2008-2009 Women's Basketball schedule
26-9 Overall, 14-4 GPAC | Season Statistics
Date | Opponent | Location | Time |
Midland Classic: | |||
Oct. 31 | vs. MidAmerica Nazarene | Fremont, Neb. | L 77-75 (OT) |
Nov. 1 | vs. Univ. of Sioux Falls | Fremont, Neb. | W 67-53 |
Nov. 8 | York College | Seward, Neb. | W 75-48 |
Cattle Classic: | |||
Nov. 14 | vs. Waldorf | Seward, Neb. | W 80-53 |
Nov. 15 | vs. Iowa Wesleyan | Seward, Neb. | W 72-59 |
Nov. 18 | Univ. of Nebraska-Kearney | Kearney, Neb. | W 88-87 |
Nov. 25 | Hastings College* | Hastings, Neb. | L 85-75 |
CSM Classic: |
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Nov. 28 | vs. Kansas Wesleyan | Omaha, Neb. | L 79-68 |
Nov. 29 | vs. College of St. Mary | Omaha, Neb. | W 102-65 |
Dec. 3 | Doane College* | Crete, Neb. | W 82-64 |
Dec.6 | Morningside College* | Seward, Neb. | L 80-59 |
Dec. 9 | Nebraska Wesleyan* | Lincoln, Neb. | W 83-60 |
Dec. 14 | Dakota Wesleyan* | Mitchell, S.D. | PPD |
Webber International Invitational: | |||
Dec. 29 | vs.Emmanuel College | Babson Park, Fla. | L 74-71 |
Dec. 30 | vs. Webber International | Babson Park, Fla. | W 69-56 |
Jan. 3 | Briar Cliff University* | Sioux City, Iowa | W 77-67 |
Jan. 7 | Hastings College* | Seward, Neb. | W 81-75 |
Jan.10 | University of Sioux Falls* | Seward, Neb | W 67-60 |
Jan. 13 | Midland Lutheran College* | Fremont, Neb. | W, 2-0 (Forfeit) |
Jan. 17 | Mount Marty College* | Seward, Neb | W 84-71 |
Jan. 21 | Dana College* | Seward, Neb. | W 74-44 |
Jan. 24 | Morningside College* | Sioux City, Iowa | L 84-65 |
Jan. 28 | Doane College* | Seward, Neb. | W 72-67 |
Concordia Invitational Tournament: | |||
Jan. 30 | Concordia Wisconsin | Seward, Neb. | W 72-55 |
Jan. 31 | Concordia Chicago | Seward, Neb. | W 76-42 |
Feb. 4 | Midland Lutheran College* | Seward, Neb. | W 96-73 |
Feb. 7 | Northwestern College* | Orange City, Iowa | L 78-66 |
Feb. 10 | Nebraska Wesleyan University* | Seward, Neb. | W 69-62 |
Feb. 14 | Dordt College* | Seward, Neb. | W 94-68 |
| Feb. 18 | Dakota Wesleyan* | Mitchell, S.D. | W 82-67 |
Feb. 21 | Dana College* | Blair, Neb. | W 63-55 |
GPAC Tournament: | |||
Feb. 26 | vs. University of Sioux Falls | Seward, Neb. | W 57-53 |
Feb. 28 | vs. Northwestern | Orange City, Iowa | L 80-78 (OT) |
NAIA National Tournament: | |||
March 11 | vs. Taylor (Ind.) | Sioux City, Iowa | W 68-51 |
| March 13 | vs. Cornerstone (Mich.) | Sioux City, Iowa | W 74-73 |
| March 14 | vs. Hastings | Sioux City, Iowa | L 69-65 |
*Indicates Great Plains Athletic Conference Games
All Home Games in BOLD
2008-09 Women's Basketball roster
No. | Name | Pos. | Ht. | Yr. | Hometown | Previous School |
10 | Whitney Stichka | G | 5-9 | Sr. | Ruskin, Neb. | Deshler High |
12 | Stacy Scheer | G | 5-8 | Jr. | Madison, Neb. | Madison |
14 | Melissa Hansen | G | 5-9 | Fr. | Scotia, Neb. | North Loup-Scotia |
20 | Rachel Uden | G | 5-7 | So. | Kenesaw, Neb. | Kenesaw |
22 | Danae Koopman | F | 5-9 | Sr. | Scribner, Neb. | Scribner-Snyder |
24 | Kathryn Ommen | G | 5-9 | So. | Jefferson City, Mo. | Jefferson City |
30 | Megan Schmidt | G | 5-9 | Fr. | Seward, Neb. | Seward |
32 | Melissa Tinkham | G | 5-9 | Sr. | Kearney, Neb. | Kearney High |
34 | TaLisa Krejci | G | 5-9 | Jr. | Exeter, Neb. | Exeter-Milligan |
40 | Kristin Miller | F | 6-0 | So. | Jefferson City, Mo. | Blair Oaks |
42 | Amber Quinn | F | 5-9 | Jr. | Bellevue, Neb. | Bellevue East |
44 | Angela Kuca | F | 5-11 | Fr. | Lincoln, Neb. | Lincoln Lutheran |
50 | Kourtney Jo Rahder | F | 5-8 | So. | Atkinson, Neb. | West Holt |
52 | Sarah Hinkfoot | F | 5-11 | So. | Colorado Springs, Colo. | Liberty |
| Cierra Sullivan | G | 5-5 | Fr. | Holyoke, Colo. | Holyoke |
| Hannah Woollen | F | 5-10 | Fr. | Wilcox, Neb. | Wilcox |
| Hannah Schardt | F | 6-0 | So. | Carleton, Neb. | Deshler |
| Katie Herther | F | 5-11 | Fr. | Sioux Falls, S.D. | Lincoln |
2008-2009 Coaching staff
Head coach: Drew Olson
Assistant coach: Amy Harms
Bulldogs split in opening weekend
31 OCT-1 NOV 2008
The Concordia University, Nebraska women's basketball team started the 2008-09 season by splitting their games at the Midland Halloween Classic in Fremont, Neb., this past weekend.
The Bulldogs, ranked No. 7 nationally, did not have the start they expected as they dropped the opener against MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) 77-75 in an overtime thriller. The Bulldogs trailed by 15 with just 7:32 remaining in the second half when they went on a 21-6 run to end the second half. The scoring blitz was capped off with a 3-pointer by sophomore Kristin Miller with just five seconds remaining to send the game into overtime, 73-73.
Concordia had a chance to win the game at the buzzer as senior Whitney Stichka stole the inbounds pass at midcourt but her shot rimmed out.
Missed shots were the story of the overtime period as the Bulldogs went 1-for-10 from the field. Miller made Concordia's lone bucket of the extra frame as the Bulldogs fell 77-75. Miller led the Bulldogs with 21 points while Stichka added 18. Senior guard Melissa Tinkham had a double-double of 16 points and 13 rebounds.
Concordia came back on Saturday afternoon to take on the University of Sioux Falls Cougars in a non-conference matchup. The Cougars jumped out and took a five-point lead into the halftime intermission, but the Bulldogs surged back to take a 67-53 victory.
The Bulldog points were more spread out in this contest as Concordia had four players who went into double digits. TaLisa Krejci led all scorers with 16 points while Danae Koopman, Stichka and Tinkham each went for 10 points.
The Bulldogs will next be in action with their home opener against the York College Panthers on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m. at the Doghouse in Seward, Neb.
Bulldogs overpower Panthers
8 NOV 2008
The Concordia University, Nebraska women's basketball team overpowered the York College Panthers in a 75-48 victory Saturday afternoon at the Doghouse in Seward, Neb.
The Bulldogs began the game on a 10-0 run that was an early indicator for what was to follow. By halftime Concordia had a 38-16 lead and then cruised in the second frame, allowing many of the young pups of the Bulldogs roster to get some much earned playing time.
Concordia was led by senior guard Melissa Tinkham with 13 points and Stacy Scheer with 12. Concordia was led on the glass by Kristin Miller with 11 rebounds.
"Our shooting struggled today," said head coach Drew Olson. "Although we played great defense, and I am very happy with the way some of our younger players played once they got their opportunity in the game."
York was led offensively by Kimberly Sladek with 15 points and Kimberly Tsinnie who added 11 points for the Panthers.
With the victory the Bulldogs are 2-1 overall. The Panthers start their season 0-2.
The Bulldogs will next be in action as they host the Cattle Classic Tournament Nov. 14 and 15. On Friday they are matched against Waldorf College and on Saturday the Bulldogs are scheduled to play Iowa Wesleyan.
The special price of admission for Cattle Classic games is six canned food items or a $6 donation. The entrance price for children is three canned food items or a $2 donation. Concordia students also will donate three canned food items or $2 to see a game. No passes.
Bulldogs roll in opening game of Cattle Classic
14 NOV 2008
The Concordia University women's basketball team rolled to an opening round victory in the 2008 Cattle Classic, defeating Waldorf College (Iowa) 80-53, at the Doghouse in Seward, Neb.
Concordia, powered by a run late in the first half, surged to a 41-21 lead over the Warriors at halftime and never looked back en route to the 27-point victory.
The Bulldogs were hot from the field in the second half, shooing 15-of-32 from the floor, while forcing 21 turnovers by Waldorf.
Melissa Tinkham paced Concordia with 15 points while three other Bulldogs also scored in double digits: Whitney Stichka (13), TaLisa Krejci (12), and Kristin Miller (10). Krejci turned in complete performance adding eight rebounds and four assists in addition to her points. In all 12 different Bulldogs scored on the night.
Concordia dominated the glass,out-rebounding the Warriors 59-36.
Waldorf was led by the duo of Aubrey Draves with 12 points and Sarah Swanson with 11 for the Warriors.
The win moves the Bulldogs to 3-1 overall while the loss drops Waldorf to 1-3 overall.
Next action for the Bulldogs comes Saturday, Nov., 15, at 3 p.m. as the Bulldogs take on Iowa Wesleyan in the final game of the Cattle Classic at the Doughouse.
Bulldogs tame Tigers, Stichka earns MVP honors
15 NOV 2008
The Concordia University, Nebraska women's basketball team capped off a weekend of powerful performances with a dominant 72-59 victory over the Iowa Wesleyan Tigers on Saturday afternoon in the final game of the 2008 Cattle Classic.
The Bulldogs surged to a 22-5 lead just nine minutes into the first half, but with a strong final 11 minutes, the Tigers only trailed by seven (34-27) at halftime.
Concordia began the second half with a 14-2 run powered on three pointers by Melissa Tinkham. Tinkham had missed a majority of the first half with an injury. The Bulldogs' strong play in the post secured the victory as Concordia had 16 second chance points to Iowa Wesleyan's seven.
The Bulldogs were led offensively by Whitney Stichka with 17 points while Tinkham added 15 points. The duo earned all-tournament honors with Stichka taking the most valuable player award. Concordia was led on the boards by Angela Kuca who ripped down 13 rebounds on the afternoon.
Iowa Wesleyan was led by the duo of Heather Larson and Rachel Mitchell who each had 12 points for the Tigers.
With the victory Concordia moves to 4-1 overall and their next game will be on Tuesday, Nov. 18, as they head to Kearney, Neb., to take on the NCAA Div. II University of Nebraska-Kearney Lopers.
Buzzer beater helps Bulldogs upend Lopers
18 NOV 2008
On Tuesday night the Concordia University, Nebraska women's basketball team pulled out one of its most remarkable victories in recent history when it upset the University of Nebraska-Kearney Lopers, an NCAA Div. II school, 88-87 on a last second bucket by Kristin Miller. The Lopers came into the game ranked No. 25 in the USA Today / WBCA preseason poll while the Bulldogs were ranked No. 7 in NAIA Div. II.
During the first twelve minutes the Lopers jumped out to an eight point lead, 23-15, and the game was heading the way one might have expected. During the next eight minutes, however, Concordia responded with a 22-9 run of its own and surged to a five point lead, 37-32, capped off by a three-pointer by TaLisa Krejci. Nebraska-Kearney shrugged that off with an 11-2 run and headed into halftime with a 43-39 lead.
Nebraska-Kearney controlled the action for the first part of the second half. The Loper lead ballooned to as much as nine before Concordia's offense came alive. Trailing 65-57 with nine minutes remaining, the Bulldog offense was resuscitated by Kearney, Neb., native Melissa Tinkham. Tinkham, an NAIA All-American, sunk two three-pointers and a pair of free throws to bring the Bulldogs within one, 69-68.
The two teams traded baskets for several minutes, with neither team able to pull away, until Concordia's other NAIA All-American, Whitney Stichka, took control offensively and hit a three-pointer with 4:55 remaining. That gave Concordia a 77-75 lead and after two minutes of strong defense by both sides Stichka again hit from long range, increasing the lead to five.
After a Loper timeout, Nebraska-Kearney's Kassi Schuppe missed a three-pointer. Tinkham got the rebound and was subsequently fouled. After making both her free-throws, the Bulldogs held a seven point advantage, 82-75, with three minutes left in the game. After two turnovers by the Bulldogs the Lopers battled back to tie the game at 84-84.
The difference in the game came from the free throw line as the Bulldogs hit on their final two attempts while the Lopers went 1-for-2. With Concordia up by one, Nebraska-Kearney's Jade Means forced a turnover and raced down the court. She would miss her layup attempt, but the Lopers came down with the offensive rebound and Megan Becker scored a layup that put Nebraska-Kearney up 87-86 with just 17 seconds remaining in regulation.
Concordia called its last timeout to draw up a play. The Bulldogs got the ball to Krejci who, with four seconds remaining, fired up a three-point attempt that rattled out. Miller was there to pull down the offensive rebound and put the ball high off the glass and in as the buzzer sounded to give Concordia the 88-87 victory.
Stichka led the Bulldogs offensively with 33 points on 11-of-16 shooting from the field including going 5-of-6 from three-point land as well as being the leading rebounder with eight. Krejci also went for double digits finishing with 26 points while Tinkham finished with 15 points.
The Lopers had their fair share of offensive standouts as Jade Meads finished with 30 points and 13 rebounds while Megan Becker added 24 points.
With the victory Concordia moves to 5-1 overall on the 2008 campaign and gained some much needed momentum to take into Great Plains Athletic Conference play beginning next Tuesday, Nov. 25, at Hastings College. The loss drops the Lopers to 1-1 overall.
Bulldogs drop GPAC opener
25 NOV 2008
The Concordia University women's basketball team dropped their 2008 GPAC opener 85-75 to the Hastings College Broncos Tuesday night at Lynn Farrell Arena in Hastings, Neb.
The Bulldogs jumped out to a 14-10 lead early in the first half before the Broncos stormed back on a 16-4 run over the next four minutes. The Hastings lead grew to as many as 15 before Concordia was able to shrink the deficit to 10 by halftime, 45-35.
Hastings used a strong inside game in the second half to keep the Bulldogs at bay and Concordia was never able to cut the lead to less than 10 as the Broncos held on for the victory.
Whitney Stichka led the Bulldogs offensively with 17 points while Melissa Tinkham added 14 and Stacy Scheer added 11 points off the bench. Lindsay Ducey led the Broncos with 27 points.
Hastings moves to 6-0 overall and 1-0 in the GPAC while the loss drops Concordia to 5-2 overall and 0-1 in the GPAC. Concordia will look to get back on the winning track on Friday, Nov. 28 as they take on Kansas Wesleyan as part of the College of St. Mary Classic in Omaha, Neb.
Bulldogs go 1-1 at CSM Tournament
28-29 NOV 2008
The Concordia University, Nebraska women's basketball team went 1-1 over the weekend while at the College of St. Mary holiday tournament held in Omaha, Neb.
Kansas Wesleyan got the best of the Bulldogs on Friday, downing Concordia 79-68 in the opening game of the tournament. Kansas Wesleyan, leading 35-27 at halftime, kept up its strong shooting in the second half and went on to an 11-point victory.
Concordia shot just 39 percent (23-58) from the field while hitting on just 6-of-20 3-point attempts. Kristin Miller led the Bulldogs with 15 points and eight rebounds while Stacy Scheer added 14 points off the bench.
The Bulldogs took out any lingering frustrations Saturday against the College of St. Mary with a 102-65 victory. Concordia cruised in the first half to a 33-point lead, 63-30, and went of to win the game by 37.
Shooting improved from the night before as the Bulldogs hit on 11-of-24 3-point attempts and also stayed hot from the free throw line, going 21-of-26.
Miller again led the Bulldogs offensively with 17 points while Whitney Stichka and Melissa Tinkham each added 15 points for Concordia. Kathryn Ommen registered a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds off the bench for the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs now sit at 6-3 overall and 0-1 in the GPAC. Concordia will travel to Crete, Neb., to take on the Doane College Tigers Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m.
Bulldogs cruise past Tigers
3 DEC 2008
On Wednesday night the Concordia University, Nebraska women's basketball team picked up its first GPAC victory of the 2008 season, an impressive 82-64 victory over the Doane College Tigers in Crete, Neb.
Concordia shrugged off a sluggish beginning with a 12-2 run that started with 3:30 remaining in the first half. The surge allowed the Bulldogs to trot into halftime with a 42-30 lead. Stifling defense by the Bulldogs then kept the Tigers' offense off balance, allowing Doane just two points in the first four minutes of the second frame. During that time the Bulldogs' lead ballooned to 23 points, 57-34. The Bulldogs would cruise for the remainder of the second half, easily coasting to the double-digit victory.
Offensively the Bulldogs were led by Whitney Stichka's 20 points while Melissa Tinkham added 16. TaLisa Krejci and Stacy Scheer each went for 10 points to round out the offensive leaders for Concordia. Doane was led offensively by Lindsay Anderson with 18 points.
Doane drops to 8-3 overall and 1-1 in the GPAC while the victory moves the Bulldogs to 7-3 overall and evens up their GPAC record at 1-1. Concordia now prepares for the undefeated Morningside College Mustangs, ranked No. 1 nationally, who come to the Doghouse on Saturday, Dec. 6, for a 2 p.m. game.
Mustangs humble Bulldogs
6 DEC 2008
Saturday afternoon did not go as hoped for the Concordia University women's basketball team. The Bulldogs dropped their game against the Morningside College Mustangs 80-59 at the Doghouse in Seward, Neb.
Morningside, powered by All-American guard Dani Gass, jumped out to an 11-point lead just six minutes into the first half. The Mustangs largest lead of the afternoon grew as big as 29 as the Bulldogs struggled to find an answer to Morningside's inside game. The Mustangs scored 42 points in the paint compared to the Bulldogs' 18.
Concordia was led offensively by Melissa Tinkham with 17 points, and Whitney Stichka added 15 points. Morningside was led by Gass with 23 points and 10 rebounds.
The loss moves the Bulldogs to 7-4 overall and 1-2 in the GPAC while Morningside keeps their perfect record intact at 13-0 and 3-0 in the GPAC.
Concordia travels to Lincoln, Neb., to take on the Nebraska Wesleyan Prairie Wolves on Tuesday, Dec. 9, with tipoff set for 7:30 p.m.
Tinkham sparks resurgent Bulldogs past Prairie Wolves
9 DEC 2008
The Concordia University, Nebraska women's basketball team healed some of the wounds left from its recent Morningside defeat with an 83-60 throttling of the Nebraska Wesleyan Prairie Wolves Tuesday night at Snyder Arena in Lincoln, Neb.
Powered by the 3-point shooting of Melissa Tinkham, Concordia jumped out to a 10-point lead seven minutes into the first half and never surrendered less than a double digit lead. Nebraska Wesleyan helped Concordia's cause by committing 25 turnovers throughout the contest. The Bulldogs mended many of their shooting woes that have plagued them this season, hitting 44.4 percent from the field.
Tinkham led all scorers with 21 points, making 5-of-9 3-point attempts. Kristin Miller chipped in with 10 points and seven rebounds while Rachel Uden added 12 points off the bench for the Bulldogs. Nebraska Wesleyan was led by Shea Rasmussen with 13 points.
The victory moves the Bulldogs to 8-4 overall while evening up their GPAC record at 2-2 while Nebraska Wesleyan drops to 1-6 overall and 0-4 in the GPAC.
Concordia will travel to Mitchell, S.D., for a 1 p.m. meeting with the Dakota Wesleyan Tigers at the Corn Palace on Sunday, Dec. 14.
Emmanuel nips Bulldogs
29 DEC 2008
Concordia gave away a nine-point halftime lead en route to a 74-71 defeat by Emmanuel College (Ga.) on Monday afternoon in Babson Park, Fla.
The Bulldogs were hot out of the gate, taking an early 10-2 lead, and their lead would swell to as many as 14 before the Lions offense' showed its teeth. The Lions narrowed Concordia's lead to two points before the Bulldogs' shooting picked up again. At the half Concordia's lead stood at 36-27.
While Emmanuel's offense was held to 27.8 percent shooting from the field in the first half, Concordia was unable to hold back the Lions in the second frame. After a Whitney Stichka 3-pointer the Bulldogs led by 10, 42-32, but Emmanuel answered with a 3-pointer to cut the lead to single digits. The Lions would add two more 3-pointers to cut the Concordia lead to one, 42-41. The teams traded baskets and the lead until the 4:30 mark of the second half when the Lions' Jasmine Barner hit a jumper to give Emmanuel a lead it would hold onto for the rest of the game. The Lions held on for a 74-71 victory.
The loss drops the Bulldogs to 8-5 overall as they prepare to take on the host Webber International on Tuesday afternoon.
Bulldogs fast start dooms Webber
30 DEC 2008
The Concordia University women's basketball team was able to get back to winning ways with a 69-56 victory over the Webber International University Warriors Tuesday night in Babson Park, Fla.
The Bulldogs started the game hot, going on a 12-4 run in the first five minutes and never trailed in the game. After leading by as many as 16 points in the first half, Concordia took a 37-26 lead into the break.
The second half brought more of the same from the Bulldogs. By the four-minute mark Concordia's lead had increased to 20, 64-43, and the Bulldogs would cruise to an 11-point win.
Whitney Stichka led all scorers with 21 points while Tinkham added 13. Stacy Scheer came off the bench to score 12 points, including a 3-for-3 performance beyond the arc.
The victory moves the Bulldogs to 9-5 overall. They move into the heart of their conference schedule in the new year, taking on the Briar Cliff Chargers in Sioux City, Iowa, on Saturday, Jan. 3.
Late surge lifts Bulldogs past Chargers
3 JAN 2009
A strong beginning and a solid finish led to a 77-67 victory for the Concordia University women's basketball over the Briar Cliff Chargers Saturday afternoon in Sioux City, Iowa.
The Bulldogs began the game strong, taking a 22-12 lead ten minutes into the first half, before the Chargers stormed back to tie the game, 28-28, on a pair of free throws by Michelle Determan with 2:37 remaining in the first half. Briar Cliff's offensive outburst continued with the Chargers surging to a seven point lead, 37-30, when Liz Grider hit a 3-pointer. Concordia's Whitney Stichka would connect on a jumper and sink a pair of free throws to cut the Charger lead to 37-34 at halftime.
Briar Cliff pushed the lead to five as Grider stole the inbound pass to start the second half, but the Bulldogs quickly bounced back from the blunder. Over the next five minutes the Bulldogs went on a 12-0 run to give Concordia a 46-39 lead.
The Chargers were able to cut the Concordia lead to one, 54-53, but failed to take the lead as Charista Stewart missed on a free-throw attempt. Briar Cliff then failed to pick up Stichka in transition and she quickly extended the Bulldog lead back to three. Briar Cliff would fail to close the gap down the stretch.
"We stepped up in the second half," said head coach Drew Olson. "We had some key steals that lead to easy buckets that helped keep them at bay. Liz (Grider) is probably one of the best players we will see all season and she hurt us a lot today but we did a reasonable job of limiting their other shooters."
Stichka led all Concordia scorers with 26 points on 8-for-16 shooting including going 9-for-9 from the free throw line. TaLisa Krejci was one of three other Bulldogs reaching double digits as she scored 13 points and pulled down eight rebounds. Angela Kuca and Melissa Tinkham added 12 and 11 points respectively.
Briar Cliff's Liz Grider led all scorers with 30 points while Michelle Determan chipped in with 14 points for the Chargers.
The victory moves the Bulldogs, who are 10-5 overall, over the .500 mark in GPAC play for the first time this season at 3-2. The loss drops Briar Cliff to 3-3 in the GPAC and 10-8 overall.
Next up for Concordia is a home game against Hastings on Wednesday, Jan. 7. The Bulldogs will tipoff against the Broncos at 6 p.m.
Bulldogs win top-25 matchup with Hastings
7 JAN 2009
Twelfth-ranked Concordia handed the No. 9 Hastings Broncos their second consecutive loss with an 81-75 defeat at the Doghouse Wednesday night in Seward, Neb. The Bulldog win also avenges a loss to the Broncos on Nov. 25.
Hastings jumped out to a 17-7 lead just six minutes into the first half and looked to be cruising to another victory. The resilient Bulldogs were able to battle back, however, cutting the Bronco advantage to four with 2:32 remaining in the half. After swapping turnovers Amber Quinn found a wide open Stacy Scheer in the corner for a 3-pointer that cut the lead to one, 34-33. Hastings hoped to hold for a last second shot, but an ill-advised lay-up attempt by All-American Lindsay Ducey allowed the Bulldogs to gain possession with under 10 seconds remaining. Whitney Stichka raced up court and, when cut off by Bronco defenders, found an open Quinn who knocked down a 3-pointer as the buzzer sounded to give the Bulldogs a two-point lead at the half, 36-34.
Scheer and Stichka paced the Bulldogs in the first half with 12 and 10 points respectively while the Concordia held the Broncos leading scorer, Ducey, to just three points in the opening frame.
Timely baskets by Stichka and Scheer at the beginning of the second half supported by the strong inside play of Kristin Miller and Angela Kuca allowed the Bulldogs to increase their lead to double digits for the majority of the second half. The Broncos, however, showed why they garner so much respect nationally by cutting the Concordia lead to just three with under a minute remaining in the game. The Bulldogs had difficulty inbounding and put a loose ball on the floor. Scheer was able to get to the ball and was fouled. Scheer then put an end to the drama by knocking down her free throws, icing the game for Concordia.
Stichka and Scheer finished the game as the leading scorers for the Bulldogs. Stichka finished with 25 points on 8-of-14 shooting while going 7-of-8 from the free-throw line. Scheer finished with 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting. Melissa Tinkham also reached double digits, finishing with 10 points for Concordia.
Hastings' Lindsay Ducey finished the game as the high scorer for the Broncos with 16 points and Kay Broekemeier added 11.
The victory moves the Bulldogs to 11-5 overall and 4-2 in the GPAC while Hastings falls to 13-4 overall and 3-4 in the GPAC.
Next action for the Bulldogs comes Saturday, Jan. 10, as the Sioux Falls Cougars visit the Doghouse. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.
Bulldogs muscle past Cougars
10 JAN 2009
Showing the grit of a determined team the Concordia University women's basketball team earned a comeback 67-60 victory over the University of Sioux Falls Cougars Saturday night at the Doghouse in Seward, Neb. Concordia came into the game with a NAIA No. 12 ranking while Sioux Falls received votes in the latest poll.
The Bulldogs' offense sputtered at the start. By the eight-minute mark the Cougars were leading 10-2. A 3-pointer by Whitney Stichka helped get the Bulldog offense get cranking again. Sioux Falls' offense, on the other hand, was hitting on all cylinders. The Cougars' Becca Christofferson was 4-for-5 from 3-point land during the first half and Sioux Falls would take a 36-26 lead into the break.
In the second half Concordia came out with sense of urgency and battled to tie the game at 40-40 with a 14-4 run. The two teams traded baskets until Concordia was able to pull ahead after a steal by Melissa Tinkham who found TaLisa Krejci behind the Cougars. A layup by Krejci put the Bulldogs up by three, 57-54, with four minutes remaining in the second half. Free throws by Stichka would then put the game out of reach.
Stichka led all scorers with 27 points, hitting 14-of-19 of her free throws. Kristin Miller had a solid afternoon with 14 points and nine rebounds. Melissa Tinkham led the Bulldogs on the glass with 10 rebounds. Christofferson led the Cougars with 15 points and Elizabeth Hildreth added 14.
The victory moves Concordia to 12-5 overall and 5-2 in the GPAC while Sioux Falls drops to 12-6 overall and 4-3 in the GPAC.
Concordia will travel to Fremont on Tuesday, Jan. 13, for a 7:30 p.m. meeting with the Warriors of Midland Lutheran College.
Bulldogs shocked by Warriors
13 JAN 2009
A poor finish to the first half was too much for the Bulldogs to overcome Tuesday night against Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, Neb. Concordia University, ranked No. 8 nationally, took a 75-71 loss to the Warriors.
The Bulldogs led by six, 24-18, with 7:07 remaining in the first half when Concordia's offense slid into a ditch while Midland's offense shifted into overdrive. Midland finished the half on a 19-3 run to take a 37-27 lead into halftime.
In the second half the Bulldogs battled back to tie the game, 53-53, at the 11-minute mark. When Concordia pushed its lead to 63-59 with six minutes remaining, the Bulldogs seemed to have taken control of the game. In a crucial turn of the game, however, Concordia's Stacy Scheer had a 3-pointer blocked with 5:23 left. The block led to a fastbreak basket by the Warriors and marked a shift in momentum that Midland would ride the rest of the game.
Down by one, 69-68, with 1:14 left on the clock, Concordia turned to its All-Americans, Whitney Stichka and Melissa Tinkham. Stichka found a wide open Tinkham who nailed a 3-pointer to give the Bulldogs the lead. Midland quickly responded with a score to again tie the game.
The Bulldogs worked the clock down, looking to take what would have been a near buzzer beater, but the Warriors' swarming defense forced a turnover. Midland's Kelli Hermsmeyer was then fouled by Scheer with 5.5 seconds remaining. Hermsmeyer hit one of two from the line and gave Midland a 72-71 lead. After a Concordia timeout, the Bulldogs' inbound pass was stolen by Olivia Miller who hit a halfcourt shot at the horn to seal Midland's 75-71 upset victory.
The Bulldogs were led offensively by Whitney Stichka's 23 points. Three other players for Concordia also went for double digits: Stacy Scheer (15), Melissa Tinkham (13), and Kristin Miller (11). Kelli Hermsmeyer led the Warriors with 21 points.
Midland's victory moves them to 8-12 overall and 2-7 in the GPAC. The Bulldogs fall to 12-6 overall and 5-3 in the GPAC.
Concordia will look to rebound on Saturday, Jan. 17, in a home game against the Mount Marty Lancers. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.
Bulldogs take down Lancers
17 JAN 2009
The women's basketball team for Concordia University bounced back from a defeat at Midland earlier in the week to take down the Mount Marty College Lancers, 84-71, Saturday afternoon at the Doghouse in Seward, Neb. Concordia came into the game ranked eighth in the NAIA while the Lancers entered the latest poll at No. 19.
The Bulldogs quickly jumped out to a nine-point lead, 15-6, just five minutes into the game and pushed that lead to 16 points, 40-24, by the half. The Lancers did not go quietly, however. In the second half they cut Concordia's lead to two, 46-44, but were never able to take the lead. Concordia weathered the storm and pushed the lead to nine, 55-46. The Bulldogs then kept a comeback out of reach with free throws down the stretch.
Concordia was led by TaLisa Krejci with 19 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the field and also added seven rebounds. All five starters for the Bulldogs scored double digits: Whitney Stichka (17), Kristin Miller (14), Melissa Tinkham (11), and Angela Kuca (10). Mount Marty was led by Katelyn Kunz with 27 points and Amber Marsden added 18.
With the victory the Bulldogs move to 13-6 overall and 6-3 in the GPAC, holding firm a place among the top teams in the conference. The Lancer's loss drops them to 14-6 overall and 5-3 in the GPAC.
Next action for the Bulldogs comes Wednesday, Jan. 28, as they host the Dana College Vikings at 7:30 p.m. in Seward, Neb.
Bulldogs conquer Vikings
21 JAN 2009
The Concordia University women’s basketball team found its groove offensively and used a suffocating defense to dominate the Dana College Vikings, 74-44, Wednesday night at the Doghouse in Seward, Neb.
Jumping out to a 13-0 lead just 3:46 into the first half helped the Bulldogs take a 39-23 lead into halftime. With many of the Bulldogs also catching fire in the second half, Concordia was able to extend the lead. The game was never in doubt for Concordia and many of the younger Bulldogs were able to get their feet wet as Concordia extended its lead.
Concordia dominated Dana in almost all phases of the game. The Bulldogs scored 31 points on 30 Viking turnovers, bettered Dana in the paint 32-20, and outpaced the Vikings 16-6 in second chance points. Dana could claim just one statistical advantage in the game: the Viking bench outscored the Bulldog bench 23-19.
The Bulldogs were led by Melissa Tinkham with 18 points, who hit on 6-of-13 field goal attempts while connecting on 3-of-8 3-point attempts. Whitney Stichka added 17 points and Angela Kuca chipped in with 10. Stacy Scheer came off the bench to score 10 points and led the Bulldogs in rebounds with eight. Kalen Carlson led the Vikings with 11 points and teammate Amanda Bryant added nine.
With the victory Concordia moves to 14-6 overall and 7-3 in the GPAC while Dana falls to 9-11 overall and 3-7 in the GPAC.
Concordia will next be in action Saturday, Jan. 24, when the Bulldogs head to Sioux City, Iowa, to take on NAIA No. 1 Morningside College. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.
Bulldogs unable to tame Mustangs
24 JAN 2009
The Concordia University women's basketball team ran into a buzz saw when it took on No. 1-ranked Morningside College Saturday in Sioux City. The Bulldogs, ranked No. 10, fell 84-65 and became the 23rd straight team to be on the losing end to Morningside this season.
Concordia was able to keep the Mustangs within striking distance for the first half. The Morningside lead was down to one point, 29-28, with 2:10 remaining in the first half, but a 3-pointer by Morningside's Kayla Weerheim with one minute left helped the Mustangs close out the first half with a five-point advantage.
After the break, the Bulldogs whittled the lead down to three points with 11:02 remaining. The Mustangs responded with a 14-4 run over the next three minutes that gave them a double digit lead that would not be relinquished.
The Bulldogs received a strong performance from sophomore post Kristin Miller who notched a double-double of 16 points and 16 rebounds. Melissa Tinkham and TaLisa Krejci each had double digit point performances for the Bulldogs with 13 and 12 points respectively. Brittany Williamson led the Mustangs with 22 points.
Morningside keeps its perfect record intact, moving to 23-0 overall and 11-0 in the GPAC while Concordia falls to 14-7 and 7-4 in the GPAC.
Next action for Concordia comes Wednesday, Jan. 28, against the Doane College Tigers in Seward, Neb. Later in the week the Bulldogs also host the 58th annual Concordia Invitational Tournament, Jan. 30-31.
Stichka leads Bulldogs past Tigers
28 JAN 2009
The Concordia University women's basketball team survived a physical contest with the rival Doane College Tigers, escaping with a 72-67 victory Wednesday night at the Doghouse in Seward, Neb.
Sloppy play by the Bulldogs on offense throughout the first half allowed Doane to take a 34-32 lead into halftime. Concordia's offense continued to stall in the early second half as the Tigers lead by five, 45-40, with 14 minutes remaining. Concordia battled back to tie the game at 49-49 with 10 minutes remaining and then took a two point lead on a basket by Kristin Miller. With the Bulldogs up four, 62-58, with four minutes remaining, Amber Quinn ripped down an offensive rebound off a failed three-point attempt by Stacy Scheer and went up strong to put Concordia up by six with time winding down. Whitney Stichka would add a runner in the lane to push the lead to eight, proving too much for the Tigers to overcome.
Stichka led the Bulldogs in scoring with 19 points on 7-of-15 shooting while Melissa Tinkham added 18 points. Kristin Miller's strong play continued, scoring 17 points and pulling down eight rebounds. Amy Fox led the Tigers with 13 points while Lindsay Anderson added a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds.
The victory moves the Bulldogs to 15-7 overall and 8-4 in the GPAC while Doane falls to 15-8 overall and 6-5 in the GPAC.
Concordia will next take on the Concordia University Wisconsin Falcons as part of the 58th annual Concordia Invitational Tournament held in Seward, Neb., Jan. 30 and 31.
Bulldogs bag Falcons in CIT opening round
30 JAN 2009
The Concordia University, Nebraska women's basketball team avenged a 74-68, loss in 2007 to Concordia University Wisconsin with a 72-55 drubbing of the Falcons in the opening round of the 58th annual Concordia Invitational Tournament being held in Seward, Neb.
Jumping out to an 18-6 lead to begin the game, the Bulldogs victory was never in doubt as All-American Whitney Stichka took control of the game from the beginning leading Concordia Nebraska to a 38-25 lead. Stichka had 13 points, six rebounds and four assists at halftime.
The Bulldogs offense continued to roll in the second half as the Concordia Nebraska lead swelled to as many as 20 in the final minutes of the second half.
Stichka led the Bulldog offense with 22 points, 10 rebounds and six assists while Kristin Miller dominated the boards, ripping down 12 rebounds to lead the Bulldogs. Melissa Tinkham was the second leading scorer with 12 for Concordia Nebraska. Krista Mayyou and Jenna Ferron led the Falcons with 14 points a piece.
Concordia Nebraska advances to the championship round Saturday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. The Bulldogs will take on Concordia University Chicago, the victors Friday over Concordia University, Ann Arbor.
Bulldogs dominate Cougars, run away with CIT title
31 JAN 2009
The Concordia University women's basketball team had the most lopsided victory of its season so far with a 76-42 win over the Concordia University Chicago Cougars in the championship game of the 58th annual Concordia Invitational Tournament held in Seward, Neb.
At halftime Concordia Nebraska was up 42-14 and the game was already in hand. The Bulldogs maintained their 30-point margin for the rest of the second half and all players for Concordia Nebraska saw playing time.
Concordia Nebraska was led offensively by Melissa Tinkham with 19 points and Whitney Stichka added 9 points. All 14 Bulldogs who stepped onto the court scored at least a point. Tinkham and Stichka were named to the all-tournament team. Stichka made history when she was also selected as the most valuable player of the tournament. It was the third time in her career she had been given that CIT honor, an accomplishment matched only one other time when Sarah Harrison was a three time MVP from 2002-05.
Concordia Nebraska's victory moves it to 17-7 overall. On Wednesday, Feb. 4, the Bulldogs get a chance to avenge a conference loss to the Midland Lutheran College Warriors. Tip off is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Doghouse in Seward, Neb.
16 three-pointers spur Bulldogs past Warriors
4 FEB 2009
The Concordia University women's basketball team avenged an early season defeat at the hands of the Midland Lutheran College Warriors with a 96-73 drubbing of the Warriors Wednesday night at the Doghouse in Seward, Neb.
Concordia, spurred on by an 11-point scoring outburst by Whitney Stichka, took a 14-point lead, 47-33, into halftime. In the second half the Bulldogs unleashed eight 3-pointers to push the lead to 25 points before the final buzzer. For the game the Bulldogs went 16-of-28 on their 3-point attempts while hitting on 36-of-62 field goal attempts.
Stichka led the Bulldog offense with 30 points and six assists. Melissa Tinkham added 15 points and Talisa Krejci and Kristin Miller each put 13 on the board for Concordia. Miller also led Bulldogs in rebounding with 11 for the evening. Kerry Butzke led the Warriors with 21 points.
With the victory the Bulldogs move to 18-7 and 9-4 in the GPAC while Midland falls to 9-17 overall, 3-12 in conference play.
Next action for the Bulldogs comes Saturday, Feb. 7, when Concordia travels to Orange City, Iowa, to take on the Northwestern College Red Raiders. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.
Red Raiders down Bulldogs in Orange City
7 FEB 2009
The Concordia University women's basketball team was held to just nine points in the final six minutes as they fell to the Northwestern College Red Raiders Saturday afternoon, 78-66, in Orange City, Iowa. Northwestern came into the game ranked No. 3 in the NAIA while the Bulldogs were ranked No. 8.
It was a back-and-forth game throughout the first half and the teams would head into the break tied at 35-35. In the second half the Bulldogs controlled the game, holding onto a lead that grew to as many as nine, 54-45, with just over ten minutes left to play. Northwestern, however, answered with a 10-1 run over the next two minutes to tie the game, 55-55. During the final 7:37 it was more of the same, with the Raiders outscoring the Bulldogs 23-11 to take the victory.
Concordia was led offensively by Melissa Tinkham with 20 points and Whitney Stichka added 15. Kathryn Ommen, playing off the bench, scored 8 points and pulled down 3 rebounds for the Bulldogs. Northwestern was led by Randa Hulstein with 28 points and 13 rebounds.
The loss drops the Bulldogs to 18-8 overall and 9-5 in GPAC play while Northwestern moves to 19-5 overall and 13-1 in the GPAC.
Next action for the Bulldogs comes Feb. 10 when the Nebraska Wesleyan Prairie Wolves come to the Doghouse. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Tinkham's three pushes Bulldogs past Prairie Wolves
10 FEB 2009
The Concordia University women's basketball team dodged a bullet Tuesday night with a 69-62 victory over the Nebraska Wesleyan Prairie Wolves at the Doghouse in Seward, Neb.
There was little drama early, as the Bulldogs controlled the pace from the start. They took a 10-point lead into halftime, 38-28, spurred on by Whitney Stichka's 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting. The game did not seem to be in question until the 11-minute mark of the second half when Nebraska Wesleyan went on an 11-0 run over the next two minutes and took a 53-52 lead. Concordia, meanwhile, had a scoring drought that lasted from 11:46 remaining until Stichka hit a runner in the lane with 3 minutes left in regulation. Luckily for the Bulldogs, Nebraska Wesleyan had only pushed its lead to four points, 57-53.
Stichka's basket cut the Prairie Wolves lead to two, 57-55. After a defensive stop, Kristin Miller found an open Melissa Tinkham in the corner for a go-ahead 3-pointer. With a 58-57 lead the Bulldogs would use free throws to extend and hold the lead.
Concordia was led offensively by Stichka who finished with 24 points. TaLisa Krejci added 14 points to the Bulldogs' total and Stacy Scheer chipped in with 10 points off the bench. Kristina Gould led the Prairie Wolves with 16 points and Sadie Struebing notched a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds.
With the victory the Bulldogs move to 19-8 overall and 10-5 in the GPAC while Nebraska Wesleyan drops to 5-17 overall and 2-13 in the GPAC.
Next action for Concordia comes Saturday, Feb. 14, when the Bulldogs host the Dordt College Defenders at 2 p.m. The game is the final regular season home contest for the Bulldogs and will be senior day and parent's day.
Seniors lead Bulldogs in dominating effort against Dordt
14 FEB 2009
It was Senior Day on Saturday at the Doghouse in Seward, Neb., and the Concordia University women's basketball team received spectacular efforts from its three seniors during a 94-68 blasting of the Dordt College Defenders.
Whitney Stichka, Danae Koopman and Melissa Tinkham combined to score 56 of the Bulldogs' total points while playing in their final regular season home game. Koopman blistered the net in the first half with 4-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc and Stichka and Tinkham followed suit by pouring in 13 and 14 points respectively before the break. The Bulldogs took a 49-31 lead into halftime, and the game was never in question after that.
In the second half Dordt would close the lead to 13 points, but the Bulldog offense would respond and pump up the lead to as many as 27 before the final buzzer sounded. The senior trio walked off their home court with four-year win-loss record of 78-45 and a 37-15 record at the Doghouse. The Bulldogs are 13-1 at home so far this year and have a strong possibility of hosting a GPAC tournament game later this month.
Stichka led the Bulldog offense with 25 points and five assists. Melissa Tinkham added 19 points, seven steals and four assists. Kristin Miller added 14 points for the Bulldogs in the post and Koopman finished with 12 points. Amber Soodsma led the Defenders with 15 points.
With the victory the Bulldogs secure their second consecutive twenty-win season. Concordia now sits at 20-8 overall and 11-5 in the GPAC. Dordt's loss drops the Defenders to11-15 overall and 6-10 in the GPAC.
The Bulldogs next take to the hardcourt Wednesday, Feb. 18, when Concordia travels to Mitchell, S.D. to play the Dakota Wesleyan Tigers at the Corn Palace. The game is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Bulldogs take down Tigers at Corn Palace
18 FEB 2009
The Concordia University women's basketball team spoiled "senior night" for the Dakota Wesleyan Tigers defeating them 82-67 Wednesday night at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, S.D.
Dakota Wesleyan hung around with some hot shooting, but the Bulldogs closed out the first half with an 8-3 run to take a 41-36 lead into halftime. The Tigers started the second half with four quick unanswered points to cut the Concordia lead to one, 46-45, but the Bulldogs responded with seven unanswered points of their own to put some distance between them and the Tigers. Concordia pushed the lead to double digits and was able to distance themselves with free throws.
Concordia was led offensively by Whitney Stichka with 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the field. Four other Bulldogs also reached double digits: Melissa Tinkham (14), Kristin Miller (13), Stacy Scheer (12) and TaLisa Krejci (10). Dakota Wesleyan was led by Allison Johnson with 14 points.
With the victory the Bulldogs guarantee themselves a first-round bye in the 2009 GPAC post-season tournament, and with a Concordia win or Mount Marty loss on Saturday, the Bulldogs can secure the number three seed for the tournament. Concordia is now 22-7 overall and 13-4 in the GPAC while Dakota Wesleyan falls to 13-16 overall and 6-11 in the GPAC.
The next action for the Bulldogs comes Saturday, Feb. 21, with Concordia traveling to Blair, Neb., to take on the Dana College Vikings. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.
Bulldogs win sloppy affair at Dana
21 FEB 2009
The Concordia University women's basketball team secured the No. 3 seed for the GPAC post-season tournament with a 63-55 at Dana College Saturday afternoon in Blair, Neb.
Concordia started the game hot, going on a 17-2 run during the first 11 minutes. Once the run ended, a lethargic remainder of the first half led to a 27-14 advantage for the Bulldogs at halftime.
The Bulldogs lead swelled to as many as 24 in the second half before the Vikings began chipping away. Down 21, 63-42, with 3:44 remaining in the second half Dana ended the game on a 13-0 run to cut the Bulldogs winning margin down to just 8 points, 63-55.
With the victory the Bulldogs locked up third place in the GPAC regular season and have earned a first-round bye in the 2009 GPAC post-season tournament. On Thursday, Feb. 26, Concordia will host the winner of the first-round match between University of Sioux Falls and Midland Lutheran College. Tip-off is tentatively scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Bulldogs fend of Cougars in physical GPAC tournament matchup
26 FEB 2009
The Concordia University women's basketball team was able to hold on to a 57-53 victory over the University of Sioux Falls Cougars Thursday night in second round action of the GPAC tournament in Seward, Neb.
Sioux Falls held an 18-15 lead with 8:40 remaining in the first half, but the Bulldogs responded with an 11-2 run over the next seven minutes to give Concordia a 26-20 lead. They took a 26-22 lead into halftime. Concordia's offense was cold to start the second half, and a 3-pointer by Katie Farley with 13:19 remaining gave the Cougars a four point lead, 34-30. A free throw by Whitney Stichka cut the lead to three; the two teams traded baskets before Stichka found Melissa Tinkham in the corner for a game tying 3-pointer. The Bulldog defense responded with stops, and 3-pointers by Tinkham and TaLisa Krejci gave the Bulldogs as much as an eight point lead down the stretch.
Tinkham led the Bulldog offense with 19 points while Stichka chipped in with 15 points. Kristin Miller held her own against the Cougars on the boards pulling down 12 rebounds (Concordia out rebounded Sioux Falls 53-40) while adding eight points. Sioux Falls was led offensively by Elizabeth Hildreth with 11 points.
Concordia's victory moves them into the semi-finals to take on Northwestern College (Iowa) on Saturday, Feb. 28, at 3 p.m. in Orange City, Iowa. The Bulldogs are now 24-7 overall while Sioux Falls drops to 18-13 overall.
Bulldogs drop overtime thriller to Northwestern
28 FEB 2009
The Concordia University women's basketball team dropped a thriller in Orange City, Iowa, Saturday afternoon, 80-78, to the Northwestern College Red Raiders in the semifinals of the 2009 GPAC tournament. It was a matchup of two NAIA top ten teams as Concordia is ranked No. 8 and Northwestern is ranked No. 6.
With four free-throws to close out the first half Northwestern took a 27-26 lead to halftime. The second half was a back and fourth contest with neither team able to separate themselves from the other. Concordia twice took a five-point lead, but each time the Red Raiders responded to quickly erase it.
Tied 64-64 with three minutes remaining in regulation, Kristin Miller sank a free-throw to give the Bulldogs a one point advantage. Both teams then went cold from the field with Northwestern holding the ball for over a minuteand missing four scoring opportunities. With an opportunity to extend the lead, Concordia missed a layup and a 3-pointer. With 39 seconds remaining Northwestern's Becca Hurley was fouled by the Bulldogs Angela Kuca. Hurley sank both free-throws to give Northwestern a 66-65 lead. Whitney Stichka was then fouled by Northwestern's Randa Hulstein with 24 seconds remaining. Stichka missed the front end of the two-shot foul but hit on the second to tie the game. Northwestern had the last shot of regulation but missed twice and sent the game into overtime.
In overtime the Bulldogs quickly jumped out to a five point advantage, 71-66, with TaLisa Krejci hitting from long range to start the period, and after a missed 3-pointer by the Red Raiders, Krejci scored again on a mid-range jumper. Northwestern responded with a five-point possession at two minutes remaining. Kami Kuhlmann hit from long range and Concordia was whistled for a foul away from the shot. Becca Hurley sank both free throws to tie the game at 73-73. Concordia then went cold from long distance and Northwestern hit on their offensive opportunities. Kuhlmann struck again to give the Red Raiders a five point lead, 78-73 with just 49 seconds remaining. Krejci hit for three again to cut into the advantage but Hurley iced it with a layup to push the lead back to four with just nine seconds left.
Northwestern advances to take on Morningside College in the championship game of the 2009 GPAC tournament. Concordia holds a great chance of receiving an at-large bid to the NAIA National Tournament but will wait to receive word on Wednesday, March 4.
Concordia defeats Taylor in first round of national tournament
11 MAR 2009
The Bulldogs defeated Taylor University (Ind.) 68-51 Wednesday and will advance to the second round of the 2009 NAIA Women's National Basketball Tournament currently underway in Sioux City, Iowa.
The Bulldogs played sluggishly in the first half and were down by four, 29-24, at the break. During the second half, however, the Bulldogs steamed ahead and stayed there. Concordia started the half with a 10-0 run to take the lead and exploded for 43 second-half points while holding Taylor to 10 points in the first 17 minutes of the second half.
Three players for Concordia led the team in scoring: Whitney Stichka, Melissa Tinkham and TaLisa Krejci, each with 13 points. Taylor was led by Paige Ruldolph with 15 points.
Concordia next plays Cornerstone University (Mich.) on Friday, March 13 at 8:30 a.m. Cornerstone defeated Cardinal Stritch 72-53 in Wednesday's breakfast match.
Bulldogs edge past Cornerstone in round two of national tournament
13 MAR 2009
Whitney Stichka scored the game-winning shot with under two seconds left on the clock to lead Concordia to a 74-73 victory over Cornerstone University (Mich.) in round two of the 2009 NAIA Women's National Basketball Tournament underway in Sioux City, Iowa.
Cornerstone led 63-62 with four minutes remaining in the second half when TaLisa Krejci hit a 3-pointer for Concordia and the Golden Eagles were whistled for a foul away from the play. Stichka hit two free throws to complete the five-point possession for Concordia.
The two teams traded baskets until Concordia's Stacy Scheer hit 1-of-2 free throws with 17 seconds remaining to give the Bulldogs a 72-71 lead. Concordia then put Cornerstone's Jenna Plewes on the foul line. Plewes hit both free throws to give the Golden Eagles a 73-72 lead with 8 seconds remaining.
Stichka took the inbound pass and raced the length of the court for a layup to give the Bulldogs the lead.
Stichka led all scorers in the game with 33 points, 14 of those from the free throw line. Fellow senior Melissa Tinkham scored 17. Kristin Miller led the Bulldogs in rebounding with 10. Cornerstone's scoring leader, Plewes, had 19 points.
The win puts Concordia on a path to play Hastings College in a quarterfinal game Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start.
Bulldogs defeated in NAIA tournament quarterfinals
14 MAR 2009
Concordia took a 69-65 loss to the Hastings College Broncos in the quarterfinal round of the 2009 NAIA Women's National Basketball Tournament on Saturday in Sioux City, Iowa.
The lead changed several times in the first half as the teams, who know each other well as conference foes, looked for new ways to put points on the board. Hastings would muster enough offense to pull ahead 24-17, but Concordia clawed back and cut the lead to three points just before the half. Concordia's Angela Kuca spotted up for a 3-pointer to tie the game at 28-28 going into the break.
Concordia started the second half on its heels as Hastings went on a 12-3 run. A 3-pointer by Melissa Tinkham with 15 minutes left in the game helped the Bulldogs get their offense moving again, and by the seven-minute mark the Bulldogs had pulled ahead by one, 47-46. Hastings' offense again responded and, with under three minutes remaining, were ahead by four points. With 2:33 left, Broncos guard Kim Faimon sank a 3-pointer that put Hastings up by seven points, 59-52, and forced the Bulldogs to start fouling in order to regain the ball. The Broncos were solid from the free throw line, however, and left the court with a four-point victory, 69-65.
The Bulldogs held all-American Lindsay Ducey to 14 points, three below her average for the season, but did not have an answer for Faimon. Faimon, a junior, led all scorers with 18 points.
TaLisa Krejci led the Bulldogs in scoring with 15 and senior Whitney Stichka had 14. This is the second consecutive year the Bulldogs have made it to the national tournament quarterfinals.
Stichka earns GPAC honor
Concordia guard Whitney Stichka is the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Women's Basketball Player-of-the-Week. Stichka, a senior from Ruskin, Nebraska, averaged 26 points and seven rebounds per game as the Bulldogs went 2-0 on the week. For the week she made 14-29 field goals (48%), 3-9 (33%) three pointers, and 21-27 free throws (78%). Concordia is now 12-5 on the season. The Bulldogs will play at Midland Lutheran on Tuesday and host Mount Marty on Saturday.
Five Bulldogs earn All-Conference honors
The Concordia University, Nebraska women's basketball team has five players on the 2008-09 Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) All-Conference Team. The list, released today, consists of 10 first-team members, 10 second-team members and an honorable mention list.
Seniors Whitney Stichka (Ruskin, Neb.) and Melissa Tinkham (Kearney, Neb.) were named to the first-team while juniors TaLisa Krejci (Exeter, Neb.) and Stacy Scheer (Madison, Neb.) along with sophomore Kristin Miller (Jefferson City, Mo.) each earned honorable mention status.
Stichka was the leading scorer for Concordia at 18.4 points per game placing her third in scoring in the conference. The 5-9 guard was one of the leading three-point shooters in the conference, hitting on 44.2 percent.
Tinkham was the second leading scorer for the Bulldogs at 14.3 points per game placing her twelfth in scoring in the conference. She was also one of the top defensive players in the league averaging 2.56 steals per game placing her sixth in conference. A sharp shooter, Tinkham again was near the top of the GPAC in three-point field goals made with 90 placing her third in the conference.
Miller was among the top rebounders in the conference. She was 6th in rebounding, averaging 7.3 rebounds per game. Scheer also established herself as a sharpshooter on the perimeter hitting 42.9 percent of her three-point attempts, good enough for 4th in the conference. Krejci added stability to the Bulldogs scoring 8.7 points per game while pulling down 4.9 rebounds.
Bulldogs earn national honors
The Concordia University, Nebraska women's basketball team collected more honors this week after finishing the season in the quarterfinals of the NAIA Div. II National Basketball Tournament with a final record of 26-9.
Whitney Stichka, a senior from Ruskin, Neb., was named an NAIA First Team All-American, finishing her career with 1,765 points, 408 rebounds, 323 assists, and 175 steals. Stichka was a second team selection following the 2007-08 season. She was named to the second team all-tournament team, averaging 20 points per game and 3.3 rebounds over Concordia's three games. The highlight of Stichka's tournament play came with 8.1 seconds remaining in the Bulldogs' second round game versus Cornerstone (Mich.). Stichka took the inbound pass and raced the length of the court to make the game-winning layup. Her prowess was evident off the court as well. She was one of five Bulldogs to be named a 2009 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete.
Melissa Tinkham, a senior from Kearney, Neb., was selected as an NAIA Honorable Mention All-American. She wrapped up her career as a Bulldog with 1,452 points, 407 rebounds, 155 assists and 230 steals. Tinkham, known best for her outside shooting, hit 265 three-pointers in four years, including 90 treys in both her junior and senior years.
Besides Stichka, Concordia's other 2009 scholar-athletes are Danae Koopman (Scribner, Neb.), TaLisa Krejci (Exeter, Neb.), Amber Quinn (Bellevue, Neb.), and Stacy Scheer (Madison, Neb.). In order to be named a scholar-athlete, players must be nominated by their coach, have achieved junior academic status and maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
The Concordia University, Nebraska women's basketball team collected more honors this week after finishing the season in the quarterfinals of the NAIA Div. II National Basketball Tournament with a final record of 26-9.
Whitney Stichka, a senior from Ruskin, Neb., was named an NAIA First Team All-American, finishing her career with 1,765 points, 408 rebounds, 323 assists, and 175 steals. Stichka was a second team selection following the 2007-08 season. She was named to the second team all-tournament team, averaging 20 points per game and 3.3 rebounds over Concordia's three games. The highlight of Stichka's tournament play came with 8.1 seconds remaining in the Bulldogs' second round game versus Cornerstone (Mich.). Stichka took the inbound pass and raced the length of the court to make the game-winning layup. Her prowess was evident off the court as well. She was one of five Bulldogs to be named a 2009 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete.
Melissa Tinkham, a senior from Kearney, Neb., was selected as an NAIA Honorable Mention All-American. She wrapped up her career as a Bulldog with 1,452 points, 407 rebounds, 155 assists and 230 steals. Tinkham, known best for her outside shooting, hit 265 three-pointers in four years, including 90 treys in both her junior and senior years.
Besides Stichka, Concordia's other 2009 scholar-athletes are Danae Koopman (Scribner, Neb.), TaLisa Krejci (Exeter, Neb.), Amber Quinn (Bellevue, Neb.), and Stacy Scheer (Madison, Neb.). In order to be named a scholar-athlete, players must be nominated by their coach, have achieved junior academic status and maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Saalfeld and Stichka named Athletes of the Year
Concordia University, Nebraska announced Wednesday night that seniors Michael Saalfeld and Whitney Stichka have been named as Concordia's Athletes of the Year for 2008-09.
Saalfeld, a standout for the Bulldogs on the track for the past four years also competed for three years as a kicker on the football team.. Saalfeld is currently one of the GPAC record holders for the longest punt. He booted a punt 83 yards in a 2007 game against Morningside College. Saalfeld also added a year of cross country competition to his resume this past fall.
On the track Saalfeld is currently the Concordia record holder in the 800-meter run for both indoor and outdoor track. His indoor record is 1:50.11 while his outdoor record sits at 1:49.11. Saalfeld also holds the fastest time for the 800 at the GPAC indoor meet, 1:51.97.
During his four seasons of outdoor and three season of indoor track, Saalfeld has earned seven GPAC conference championship titles, three indoor and four outdoor. Saalfeld is also a five-time NAIA all-American competing in the 800 or the 4X800-meter relay. Saalfeld was the 2007 NAIA National Champion in the 800 for both the indoor and outdoor seasons.
In 2009 Saalfeld was ranked among the top thirty of all competitive United States runners for the 800. He qualified for the USA Track Nationals held in Boston, Mass. Saalfeld has competed internationally in Canada and will again in September 2009 as he was recently named to the USA national team competing in the Deaf Olympics in Taiwan.
During her career at Concordia University, Whitney Stichka has become one of the most decorated Bulldogs ever to step foot on the hardwood. As a three year starter Stichka amassed 1,745 points with 309 assists and 392 rebounds. Stichka holds the record for most points in a single game when she scored 35 points against the University of Sioux Falls at the end of her sophomore year.
A three-time GPAC first team all-conference selection, Stichka has three times been named the conference's Player of the Week as well as multiple times being named the Concordia Booster Club's Athlete of the Week. Stichka holds the distinction as just the second player ever to be named the Concordia Invitational Tournament's Most Valuable Player three times: 2006, 2008 and 2009. Stichka has also been named to the Omaha World Herald's All-Nebraska Team three times.
As a junior and senior, Stichka led the Bulldogs to repeat NAIA Div. II National Tournament appearances. Both times the Bulldogs made it as far as the quarterfinals. After the 2009 tournament Stichka was named to the NAIA Div. II National Tournament, All-Tournament second team. She has three times been recognized nationally by the NAIA. First as a sophomore in 2007 Stichka was named an NAIA Div. II honorable mention all-American. She was selected to the second team in 2008 and finally to the first team following her senior season in 2009.Concordia University, Nebraska announced Wednesday night that seniors Michael Saalfeld and Whitney Stichka have been named as Concordia's Athletes of the Year for 2008-09.
Saalfeld, a standout for the Bulldogs on the track for the past four years also competed for three years as a kicker on the football team.. Saalfeld is currently one of the GPAC record holders for the longest punt. He booted a punt 83 yards in a 2007 game against Morningside College. Saalfeld also added a year of cross country competition to his resume this past fall.
On the track Saalfeld is currently the Concordia record holder in the 800-meter run for both indoor and outdoor track. His indoor record is 1:50.11 while his outdoor record sits at 1:49.11. Saalfeld also holds the fastest time for the 800 at the GPAC indoor meet, 1:51.97.
During his four seasons of outdoor and three season of indoor track, Saalfeld has earned seven GPAC conference championship titles, three indoor and four outdoor. Saalfeld is also a five-time NAIA all-American competing in the 800 or the 4X800-meter relay. Saalfeld was the 2007 NAIA National Champion in the 800 for both the indoor and outdoor seasons.
In 2009 Saalfeld was ranked among the top thirty of all competitive United States runners for the 800. He qualified for the USA Track Nationals held in Boston, Mass. Saalfeld has competed internationally in Canada and will again in September 2009 as he was recently named to the USA national team competing in the Deaf Olympics in Taiwan.
During her career at Concordia University, Whitney Stichka has become one of the most decorated Bulldogs ever to step foot on the hardwood. As a three year starter Stichka amassed 1,745 points with 309 assists and 392 rebounds. Stichka holds the record for most points in a single game when she scored 35 points against the University of Sioux Falls at the end of her sophomore year.
A three-time GPAC first team all-conference selection, Stichka has three times been named the conference's Player of the Week as well as multiple times being named the Concordia Booster Club's Athlete of the Week. Stichka holds the distinction as just the second player ever to be named the Concordia Invitational Tournament's Most Valuable Player three times: 2006, 2008 and 2009. Stichka has also been named to the Omaha World Herald's All-Nebraska Team three times.
As a junior and senior, Stichka led the Bulldogs to repeat NAIA Div. II National Tournament appearances. Both times the Bulldogs made it as far as the quarterfinals. After the 2009 tournament Stichka was named to the NAIA Div. II National Tournament, All-Tournament second team. She has three times been recognized nationally by the NAIA. First as a sophomore in 2007 Stichka was named an NAIA Div. II honorable mention all-American. She was selected to the second team in 2008 and finally to the first team following her senior season in 2009.
Bulldogs awarded for academic excellence
The Concordia University women’s basketball team earned a fourth place finish in the WBCA 2008-09 Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll. Concordia had a 3.652 team grade point average and finished behind only Dana College (3.763), Oklahoma Christian University (3.762) and Davenport University (3.663) in the poll.
Each year at this time, the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association awards teams throughout the nation that carry the highest grade point averages for the entire season based on the nomination submitted by WBCA-member head coaches. Concordia is no stranger to the WBCA Academic Top 25, as the women’s basketball team has finished first in the poll an impressive seven times since the 1999-00 season.
Seniors Danae Koopman, Stacy Scheer and Whitney Stichka, and juniors TaLisa Krejci and Amber Quinn all earned scholar-athlete honors for Concordia this past school year. Student-athletes must be at least juniors in academic status and maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale to receive the honor.
Concordia University competes in the 13-team Great Plains Athletic Conference. Last year, Concordia went 26-9 overall with a 14-4 record in the GPAC. The Bulldogs also made it to the national tournament quarterfinals for the second straight year.