleyans, Nebraska and Dakota, on Wednesday and Saturday. Game times are at 6 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Strong second half carries Dogs over DWU

8 DEC 2007

The12th-ranked Concordia University, Nebraska women's basketball teamed rallied from a ten-point deficit in the first half for a 70-57 victory over Dakota Wesleyan University Tigers on Saturday afternoon in Seward, Neb.

Concordia (10-1, 4-1 GPAC) struggled from the field in the first-half, making just nine shots (32.1 percent). After shooting 44 percent in the opening frame the Tigers (5-7, 2-3 GPAC) cooled off in the second half shooting 32.3 percent from the field.

Dakota Wesleyan outscored the Bulldogs 16-6 in the opening 8:26 of the game. Concordia bounced back to tie the game at 18 just five minutes later. During the 12-2 run the Bulldogs got a three by Melissa Tinkham to pull within four. Freshman Kristin Miller sank a pair of free throws to cap the run.

After trading leads the final six minutes of the half, a bucket by Tinkham tied the game at 28 heading into intermission.

After the break the squads played even basketball until the 11:22 mark. From that point on Bulldogs picked up the intensity on both ends of the court, going on a 13-3 run to take a 10-point advantage. Tinkham hit back-to-back threes to fuel the run that was capped by a pair of Jordan Schmoldt free throws after a steal.

The Concordia lead swelled to as many as 16 on two occasions down the stretch thanks in part to 12 second chance points on eight offensive boards. For the game the Bulldogs won the battle on the glass 44-31.

Concordia benefited from a strong performance at the charity stripe converting on 83.3 percent of their opportunities. In fact the Bulldogs made more free throws (20-of-24), than Dakota Wesleyan attempted (15).

Whitney Stichka led the Bulldogs offensively with 22 points to go along with seven boards. Stichka was one of three Concordia players in double digits including Tinkham with 18 and Schmoldt with 12. Tinkham was two rebounds away from a double-double with eight. Libby Hirssig also grabbed eight rebounds.

Dakota Wesleyan was paced by Allison Johnson with 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field. Sarah Mortenson added 10 points. Ashley Johnson had six assists and five rebounds. No one else had more than seven points for the Tigers.

The Bulldogs have one more home game before the holiday break, taking on Peru State on Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. Concordia will then take part in the Columbia College Classic on Dec. 28-29 facing William Woods and the host Columbia College.

Stichka carries Bulldogs in victory

15 DEC 2007

The 10th-ranked Concordia University, Nebraska women's basketball teamed earned a physical 101-82 victory over the Peru State College Bobcats on Saturday afternoon in Seward, Neb. After controlling the tempo in the first half, the Tigers (1-11, 0-0 MCAC) struggled with ball control in the second half, piling up 18 turnovers that the Bulldogs (11-1, 4-1 GPAC) would turn into a decisive lead.

Peru State jumped out to a 14-7 lead with five minutes into the game when Lindsey Carlson drained a three. After a steal by Whitney Stichka, Concordia coach Drew Olson settled his team down with a quick time out.

After trading buckets for rest of the first half the Bulldogs took their first lead of the game when Stichka spotted up from the top of the key for a key three pointer, putting the Bulldogs up 29-28. With seven seconds remaining in the half, Stichka took ball the length of the court and tied the score at 37-37.

After the break the squads played even basketball until the 15-minute mark. The Bulldogs then went on a 15-6 run in the next three minutes to take control of the game.

The Concordia lead swelled to as many as 24 with 7:50 remaining. Concordia's second-half surge was thanks in large part to 48 points in the paint, most of which came on second-chance opportunities. Bulldog offensive rebounds totaled 24 for the game.

Concordia also benefited from a strong performance at the charity stripe, converting on 33-46 free throws, while Peru was 25-39 in the game.

Whitney Stichka led the Bulldogs offensively with 29 points to go along with six boards. Stichka was one of four Concordia players in double digits including Stacy Scheer with 19, Melissa Tinkham with 14, and Libby Hirssig with 13. Hirssig was one rebound away from a double-double with nine.

Peru State was paced by Leisha Tennal with 23 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the field. Lindsey Carlson added 12 points, and Alison Hill also scored in double digits with 11.

The Bulldogs have a holiday break until taking part in the Columbia College Classic on Dec. 28-29 in Columbia, Mo. There they will take on William Woods and the host school, Columbia College.

Bulldogs sweep weekend

28-29 DEC 2007

The Concordia women's basketball team picked up a pair of blowout wins this past weekend, beating William Woods University 90-65 on Friday afternoon and defeating the host, Columbia College, 91-63 in the final Saturday afternoon. The games were part of the Cougars Versus Cancer Classic played in Columbia, Mo.

The Bulldogs rode the hot shooting of junior guard Melissa Tinkham throughout the weekend. Tinkham scored 24 and 19 points in the two tournament games and her performance earned her tournament MVP honors. Junior guard Whitney Stichka scored 11 and 15 points and was also named to the all-tournament team.

Concordia plays next on Saturday, Jan. 5, as the Chargers of Briar Cliff University make their way to the Doghouse for a 2 p.m. start.

Bulldogs neutralize Chargers

5 JAN 2008

The 10th-ranked Concordia women's basketball team rode a wave of momentum to a blowout 79-58 victory over the Briar Cliff University Chargers on Saturday afternoon in GPAC action at the Doghouse.

The Bulldogs jumped out to a quick 12-4 lead three minutes into the game and never looked back. The closest the Chargers would get is a seven point deficit at 15-8. Concordia's lead grew to as much as 17 before the halftime intermission, at 48-31.

Concordia's shooters went cold to start the second half as the Charger defense held the Bulldogs to eight points in the first seven minutes of the second half. Luckily for the Bulldogs the Briar Cliff shooters were just as cool and Concordia was able to keep the sizable lead they had established. Inevitably the Bulldog shooters found their touch and the Concordia lead ballooned to as much as 24 before Head Coach Drew Olson called off the dogs, and got his freshman some much valued playing time.

The Bulldogs were led offensively by junior guard Melissa Tinkham, who had 24 points on 9-of-24 shooting from the field that included being 6-of-16 from three point range. Sophomore forward Amber Quinn was the only other Bulldog in double digits for the Concordia offense with 10 points. Every Bulldog that saw action in the game scored at least one basket.

Cat Nelson led the Briar Cliff offense with 16 points, and former Concordia athlete Jamie Phipps added 11 points for the Chargers.

The Bulldogs look to keep playing strong as they head to Hastings, Neb. for a 6 p.m. GPAC match up with the Broncos, who come into the game ranked #12 in the latest NAIA poll.

Broncos shut down Bulldogs

9 JAN 2008

The 6th-ranked Concordia women's basketball team was held to 18 points in the half in a tough 66-49 loss to the 9th-ranked Hastings College Broncos on Wednesday night in GPAC action at the Lynn Farrell Arena in Hastings, Neb.

The Bulldogs looked to be cruising to a huge victory when with less than one minute remaining in the first half, Concordia held a 31-20 lead over the Broncos. Then momentum swung completely in the favor of Hastings as the Broncos drained two three pointers in the last :54 seconds of the first half to cut the deficit from 11 to five, at 31-26.

The second half started with both teams trading buckets and the lead changing hands six times before the Broncos went on a 12-2 run over the next four minutes to take a 51-41 lead with six minutes left in the game. After that the Bulldogs were just not able to close to gap, the closest Concordia would get is at 51-43, before dropping the game 66-49.

Junior guard Whitney Stichka led the Concordia offense with 18 points on 6-of-16 shooting, as no other Bulldog scored in double digits. Senior forward Jenni Lovegrove led the Bulldogs with 10 rebounds.

Next action comes on Saturday afternoon as the Bulldogs head north to Sioux Falls, S.D. to take on the Cougars of the University of Sioux Falls in a 2 p.m. matchup.

Bulldogs tame Cougars

12 JAN 2008

The 6th-ranked Concordia women's basketball team picked up a hard fought 80-74 victory over the University of Sioux Falls Cougars on Saturday afternoon in GPAC action at the Stewart Center in Sioux Falls, S.D.

A game of runs, the Bulldogs surrendered double digits leads twice, once at the ten minute mark of the first half as the Cougars went on a 13-3 run over a six minute stretch in the first half, and again in the second half with a 10-2 run at the nine minute mark of the second half.

Concordia's depth proved to be the difference in the game, as the Bulldogs bench out scored the Cougars bench 30-17; most notably sophomore guard TaLisa Krejci added 11 points off the bench.

The Bulldogs rode strong performances from veterans as junior guard Whitney Stichka fell one assist short of a double-double with 20 points and nine assists, and junior guard Melissa Tinkham went for 13 points and four rebounds. In the paint Concordia was led by senior post Jenni Lovegrove with 12 points and seven rebounds. Every Bulldog that entered the game scored at least two points.

The Cougars were led on the day by Morgan Campbell who had 23 points and eight rebounds, Chelsa Baxa added 15 points for Sioux Falls.

Next action comes on Wednesday evening as the Bulldogs welcome the Warriors of Midland Lutheran College to the Doghouse for a 7:30 p.m. tip off.

Bulldogs survive scare from Warriors

16 JAN 2008

The 9th-ranked Concordia University women's basketball team survived a scare with a 62-60 victory over the Midland Lutheran College Warriors on Tuesday night in GPAC action at the Doghouse.

The Bulldogs (15-2, 7-2 GPAC) were able to pull out a victory on a night when they were outshot from the field (40.4% to the Bulldogs 28%) and three-point land (50% to the Bulldogs 18.8%). Midland (7-11, 2-6 GPAC) continues to struggle, dropping its 6^th consecutive contest.

The Warriors came out and had the Bulldogs' number early, leading in the first half until, with 8:41 remaining, Concordia took the lead on a lay-up by senior post Jenni Lovegrove. The two teams traded buckets for the remainder of the first half, and the Bulldogs took a 35-32 lead into halftime on the strength of two Whitney Stichka free throws.

The Bulldog offense seemed to sputter coming out of the intermission, and the Warriors went on a 13-3 run to leap out to a 55-49 lead with 6:15 remaining in the ball game. The tide didn't turn for Concordia until, with 2:53 remaining, Stichka went the length of the court for one of her signature lay ins. Then, on the ensuing Warrior possession, Stichka came up with a steal and drained a three to tie the game at 57-57. After a defensive stop junior guard Melissa Tinkham was fouled as she tried to drive the basket. Tinkham sank both free throws and the Bulldogs never looked back for the 62-60 victory.

Stichka led all scorers with 22 points. A large portion of her points came from the charity stripe where she was 9-for-14 on the night. Tinkham pitched in with 13 points, while Lovegrove added nine. Lovegrove led the Bulldogs down low with 10 rebounds and two blocks.

Midland was led by senior guard Karmen Jericevic with 16 points while senior forward Allie Rippe added 10 points for the Warriors.

The Bulldogs hit the road this weekend, heading to Yankton, S.D., for a 2:00 p.m. tip-off against GPAC foe Mt. Marty on Saturday afternoon.

Bulldogs down Lancers

19 JAN 2008

The 9th-ranked Concordia University women's basketball team earned a hard fought 64-61 road victory over the Mount Marty College Lancers on Saturday afternoon at the Laddie Cimpl Arena in Yankton, S.D.

The Bulldogs (17-2, 8-2 GPAC) used a tough defense and opportunistic offense to earn a victory on a night when Concordia made only one three pointer. The Bulldogs turned 15 Lancer turnovers into 22 points to offset the cold long-distance shooting on the night (1-for-15 from beyond the arc). Mount Marty (8-9, 2-6 GPAC) continues to struggle as a team that began the season ranked 17th in the nation.

The Bulldogs held the upper hand for most of the first half, leading by as much as 11 before the Lancers went on a 9-3 run to close the gap before halftime, closing the gap to four at 34-30.

Mount Marty was able to carry the momentum into the second half and even gained a brief second-half lead, at 39-38 on a jumper by Stacey Lickteig. The lead was short-lived as junior guard Melissa Tinkham sank two free throws the next time down the court to put the Bulldogs back into the lead for good. Concordia was able to survive a late surge by Mount Marty to hold on for the three point victory.

Tinkham led the Bulldog offense with 11 points. Senior post Jenni Lovegrove added 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting while pulling down eight rebounds.

Mount Marty was led by Michelle Amundosn with 17 points and Tevan Wenbourne added nine points and five rebounds for the Lancers.

The Bulldogs continue the road trip this week, heading Blair, Neb., for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off against GPAC foe Dana on Tuesday evening before heading to Chicago, Ill., to take part in the 54th annual Concordia Invitational Tournament.

Bulldogs start slow, finish strong against Vikings

22 JAN 2008

The 9th-ranked Concordia University women's basketball team shrugged off a slow offensive start to earn a 80-75 road victory over the Dana College Vikings on Tuesday evening at the Gardner-Hawks Center in Blair, Neb.

The Bulldogs (18-2, 9-2 GPAC) struggled through a sluggish first half, making it to the 14:18 mark before tallying the first field goal. Concordia has now won four straight and gains some momentum heading into the 54th annual Concordia Invitational Tournament. Dana (7-15, 2-8 GPAC) continues to struggle as a team now dropping 12 of their last 15 games.

The Bulldogs were able to reel Dana in and kept them within striking distance after the game started with the Vikings jumping out to a quick 11-1 lead. The Bulldogs used a tough full court press and aggressive post play to close the gap to five at 32-27 at halftime.

Concordia conditioning and experience paid off in the second half as the Bulldogs were able to take the lead at the 17:25 mark of the second half and never looked back. The Bulldogs offense found rhythm in the second half as Melissa Tinkham, Talisa Krejci, and Whitney Stichka all found their stroke.

Tinkham led the Bulldog offense with 19 points, Stichka added 15 points, and Krejci contributed 14 off the bench. Senior post Jenni Lovegrove continued her solid play with 7 points on 3-of-6 shooting while pulling down 10 rebounds.

Dana was led by Amy Nichol with 17 points and eight rebounds. Amanda Bryant added 16 points for the Vikings.

The Bulldogs continue the road trip this weekend, heading to Chicago, Ill., to take part in the 54th annual Concordia Invitational Tournament.

Bulldogs dominate Cougars in the first round of CIT

26 JAN 2008

The 8th-ranked Concordia University women's basketball team picked up an 89-49 first round victory over the Concordia-Chicago Cougars on Friday evening at the Concordia Invitational Tournament being held at River Forest, Ill.

The Bulldogs (19-2, 9-2 GPAC) fired on all cylinders for the entirety of the game. The CUNE offense shot 42.9 percent from the field and 41.4 percent from beyond the three-point arc. The Dogs also dominated the Cougars on the boards, out-rebounding the cougars 46-31. The Bulldog defense was just as impressive amassing 25 steals and forcing 34 turnovers.

Junior guard Melissa Tinkham led the Bulldog offense with 29 points on 7-of-13 shooting from three-point land and 8-of-10 shooting from the free throw line. Junior guard Whitney Stichka added 15 points, and senior Liz Bauer contributed 10 points. Senior post Jenni Lovegrove continued her solid play with 7 points on 3-of-7 shooting while pulling down eight rebounds.

Concordia Chicago was led by Ellie Bravo with 11 points, while Brittany Bullock added 10 points off the bench for the Cougars.

The Bulldogs will play at 6:15 p.m. Saturday night against Concordia University Ann Arbor in the 57^th annual Concordia Invitational Tournament championship game.

Bulldogs win 57th annual Concordia Invitational Tournament

27 JAN 2008

The 8th-ranked Concordia University women's basketball team restored some familiarity to the 57^th annual CIT Tournament with an 75-55 championship game victory over the Concordia-Ann Arbor Cardinals on Saturday afternoon in River Forest, Ill.

The Bulldogs' (20-2, 9-2 GPAC) hot shooting continued as well as the strong showing on the boards. The CUNE offense went 27-for-58 from the field and 7-for-21 from three-point land. The Bulldogs were able to convert the 18 Cardinal fouls into 14 CUNE points as the Bulldogs went 14-for-19 from the charity stripe.

Junior guard Whitney Stichka led all scorers with 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field, 1-for-2 from three point land, and 3-for-4 from the free throw line. Sophomore guard TaLisa Krejci added 13 points on 5-of-8 off the bench for the Bulldogs.

Concordia Ann Arbor was led by Ashley Junga with 12 points, while Megan Mannarino added 11 for the Cardinals.

The championship is the 20^th for the Bulldogs and the 13^th in the last 15 years. The women's tournament started in 1973 and has been run consecutively since.

The Bulldogs continue their road trip Wednesday night with a 7:30 p.m. GPAC match up against the Doane College Tigers in Crete, Neb.

Bulldogs tame Tigers

30 JAN 2008

The 8th-ranked Concordia University women's basketball team earned a hard fought 92-79 road victory over the 23rd-ranked Doane College Tigers on Wednesday evening at the Fuhrer Field House in Crete, Neb.

The Bulldogs (21-2, 10-2 GPAC) carried the momentum gained from this past weekend to muscle to an all important late January GPAC road victory. Doane (15-9, 8-4 GPAC) falls to fifth in the conference standings.

A game of runs the two teams traded offensive bursts and defensive blunders, with the Bulldogs at one point leading by as many as 14, at 32-18 before allowing the Tigers to go on a run of their own to cut the Concordia lead to four at halftime.

The Tigers still had the momentum coming out after halftime and two minutes into the second half Doane tied the score at 48-48. The two teams matched basket for basket the next 12 minutes until with 6:39 remaining Doane's Nicole Anderson missed the back end of a one-and-one opportunity, the Bulldogs held on to a slim 70-69 lead and on the ensuing offensive possession Concordia's junior guard Whitney Stichka worked off a screen from senior Liz Bauer and pulled up for a three from the top of the arc that hit nothing but net to put the Bulldogs up four at 73-69.

Doane looked to push the tempo but an errant pass by the Tigers Hannah Helmen was intercepted by the Bulldogs Libby Hirrsig who took the ball the length of the court and passed up a lay-up to kick the ball out to a wide open Melissa Tinkham who put the nail in the coffin by burying a deep three to put the Bulldogs up seven at 76-69. Concordia never looked back as Doane was not able to counter with a run of their own.

Tinkham led the Bulldog offense with 26 points, Stichka added 21 points with 19 points coming in the second half, and Bauer led the Bulldog post players with a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Doane was led by Lindsey Anderson with 26 points. Hannah Helman added 20 points for the Tigers.

The Bulldogs will make their way back to the Doghouse for a 2 p.m. GPAC match up with the Morningside College Mustangs on Saturday, February 2.

Bulldogs fall to Morningside at home

2 FEB 2008

The 8th-ranked Concordia University women's basketball team dropped a tough 74-68 loss to the 3rd-ranked Morningside College Mustangs Saturday afternoon before a bleacher-packed Doghouse.

An estimated 1,200 fans watched the Bulldogs outmuscle and outwork the Mustangs to jump ahead by as many as eight points before Morningside was able to cut the Concordia lead to 37-34 at the half.

The second half began looking much like the first half as the Bulldogs jumped out to an eight point lead, 45-37, with 16:45 remaining. The Mustangs then went on a 9-0 run to take the lead at 46-45. The two teams traded baskets until, with five minutes remaining, the Bulldogs went cold from the free throw line and the Mustangs were able to take the lead for good at 58-54.

The Bulldogs outrebounded the Mustangs 50-36 in the game but Concordia's three-point shooting went an ice-cold 0-11 in the second half.

Concordia was led offensively by Whitney Stichka with 14 points, while Melissa Tinkham and Stacey Sheer added 13 points. TaLisa Krejci led the Bulldogs on the glass with nine rebounds.

Morningside was led by Roni Miller with 16 points while J.J. Miller added 15 points for the Mustangs.

The loss drops the Bulldogs to 21-3 and 10-3 in the GPAC but Concordia held on their hold of third place in the conference. Morningside moves to 22-2 and 10-0 in the GPAC.

Concordia will next be in action Tuesday night as they head to Fremont, Neb. to take on the Midland Lutheran College Warriors at 5:30 p.m.

Bulldogs win shootout with Midland

6 FEB 2008

The 9th-ranked Concordia University women's basketball team picked up an 85-73 victory over the Midland Lutheran College Warriors on Wednesday evening in GPAC action at the MLC Event Center in Fremont, Neb.

The Bulldogs (22-3, 11-3 GPAC) looked rejuvenated after a disappointing home loss last weekend against No. 3 Morningside. Midland (7-18, 2-13 GPAC) continues to struggle, dropping their 13^th consecutive game.

Junior guard Whitney Stichka played as near a perfect game as possible, scoring 34 points on 11-of-12 shooting from the field. Stichka was a perfect 6-for-6 from three-point land and 6-of-7 from the free throw line to lead the Bulldogs to the victory. Sophomore Stacy Sheer contributed 10 points off the bench for the Bulldogs.

Midland was led offensively by Jenna Hold with 14 points. Karmen Jericevic added 13 points and Kristin Bumsted also went for double digits with 11 points for the Warriors.

The Bulldogs will host a game this weekend with national ramifications as the No. 2 Northwestern College Red Raiders will come to the Doghouse for a 2 p.m. GPAC match-up with the Bulldogs.

Red Raiders motor past Bulldogs, Stichka hits career milestone

9 FEB 2008

The 9th-ranked Concordia University women's basketball team endured a devastating 91-77 loss to the 2nd-ranked Northwestern College Red Raiders Saturday afternoon at the Doghouse.

The Bulldogs held close with the Red Raiders before the NAIA's All-Time leading scorer, Debbie Remmerde heated up for 13 points to close out the first half to give Northwestern the lead for good at 47-37 at halftime.

Remmerde continued the hot shooting in the second half scoring 26 second half points for a game high 47 points. The bright spot for the Bulldogs came when with 5:09 remaining Whitney Stichka hit a runner in the lane. The Basket meant little in the game with the Bulldogs trailing by 22 points, the Significance was that it was career point 1,000 for the Stichka, a junior guard from Ruskin, Neb.

Stichka led all Bulldog scorers, while sophomore Stacy Scheer added 14 points of the bench for Concordia.

The loss drops the Bulldogs to 22-4 and 11-4 in the GPAC while Northwestern moves to 24-1 and 14-0 in the GPAC.

Concordia will next be in action Wednesday night as they head to Lincoln, Neb. to take on the Nebraska Wesleyan Prairie Wolves at 7:30 p.m.

Bulldogs cruise past Prairie Wolves

13 FEB 2008

The 10th-ranked Concordia University women's basketball team cruised to a 91-74 road victory over the Nebraska Wesleyan Prairie Wolves on Wednesday evening at the Snyder Arena in Lincoln, Neb.

The Bulldogs (23-4, 12-4 GPAC) struggled from long range but played strong defense, forcing 20 turnovers. Nebraska Wesleyan (5-17, 2-13 GPAC) continues to struggle as a team now dropping 11 of their last 13 games.

Nebraska Wesleyan began the game with a quick bucket off the opening tip but the Bulldogs quickly got into the flow of the game and with a Jenni Lovegrove lay-up, putting Concordia up 4-2 the Bulldogs never trailed again. The Bulldogs struggled from beyond the arc, draining only 4-of-18 three-pointers but sank an amazing 34-of-38 free throws.

Junior guard Whitney Stichka led all scorers with 26 points on 6-of-14 shooting from the field and 12-for-12 from the free throw line, while Melissa Tinkham added 25 points. All Concordia players who entered the game had at least two points.

Nebraska Wesleyan was led offensively by Katy Golden with 20 points, while Ashley Bordovsky added 15 points for the Prairie Wolves.

The Bulldogs will head to Sioux Center, Iowa for a 2 pm Saturday afternoon GPAC match-up with the Dordt College Defenders.

Bulldogs stumble against Defenders

16 FEB 2008

The Concordia University, Nebraska women's basketball team suffered a physical upset, 80-72, to the Dordt College Defenders at the Dewitt Gymnasium in Sioux Center, Iowa.

The Bulldogs (23-5, 12-5 GPAC) still sit in fourth place in the conference but now find themselves on the bubble for a national tournament bid. Dordt (10-15, 5-11 GPAC) holds on to eighth place in the conference and the all important possibility of hosting a first round conference tournament game.

Both teams were plagued by an amazing 57 fouls that were called in the game that forced six players from the two teams to foul out. The two teams combined to shoot 83 free throws for the day.

The two teams played even basketball through the first nine minutes even though Dordt led 14-13. The Defenders then forced a Bulldog turnover and scored a quick five points and wouldn't relinquish the lead for the rest of the game. Dordt even took a 13 point lead into the halftime break at 42-29.

Things went from bad to worse at the second half began as Dordt scored the first eight points jumping out to a 17 point led at 50-33. The Bulldogs tried for a great comeback but would run out of time as the Defenders were able to make enough free throws down the stretch to keep Concordia at bay. The closest the Bulldogs would get is within eight points as the final buzzer sounded.

Concordia was led offensively by junior guard Whitney Stichka with 21 points, while Melissa Tinkham added 16 points for the Bulldogs. Concordia struggled offensively from the field as the Bulldogs shot only 30% and only made 5-of-21 three-point attempts.

Dordt was paced by McKinzie Schmidt who had 22 points. Kate Du Mez (15), Bre Schneidermann (11) and Amber Soodsma (10) were also all in double figures.

The Bulldogs will take the week and recover before welcoming the Dana College Vikings for a 2 p.m. GPAC match up on Saturday, February 23. This will be the final regular season home game for the Bulldogs as well as senior day.

Bulldogs shrug off weak second half to hold off Vikings

23 FEB 2008

The Concordia University women's basketball team got back on the winning track by defeating the Dana College Vikings 70-63 in GPAC action Saturday afternoon at the Doghouse in Seward, Neb.

With the win the Bulldogs' (24-5, 13-5 GPAC) continue their hold on fourth place in the conference, earning them a first round bye in the GPAC post season tournament. Dana (9-21, 4-14 GPAC) will end the season as the No. 11 seed and will travel to Dakota Wesleyan for a first round match-up on Tuesday night.

The Vikings shrugged off a 13-point Bulldog lead at halftime to pull within striking distance, down one with only 4:24 remaining in the second half. Concordia's experience and clutch free throw shooting proved to be the difference as the Bulldogs held on for the 70-63 victory.

Junior guard Melissa Tinkham led all scorers with 15 points while Libby Hirssig and Whitney Stichka each contributed 14 points a piece for the Bulldogs. Jenni Lovegrove was able to get back on track for the Bulldogs in the post, pulling down nine rebounds while scoring eight points.

The Vikings were led by Amy Nichol with 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Amanda Bryant added 12 points for Dana.

The Bulldogs will wait to see who they will play in the second round of the GPAC post season tournament. On Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Concordia will host the winner of Tuesday night's Midland at Mount Marty match-up.

Bulldogs derailed in quarterfinals of GPAC tournament

28 FEB 2008

The Concordia University women's basketball team suffered a 68-58 defeat on Thursday at the hands of the Mt. Marty College Lancers, earning an early exit in the 2008 Great Plains Athletic Conference post-season tournament.

The Bulldogs (24-6, 13-5 GPAC) must wait to find out if they will be chosen for an at-large berth into the NAIA DII national tournament held March 12-18 at the Tyson Center in Sioux City, Iowa.

The Lancers (19-10, 11-7 GPAC), on the other hand, have now won 11 straight and carry a lot of momentum into Saturday's semi-final match-up with the top seeded Morningside College Mustangs. The Lancers, like Concordia, also still have an outside shot at an at-large bid to the national tournament even if they don't win the GPAC tournament.

Before an estimated 850 fans, the two teams came out of the gate playing inspired defense and forgettable offense. Neither team could find an offensive rhythm, but the Bulldogs carried a 27-23 halftime lead. The two teams shot an identical 8-for-27 from the field in the first frame. The Bulldogs managed to go 3-for-12 beyond the arc in the first half while the Lancers were 0-for-6.

Both teams started the second half with hot shooting, matching buckets for the first minutes of the second half. Neither team could find a way to pull away until 11:18 when Mt. Marty started scorching the basket with successive three-pointers. Katelynn Kunz hit from deep to extend the Lancer lead to five and then, following a Bulldog turnover, Lacey Powell struck from deep to put the lancers in front by eight. Concordia couldn't answer offensively. Mt. Marty would push its lead to as many as 15 before the final buzzer.

The Bulldogs were led offensively by junior forward Danae Koopman with 15 points on 6-for-10 shooting from field along with going 3-for-5 from three point land. The Bulldogs added three other players in double digits: Whitney Stichka (11), Melissa Tinkham (10), and Jenni Lovegrove (10). Lovegrove also led the Bulldogs on the glass pulling down seven rebounds.

Mt. Marty's leading scorer was Michelle Amundson with 19 points, helped by a 7-for-10 night from the field along with going 3-for-3 from three point land. Amber Marsden added 11 points off the bench for the Lancers.

Bulldogs face Union College in first round of NAIA National Tournament

13 MAR 2008

The Concordia University women's basketball team begins play in the NAIA National Tournament at noon on Wednesday, March 12, against Union College of Barbourville, Ky. Concordia has been given a three-seed in its quarter of the bracket and Union College is the six-seed.

Concordia is making its eighth appearance in the tournament and its seventh appearance in the last ten years. Concordia's last national tournament bid came in 2005 when the Bulldogs went on to the final four before losing 86-73 to Cedarville.

All games for the tournament are hosted at the Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena in Sioux City, Iowa. The first 30 games of the championships will be video-streamed live on the Internet via pay-per-view, while the National Championship Game will air live nationwide on College Sports Television (CSTV). The Bulldogs will also be heard via the Concordia Sports Network with Wade Tracy bringing all the live action from Sioux City, Iowa.

If the Bulldogs were to advance, they would either take on the Southwestern College (Kan.) Moundbuilders or the Davenport University (Mich.) Panthers at 8:30 a.m. on Friday. Inlcuding Concordia, four teams from the GPAC are in the tournament.

Concordia runs past Union in first-round blowout

13 MAR 2008

Four players reached double figures, and every player who saw action scored for fourth-seed Concordia University, Nebraska as they downed sixth-seeded Union College (Ky.), 84-64, in the opening round of the17th annual NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship at the Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena in Sioux City, Iowa.

Concordia (25-6) went on a 10-to-two run midway through the first half to open up a 29-19 advantage with 6:54 remaining. The Bulldogs used that momentum to propel themselves to a 41-27 halftime lead. The closest Union (27-6) would get is within14 points at 76-62.

The Bulldogs were led by junior Whitney Stichka with 18 points. Senior post Jenni Lovegrove added a double-double for Concordia, with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Also reaching double digits was Melissa Tinkham (12) and Stacy Sheer (11). Concordia also was 26-for-38 from the free throw line.

Union was paced by sophomore Brooke Smith. Smith finished one rebound shy of a double-double with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Also reaching double digits were Susanna Todd (14) and Allison Fowler (12).

Concordia will take on the Davenport University (Mich.) Panthers Friday morning at 8:30 a.m.Four players reached double figures, and every player who saw action scored for fourth-seed Concordia University, Nebraska as they downed sixth-seeded Union College (Ky.), 84-64, in the opening round of the17th annual NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship at the Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena in Sioux City, Iowa.

Bulldogs advance to Elite Eight

15 MAR 2008

Concordia University, Nebraska was able to hold off Davenport and earn a hard fought 82-72 victory in the second round of the17th annual NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship at the Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena in Sioux City, Iowa.

In the topsy-turvy first half, the teams swapped the lead with scoring runs and closed the half with Davenport leading by one point, 32-31. In the second frame the Panthers were able to get a quick bucket after a Concordia miss, but the Panthers would not score again until freshman Brittany Lyman hit a free throw with 15:09 remaining. During that span Concordia couldn't miss, jumping out to a 47-34 lead.

Davenport would chip into Concordia's lead, eventually pulling even with the Bulldogs at 50-50 on a lay in by Davenport senior Jeanette Woodberry. The turning point in the ball game came as the Bulldogs, leading by four, missed a three-point attempt but ruled the boards. Senior Libby Hirssig pulled down the missed three-pointer and made two other rebounds before scoring and extending the Bulldog lead to six.

Davenport couldn't close the gap and Concordia, meanwhile, was solid at the free throw line. On the day Concordia shot 72 percent from the charity stripe while going to the line 43 times (31-for-43).

Libby Hirssig led the Concordia offense, netting a double-double of 19 points and 18 rebounds, while junior Whitney Stichka added 19 points and junior Melissa Tinkham chipped in with 17 points.

Davenport was led by senior point guard Jeanette Woodberry. She had a double-double of 28 points and 12 rebounds to pace the Panthers.

Concordia advances to the quarter finals to take on College of the Ozarks (Mo.) Saturday at 1 p.m.

Bulldogs fall in quarterfinals of NAIA National Tournament

16 MAR 2008

Top-seeded College of the Ozarks (Mo.) cruised to a 78-53 victory over Concordia University (Neb.) in the quarterfinals of the 17th annual NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship in Sioux City, Iowa.

Ozarks (34-1) jumped out to a quick 24-14 lead before ten minutes had passed in the first half. By halftime the Bobcats' lead swelled to 38-25. Ozarks came out of the break with the same steam they had in the first half, going on an 8-0 run to start the second frame. Ozarks would hold maintain a lead of better than 20 points for the remainder of the quarterfinal matchup.

Concordia (26-7) could not find a shooting touch on the afternoon as the Ozarks held the Bulldogs to 31 percent (19-for-61) shooting. The Bobcats also forced 25 Concordia turnovers which led to 33 points for the Ozarks. On the other hand while Concordia was cold from the field Ozarks was not drastically better shooting 40 percent (29-for-72) from the field. The Bobcats outrebounded Concordia 52-42.

Ozarks was led offensively by Lindsy Murray with a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds, while three other starters each went for 11 points apiece: Janessa Demuth, Kayli Combs, and Rebekah Howard.

Concordia was led offensively by Libby Hirssig with 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field.

Ozarks advances to the semifinals to take on Hastings (Neb.) on Monday. This is Ozarks third consecutive season making an appearance in the semifinals, last year the Bobcats defeated MidAmerica Nazarene 80-68 before falling to Indiana Wesleyan in the championship game.

Concordia ends the season having five of their seven season losses happening to teams still active in the championship tournament.Top-seeded College of the Ozarks (Mo.) cruised to a 78-53 victory over Concordia University (Neb.) in the quarterfinals of the 17th annual NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship in Sioux City, Iowa.

Concordia ends the season having five of their seven season losses happening to teams still active in the championship tournament.

Seven Bulldogs named NAIA Scholar-Athletes

The Concordia University, Nebraska women's basketball team had seven individuals named 2007 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes, the most of any school in the NAIA. The Scholar-Athlete list was released last week from the NAIA Headquarters in Olathe, Kan.

In order to be recognized as a NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athlete, individuals must carry a cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and be a junior or above in academic standing. Those receiving the honor were:

Jenni Lovegrove, Junior, Fairmont, Neb.
Libby Hirssig, Senior, Rochester, Minn.
Whitney Stichka, Junior, Ruskin, Neb.
Jordan Schmoldt, Junior, Clay Center, Neb.
Elizabeth Spencer, Senior, Meade, Kan.
Marie Wintz, Senior, Hartington, Neb.
Emly Hartmann, Junior, Seward, Neb.

It is the second consecutive year that Wintz has earned the honor. Hirssig, Stichka and Spencer are all listed by their academic year, rather than their eligibility year. Hirssig and Spencer will be seniors eligibility wise next season while Spencer will be a junior

Bulldogs earn honors at CIT

The Concordia University, Nebraska Basketball Programs earned 3 (1 men's and 2 women's) All-Tournament selections at the conclusion of the 57^th annual Concordia Invitational Tournament, hosted by Concordia University, Chicago this past weekend.

Junior guard Whitney Stichka was named the women's tournament Most Valuable Player. Stichka scored 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field along with 3-for-4 from three point land in the Bulldogs first round game. She followed up with a game high 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting that included going 1-for-2 from three point land and 3-for-4 from the free throw line. This is Stichka's second CIT most valuable player awards, she earned the honor as a freshman in the 2006 tournament held in Mequon, Wisc.

Junior guard Melissa Tinkham was also named to the all-tournament team. Tinkham led all scorers in the Bulldogs first round game with 32 points on 7-of-15 shooting from the field that included being 7-of-13 from three point land as well as 8-of-10 from the free throw line. Tinkham also added six steals for the Bulldog defense. Tinkham followed up with an eight point night in the championship game.

Senior guard Benjamin Buhr was selected to the all-tournament team on the men's side. Buhr led all scorers in the Bulldogs opening round defeat, with 22 points on 6-of-13 shooting from the field that included being 4-of-7 from three point land, and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw line. Buhr followed up with 14 points in the consolation game against CU Ann Arbor. Buhr shot %50 from the field going 5-of-10, but again perfect from the line, 4-for-4.

Both Bulldog teams will be in action this following week, the men play Tuesday night and the women play Wednesday night, with both games being played in Crete, Neb. against the Tigers of Doane College. Both games tip off at 7:30 p.m.

Women place four on All-Conference team

The Concordia University, Nebraska women's basketball team has four players on the 2007-08 Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) All-Conference Team. The list, released last week, consists of 10 first-team members, 10 second-team members and an honorable mention list.

Juniors Whitney Stichka (Ruskin, Neb.) and Melissa Tinkham (Kearney, Neb.) were named to the first-team while seniors Jenni Lovegrove (Fairmont, Neb.) and Libby Hirssig (Rochester, Minn.) each earned honorable mention status.

Tinkham was among the top 10 in the GPAC in four different statistical categories. She was seven in scoring, averaging 16.1 point per game, ninth in free throw percentage (75.6 percent), eight in steals with 71, and third in three-point field goals made with 86

Stichka was the leading scorer for Concordia at 17.2 points per game placing her sixth in scoring in the conference. The 5-9 guard was one of the leading three-point shooters in the conference, hitting on 36.5 percent.

Lovegrove was among the top rebounders in the conference. She was 11^th in rebounding, averaging 6.6 rebounds per game. Hirssig also established herself as a force on the glass averaging 6.3 rebounds per game, good enough for 13^th in the conference.

Stichka and Tinkham earn National Honors

Concordia University juniors guards Whitney Stichka and Melissa Tinkham has been named NAIA Div. II All-Americans after stellar 2008 seasons. Stichka was named to the second team while Tinkham was selected as an Honorable Mention.

Stichka, a Ruskin, Neb. native, led the Bulldogs in scoring and assists for the season. Stichka scored a career high 538 points during the 2008 season, eclipsing the 1,000 career scoring mark on February 10, 2008. "Whitney had an amazing year," said head coach Drew Olson. "There were multiple times this year when if Whitney doesn't have an amazing game we would have lost. She makes all of her team mates better." Along with averaging 16.81 points per game during the season Stichka also led the Bulldogs with 92 assists on the season.

Stichka, a senior academically still has one year of eligibility after sitting out her freshman season with a knee injury, was also named a NAIA Scholar Athlete for her work in the classroom as a Journalism and Communication Major.

Tinkham, a Kearney, Neb. product was the sharp shooter from the outside for the Bulldogs. For the season Tinkham hit on 90-of-293 three-point attempts. "There is a reason we call her (Tinkham) Mrs. Big Shot, if we needed one she came up big for us this year," Coach Olson said. "She is the most aggressive offensive players I have coached. Melissa has a competitive tenacity to be successful and it shows."

Tinkham was second in scoring for the Bulldogs behind Stichka, averaging 15.8 points per game while also leading the Concordia defense with 80 steals on the season.

The Bulldogs finished the season with an overall record of 26-7 (13-6) after being eliminated from the NAIA Div. II National Women's Basketball Tournament by the College of the Ozarks (Mo.). Of the Bulldogs seven losses, five came from teams participating in the final four of the national tournament.

Nine Bulldogs named Academic All-Americans

Over 220 division II women's basketball players from across the country have been named 2008 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes. Student-athletes must be nominated by their head coach, have achieved junior academic status and maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Concordia University, Nebraska had nine players named NAIA Academic All-Americans:

Jordan Schmoldt	Senior	Clay Center, Nebraska
Liz Bauer	Senior	Meade, Kansas
Whitney Stichka	Senior	Ruskin, Nebraska
Libby Hirssig	Senior	Rochester, Minnesota
Jenni Lovegrove	Senior	Fairmont, Nebraska
Danae Koopman	Junior	Scribner, Nebraska
Michelle Griedl	Junior	Spring, Texas
Jennifer Griedl	Junior	Spring, Texas
Stacy Scheer	Junior	Madison, Nebraska

Concordia led all Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) schools with the nine selections; second place in the GPAC went to Hastings College (Neb.) with seven selections.

Bulldogs earn WBCA academic national title

The Women's Basketball Coaches Association announced its 2007-08 Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll for NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, NAIA and Junior College/Community College today. For the seventh year Concordia University, Nebraska topped the list. The awards recognize teams throughout the nation that have the highest grade point averages for the 2007-08 season based upon nominations submitted by WBCA-member coaches. The best of each division is listed below.

Division	Institution	2007-08 Head Coach	GPA
NCAA I	South Dakota State University	Aaron Johnston	3.669
NCAA II	University of South Dakota	Chad Lavin	3.649
NCAA III	Concordia University (Wisconsin)	Stacey Brunner	3.637
NAIA	Concordia University - Nebraska	Drew R. Olson	3.667
JC/CC	Seward County Community College	Toby Wynn	3.560

This is the seventh time in the WBCA's ten year history Concordia Nebraska has topped the NAIA, including an unprecedented run of six straight number one rankings from 2000-2005. No other team - NCAA, NAIA, or JC/CC - has equaled this feat.

"It is a great honor to receive this high academic award," said Concordia University Head Coach Drew Olson. "I am proud of this team and what they accomplished. They were extremely disciplined and committed to the idea of student-athlete along with having their priorities in order: God, family, school, basketball, others. It was a great season; successful on the court and in the classroom."

Concordia's athletic teams are members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Great Plains Athletic Conference. For the fifth consecutive year Concordia led the GPAC in NAIA Scholar-Athletes.