2022-23 Women's Basketball Schedule/Results
20-12 overall | 14-8 GPAC (T-5th) | Season Stats | Roster
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time/Result | Record | |
| 23rd annual Cattle Classic: Nov. 4-5 | |||||
| Nov. 4 | Bellevue University | Seward, Neb. | W, 74-52 | 1-0 | |
| Nov. 5 | Dakota State University (S.D.) | Seward, Neb. | W, 71-61 | 2-0 | |
| Nov. 12 | *Briar Cliff University | Sioux City, Iowa | L, 76-87 | 2-1, 0-1 | |
| Nov. 16 | *Midland University | Seward, Neb. | W, 84-59 | 3-1, 1-1 | |
| Nov. 19 | *(13) Dordt University | Sioux Center, Iowa | L, 65-76 | 3-2, 1-2 | |
| Nov. 22 | *University of Jamestown | Seward, Neb. | L, 49-66 | 3-3, 1-3 | |
| Nov. 30 | *(25) Morningside University | Sioux City, Iowa | W, 71-64 | 4-3, 2-3 | |
| Dec. 3 | *(16) Northwestern College | Seward, Neb. | L, 56-72 | 4-4, 2-4 | |
| Dec. 7 | *Mount Marty University | Seward, Neb. | W, 91-48 | 5-4, 3-4 | |
| Dec. 10 | *Hastings College | Hastings, Neb. | W, 70-57 | 6-4, 4-4 | |
| Dec. 15 | *Doane University | Seward, Neb. | W, 72-55 | 7-4, 5-4 | |
| Dec. 28 | Texas Wesleyan University | Forth Worth, Texas | L, 71-73 | 7-5 | |
| Dec. 30 | (17) University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma | Chickasha, Okla. | L, 64-77 | 7-6 | |
| Jan. 5 | *Mount Marty University | Yankton, S.D. | W, 85-62 | 8-6, 6-4 | |
| Jan. 7 | *(21) Dakota Wesleyan University | Seward, Neb. | W, 59-58 | 9-6, 7-4 | |
| Jan. 11 | *College of Saint Mary (Neb.) | Seward, Neb. | W, 74-54 | 10-6, 8-4 | |
| Jan. 14 | *University of Jamestown | Jamestown, N.D. | L, 72-79 | 10-7, 8-5 | |
| Jan. 19 | *Morningside University | Seward, Neb. | W, 74-60 | 11-7, 9-5 | |
| Jan. 21 | *(15) Northwestern College | Orange City, Iowa | W, 65-55 | 12-7, 10-5 | |
| Jan. 25 | *Hastings College | Seward, Neb. | W, 73-62 | 13-7, 11-5 | |
| |||||
| Jan. 27 | Concordia University Wisconsin | Seward, Neb. | W, 100-49 | 14-7 | |
| Jan. 28 | Concordia University Chicago (Championship) | Seward, Neb. | W, 85-33 | 15-7 | |
| Feb. 1 | *Midland University | Fremont, Neb. | W, 102-64 | 16-7, 12-5 | |
| Feb. 4 | *(4) Dordt University | Seward, Neb. | L, 69-76 | 16-8, 12-6 | |
| Feb. 8 | *Doane University | Crete, Neb. | W, 92-80 | 17-8, 13-6 | |
| Feb. 11 | *College of Saint Mary | Omaha, Neb. | W, 99-76 | 18-8, 14-6 | |
| Feb. 15 | *(23) Briar Cliff University (Senior Day) | Seward, Neb. | L, 51-56 | 18-9, 14-7 | |
| Feb. 18 | *Dakota Wesleyan University | Mitchell, S.D. | L, 54-61 | 18-10, 14-8 | |
| GPAC Tournament | |||||
| Feb. 21 | (19) University of Jamestown (Quarterfinals) | Jamestown, N.D. | W, 73-67 | 19-10 | |
| Feb. 25 | (23) Briar Cliff University (Semifinals) | Sioux City, Iowa | L, 57-66 | 19-11 | |
| |||||
| March 7 | Columbia College (Mo.) (First Round) | Crestview Hills, Ky. | W, 77-50 | 20-11 | |
| March 8 | (3) Thomas More University (Ky.) (Second Round) | Crestview Hills, Ky. | L, 69-98 | 20-12 | |
| *indicates a GPAC contest |
2022-23 Roster
| No. | Varsity Roster | Pos. | Ht. | Year | Hometown | Previous School |
| 00 | Mackenzie Toomey | G | 5-9 | So. | Lincoln, Neb. | Lincoln Southeast HS |
| 2 | Reece Snodgrass | G | 5-6 | So. | West Point, Neb. | West Point Beemer HS |
| 4 | Taysha Rushton | G | 5-4 | So. | Midland, Texas | Monterey HS |
| 5 | Megan Belt | G | 5-4 | Fr. | Papillion, Neb. | Millard South HS |
| 10 | Taylor Farrell | G | 5-7 | Jr. | Omaha, Neb. | Millard West HS |
| 12 | Hanna Spearman | G | 5-8 | So. | Gretna, Neb. | Gretna HS |
| 13 | Abby Heemstra | F | 5-11 | So. | Rock Valley, Iowa | Rock Valley HS |
| 21 | Mackenzie Koepke | G | 6-1 | Sr. | Lincoln, Neb. | Lincoln Lutheran HS |
| 22 | Destiny Shepherd | G | 5-7 | Fr. | York, Neb. | York HS |
| 23 | Abby Krieser | G | 5-8 | So. | Lincoln, Neb. | Lincoln North Star HS |
| 32 | Kendal Brigham | G | 5-4 | So. | Wahoo, Neb. | Wahoo HS |
| 34 | Hailey Kleinschmit | F | 5-11 | So. | Norfolk, Neb. | Norfolk HS |
| 35 | Sadie Powell | F | 6-0 | So. | Cedar Rapids, Iowa | John F. Kennedy HS |
| 44 | Kristin Vieselmeyer | F | 6-1 | Fr. | Holyoke, Colo. | Holyoke HS |
| No. | Junior Varsity Roster | Pos. | Ht. | Year | Hometown | Previous School |
| 00 | Shelby Hoffman | G | 5-6 | So. | Grover, Colo. | Pawnee HS |
| 2 | Reece Snodgrass | G | 5-6 | So. | West Point, Neb. | West Point Beemer HS |
| 3 | Destiny Shepherd | G | 5-7 | Fr. | York, Neb. | York HS |
| 4 | Alivia Weathers | G | 5-6 | Fr. | Yuma, Colo. | Lone Star HS |
| 5 | Carolyn Esh | G | 5-6 | So. | Loveland, Colo. | Loveland Classical Schools |
| 10 | Brynna Bruxellas | G | 5-8 | So. | Falls City, Neb. | Falls City HS |
| 11 | Koryn Vangilder | F | 6-0 | So. | Saint Peters, Mo. | Lutheran HS |
| 12 | Cylee Jameson | G | 5-7 | Fr. | Thedford, Neb. | Thedford HS |
| 14 | Lydia Hodges | G | 5-8 | So. | Papillion, Neb. | Papillion La Vista South HS |
| 15 | Maggi Hughes | G | 5-3 | Jr. | Sabetha, Kan. | Sabetha HS |
| 32 | Kiera Moes | G | 5-6 | Fr. | Osmond, Neb. | Osmond HS |
| 33 | Willavena Tokporo | F | 5-11 | Fr. | Omaha, Neb. | Omaha Mercy HS |
| Gabrielle Wagner | G | 5-8 | Fr. | Sioux City, Iowa | Sioux City West HS |
STAFF
Drew Olson, Head Coach (17th Year)
Tae'lor Purdy-Korell, Assistant Coach
Emmiley Hendrixson, Graduate Assistant Coach
Bulldogs pegged fifth in GPAC women's hoops preseason poll
October 13, 2022
SEWARD, Neb. – In mirroring its finish from 2021-22, the Concordia University Women’s Basketball program has been placed at No. 5 in the 2022-23 GPAC Women’s Basketball Preseason Coaches’ Poll. In the poll released on Thursday (Oct. 13), the Bulldogs picked up 83 points. Head Coach Drew Olson’s Bulldogs concluded last season in a tie for fifth in the league standings at 13-9 in league play (16-14 overall).
Concordia enters the 2022-23 season having qualified for the national tournament in each of the past 11 years. From last season’s team, the Bulldogs return four players who started at least 10 games: Abby Heemstra, Sadie Powell, Taysha Rushton and Mackenzie Toomey. In terms of accolades, Rushton is the most decorated. She’s a two-time First Team All-GPAC honoree and is knocking on the door of 1,000 career points to begin this season.
In addition to the return of the bulk of their rotation from last season, the Bulldogs bring back Mackenzie Koepke, who sat out the entire 2021-22 campaign due to injury. Koepke is the last remaining link on the roster to the 2018-19 national championship team. Concordia will attempt to get back to the top of the GPAC standings, a perch it held down for four straight years from 2016-17 through 2019-20. Under Olson, the program has claimed a combined 12 GPAC titles (six regular season and six postseason).
The Bulldogs will tip off the 2022-23 season at the 23rd annual Cattle Classic (Nov. 4-5). As part of the event, Concordia will take on Bellevue University and Dakota State University (S.D.).
2022-23 GPAC Women’s Basketball Preseason Coaches’ Poll
(First-place votes in parentheses)
1. Morningside – 119 (10)
2. Dakota Wesleyan – 99 (1)
3. Dordt – 98 (1)
4. Northwestern – 97
5. Concordia – 83
6. Briar Cliff – 79
7. Jamestown – 61
8. Hastings – 50
9. Doane – 37
10. College of Saint Mary – 34
11. Midland – 24
12. Mount Marty – 11
Season Preview: 2022-23 Concordia Women's Basketball
October 13, 2022
2021-22 Record: 16-14 overall, 13-9 GPAC (T-5th); NAIA national qualifier.
Head Coach: Drew Olson (423-121, 16 years; 14 national tournament appearances; 12 GPAC regular season/tournament titles; five national semifinal advancements, including two runners up; 2019 national champions).
Returning Starters: F Sadie Powell; G Taysha Rushton.
Other Key Returners: G Kendal Brigham; G Taylor Farrell; F Abby Heemstra; F Hailey Kleinschmidt; F Mackenzie Koepke; G Abby Krieser; G Mackenzie Toomey.
Key Losses: G Lauren Baker; G Bailey Conrad; F Kayla Luebbe; F Rylee Pauli.
2021-22 GPAC All-Conference: Taysha Rushton (First Team); Rylee Pauli (Honorable Mention); Sadie Powell (Honorable Mention); Mackenzie Toomey (Honorable Mention).
2021-22 NAIA All-American: Taysha Rushton (Honorable Mention).
Outlook
Last season’s Concordia University Women’s Basketball team navigated the NAIA’s most challenging schedule (according to the official NAIA strength of schedule metric), took some lumps at times and then managed to extend the program’s run of consecutive national tournament berths to 11. Those that experienced the national quarterfinal run of 2021 have a hunger to get back to the biggest stage in Sioux City, Iowa, and show they have grown through the ups and downs of the 2021-22 season. It wasn’t long ago that this program reigned atop NAIA Division II.
Head Coach Drew Olson’s outfit will miss the senior leadership and grit of Rylee Pauli, but the bulk of the major players from last season have returned to give this team a more veteran look overall. It’s a group that features a core of third-year players including returning Honorable Mention All-American Taysha Rushton. This has been an important preseason of development for Olson’s crew.
“It’s hard to tell,” said Olson of where this team might end up. “I think we’ve got a really good team. At the same time, we know in the GPAC it’s really tough, especially this year. We know there are so many teams that are going to be senior heavy or fifth-year heavy. It’s going to be a challenge. I feel like there are eight or nine teams that are really good. It’s going to be a battle, but I do really like our team. When we have the toughness that we’ve shown so far and how hard we play, I think good things are going to happen.”
It starts with the do-it-all combo guard Rushton, who can score points in bunches and wear opponents out with her tenacity on the defensive end. The development of other scoring options will be key for a program that has typically scored at a higher clip than it did last season when it averaged 74.1 points per game. Olson believes strongly that Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native Sadie Powell is ready to take a big leap forward. A lot will be expected of the junior class (academically) that includes not only Rushton and Powell, but also Kendal Brigham, Hanna Spearman and Mackenzie Toomey.
One missing ingredient last season was Mackenzie Koepke, who played a significant role coming off the bench for the 2018-19 national championship team. After missing all of 2021-22 due to injury, the Lincoln Lutheran High School alum decided she wasn’t going out like that. Koepke brings outside shooting (757 career points), length and championship experience as a fifth-year member of the program. Meanwhile, the lone fourth-year senior on the roster is sharpshooting Taylor Farrell, who is still working her way back from offseason surgery.
It's those veterans who are attempting to help set the tone this offseason. They have to ensure that everyone knows what the standard is for this program. They are determined to learn from last season’s hard lessons. Said Olson of Koepke’s return, “She’s going to be a huge addition on the court. She also gives us leadership and competitiveness.”
So what area of this team has seen the most growth? Answered Rushton, “I think our dedication overall. Last season we had a lot of tough losses in the seven-point range that we couldn’t get over the hump and win. This year we’re all very committed to each other and love what we’re doing. Practices have been fun. We’ve been getting better. You can see the dedication this team has and how bad we want to win and see each other succeed.”
Rushton’s star power alone makes this Concordia team dangerous. She’s already racked up 959 points over two seasons and averaged 17.7 points per game in her second year. She’s the type of player who always believes the next shot is going in, and she never relents on the defensive end. There are moments when the terrific Texan can carry a team, but the Bulldogs don’t want her to feel that pressure. Enter the 6-foot Powell. She’s flashed vast potential, like when she put up 19 points on eventual national runner up Dordt.
In the backcourt, Brigham and Toomey continue to grow their games. Both are capable of scoring 15 in any given game while playing solid defense. Brigham might be as good of a shooter as any on the team, and Toomey is a scrapper who’s never afraid of risking bodily harm for a loose ball.
Says Olson of the group of third-year players, “I think maturity is the right word with that group. You can tell they’re just a little bit different this year. They’ve gone through some of the growing pains through losses and also being expected to be leaders at such a young age. It was really kind of a tough task to ask of them. I think now that they are juniors and have been through it, they’re doing an awesome job of leading. You can see there’s a different mindset about them, and their work ethic is phenomenal.”
Then there’s the class of sophomores who got their feet wet last year: post players Abby Heemstra and Hailey Kleinschmit and guard Abby Krieser. Heemstra started 16 games last season and still has a lot of potential to unlock. As for Krieser, she’s an athletic and physical guard who was meant to play in that dogged Concordia full-court press. Finally, Kleinschmit has the opportunity to see her minutes increase after she saw action in 12 games in 2021-22.
Sensational guard play has been a common denominator for successful teams under Olson, but that’s not to say the frontcourt isn’t a key component. As a whole, this area looks to be improved as Powell steps into a starring role and others begin to make their mark. The frontcourt adds 6-foot-1 freshman Kristin Vieslemeyer (younger sister of former Bulldogs Erin and Megan) to the mix. Vieselmeyer helped Holyoke High School win a Colorado state championship in 2022.
“That group’s doing a great job,” Olson said. “Sadie is a big-time player as well. I think she’s ready to take another step in her game. I think Abby and Hailey are finding their roles for the team. Kristin is going to be a really good player. She’s going to have her moments of being a freshman, but so far what we’ve seen is very impressive. I love her worth ethic as well.”
Millard South High School product Megan Belt is another freshman to watch. There will likely be others who contribute when and if Olson does decide to deploy the program’s frantic patented full-court press, which requires frequent substitutions. When it’s at full throttle, the press is about as fun for opponents as a swarm of gnats at a picnic. In terms of how often this team will press, Olson says, “We’ll see what our group does this season. The main thing is that we’re going to play really, really hard.”
Both Olson and Rushton have commented about how intense practices have been this preseason. There was a level of understanding that last season would come with growing pains, but the final results did not live up to the standard this program has set. In some ways, the growth process has been about not just building up basketball skills, but also strengthening the intangibles. Toughness. Grit. Togetherness. Team chemistry. Work ethic.
Says Rushton, “I’m a big believer that team chemistry can really get you over the hump and help you even win games that maybe you shouldn’t win. Stuff like loving each other and loving your teammates can really help. I’m playing with my best friends, so it’s fun.”
Added Olson, “I think the biggest thing is just our attitude and effort every day. Our team has been phenomenal. It’s been a really fun group to work with. They play super hard, and I’m really proud of how hard they’re working so far … I think we gained a lot of toughness and we’re very motivated because of what we went through last season.”
The 2022-23 season will officially tip off at the 23rd annual Cattle Classic (Nov. 4-5). As part of the event, the Bulldogs will take on Bellevue University and Dakota State University (S.D.).
Previewing the 23rd annual women's Cattle Classic
October 31, 2022
SEWARD, Neb. – The 23rd annual Cattle Classic is set to tip off on Friday afternoon inside Friedrich Arena. The basketball classic features a total of four men’s games and four women’s games over the course of the two-day extravaganza. The event, co-sponsored by Concordia and Cattle Bank & Trust, raises money and food for the Blue Valley Community Action's Food Pantry. Pac N Save of Seward will match all canned food donations.
Fans are encouraged to bring canned goods in exchange for admission. Ten canned items will get an adult a weekend pass. Complete admission information for the Cattle Classic can be found HERE. Tickets will not be sold online for this particular event.
Live webcasts/stats: Concordia Sports Network
2022 CATTLE CLASSIC SCHEDULE
Friday, Nov. 4
- Women: Briar Cliff University vs. Dakota State University (S.D.), 1 p.m.
- Men: Hastings College vs. Ottawa University (Kan.), 3 p.m.
- Women: Concordia vs. Bellevue University, 6 p.m.
- Men: Concordia vs. Tabor College (Kan.), 8 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 5
- Women: Bellevue University vs. Briar Cliff University, 10 a.m.
- Men: Hastings College vs. Tabor College (Kan.), 12 p.m.
- Women: Concordia vs. Dakota State University (S.D.), 2 p.m.
- Men: Concordia vs. Ottawa University (Kan.), 4 p.m.
The Women’s Field
NOTE: Overall records for 2022-23 are current as of the beginning of the week (Oct. 31).
Concordia University Bulldogs
Head Coach: Drew Olson, 17th season
2022-23 Record: 0-0
2021-22 Record: 16-14 (national qualifier)
Conference: Great Plains Athletic Conference
Location: Seward, Nebraska
Top Player: Taysha Rushton will star again for the Bulldogs after she averaged 17.7 points per game in 2021-22 and was named First Team All-GPAC and an NAIA Honorable Mention All-American. The native of Midland, Texas, enters the 2022-23 season having tallied 959 career points and 145 career 3-point field goals. The 5-foot-5 Rushton will be expected to be one of the top players in the GPAC.
Overview: Coach Drew Olson brings back three all-conference honorees from last season’s team that extended the program’s streak of consecutive national tournament appearances to 11. The Bulldogs are battle tested after having played the NAIA’s most challenging schedule in 2021-22. Concordia is led by a class of three-year players that includes Rushton as well as Kendal Brigham, Sadie Powell and Mackenzie Toomey. She won’t play immediately this season, but fifth-year member of the program Mackenzie Koepke is set to make a return after sitting out 2021-22 due to injury.
Bellevue University Bruins
Head Coach: Dave Denly, 7th season
2022-23 Record: 1-1
2021-22 Record: 15-17
Conference: North Star Athletic Association
Location: Bellevue, Nebraska
Top Player: Bellevue has two senior standouts in guards Faith Ross and Asha Scott. The latter is a transfer from West Texas A&M University and was named the North Star Athletic Association Newcomer of the Year in 2021-22. Last season, Ross averaged 11.6 points and Scott averaged 11.3 points.
Overview: The Bruins dipped below .500 last season but did reach their conference championship game, which resulted in an 83-69 loss to Dakota State. Head Coach Dave Denly took Bellevue to the national tournament as recently as 2019. The Bruins graduated four-time NAIA Honorable Mention All-America Elexis Martinez, who scored more than 2,000 career points.
Briar Cliff University Chargers
Head Coach: Brian Ortmeier, 1st season
2022-23 Record: 0-1
2021-22 Record: 17-14 (national qualifier)
Conference: Great Plains Athletic Conference
Location: Sioux City, Iowa
Top Player: Senior guard Konnor Sudmann garnered Second Team All-GPAC accolades last season as she averaged 10.6 points and 1.3 steals per game. Entering this season, Sudmann had totaled 1,167 career points over her first three seasons with the Chargers.
Overview: Briar Cliff has a new head coach as Brian Ortmeier has replaced Brita Hand, who is now at Maryville University. The Chargers qualified for the national tournament last season and are picked sixth in the GPAC preseason poll. Briar Cliff has a major addition to the team in Midland graduate transfer Peyton Wingert, a Second Team All-GPAC performer last season.
Dakota State University Trojans
Head Coach: David Moe, 6th season
2022-23 Record: 0-0
2021-22 Record: 27-8 (advanced to national round of 32)
Conference: North Star Athletic Association
Location: Madison, South Dakota
Top Player: Junior forward Savannah Walsdorf is looking to build upon a 2021-22 season that saw her earn first team all-conference recognition. Walsdorf averaged 13.4 points and 6.1 rebounds while shooting 48.9 percent from the floor last season.
Overview: Head Coach David Moe has built Dakota State into a powerhouse in the North Star Athletic Association and has led the program to back-to-back national tournament appearances (reached the national quarterfinals in 2021). The Trojans have been picked to win the conference once again and are led by the likes of Walsdorf and former Concordia Bulldog Elsie Aslesen. The 6-foot-1 Aslesen averaged 9.8 points and 5.5 rebounds last season. Dakota State begins this season rated just outside the NAIA top 25 (first among receiving votes).
Bulldogs shake off jitters, pull away from Bellevue in season opener
November 4, 2022
SEWARD, Neb. – There were moments on Friday (Nov. 4) when the Concordia University Women’s Basketball team looked like a group playing its first game of the 2022-23 season. Ultimately, the tenacity of the pressure Bulldog defense got the best of visiting Bellevue University. Concordia pulled away for a 74-52 victory in its first of two games at the 23rd annual Cattle Classic. Taysha Rushton and the Bulldogs lived on their plus-19 turnover margin.
This marked the start of year 17 for Head Coach Drew Olson. The 12-time GPAC champion coach guides a program seeking to extend its run of 11 straight appearances at the national tournament. The 2022-23 squad has something to build upon after the victory.
“I think it was more of the jitters,” Olson explained of the 8-0 deficit his team faced out of the gate. “We came out a little jittery and thankfully we settled down in the second half. I’m just really proud of how hard we played. Defensively, we were really good throughout the whole game. I thought offensively we were playing a little out of sorts and a little rushed. Part of that was Bellevue’s pressure, but I felt like we settled down in the second half.”
The patented ”gnats at a picnic” press is back on for Concordia, which plucked 15 steals while being led by the ultra pesky Mackenzie Toomey (six steals). Toomey is part of an experienced and talented bunch of third-year players that includes Kendal Brigham, Sadie Powell and Taysha Rushton. While things took some time to click offensively, Brigham provided much-needed dead-eye shooting going 4-for-7 from long range. Brigham paced all players with 14 points
The Bulldogs recovered from the rough start and took a 32-28 lead to the break. Bellevue responded by taking a 38-36 lead midway through the third quarter. A trey by Brigham sparked a 19-7 run to close the period and put Concordia in the lead for good. In the post, sophomore Abby Heemstra and freshman Kristin Veiselmeyer supplied 10 points apiece. Kristin is the third Vieselmeyer sister to compete athletically as a Bulldog.
After shooting 30 percent (12-for-40) from the field in the first half, Concordia heated up to 50 percent (16-for-32) in the second half. All 10 Bullodgs who saw action registered in the scoring column. The headlining returner Rushton produced nine points, seven assists and four steals and committed only one turnover in 29 minutes. Now in a starting role, Abby Krieser added seven points, four rebounds and two steals. Impressively, the Bulldogs turned the ball over just five times (compared to 18 assists).
There’s still room for improvement offensively. Lessons were learned while Concordia still managed to win by a 22-point margin. Said Olson, “We didn’t really capitalize on them. We had a lot of forced turnovers, but we didn’t really convert them into points. We need to keep working on that. Again, I love how hard we played and we’re playing really well together. I hope it continues tomorrow.”
The Bruins got a team high 13 points from Miranda Hennings. Bellevue shot just 31.4 percent (16-for-51) from the floor while slipping to 1-2 this season.
The Bulldogs will be right back at it on Saturday at the Cattle Classic and will take on Dakota State University (S.D.) at 2 p.m. CT. The Trojans were defeated in the event’s first game on Friday, 85-78, by Briar Cliff. Dakota State was the first team outside of the preseason NAIA coaches’ top 25 poll.
Rushton nets 24 points, defensive grit leads to 2-0 start
November 5, 2022
SEWARD, Neb. – Even as the Bulldogs work to discover an offensive rhythm, they found ways to win in the opening weekend of the 2022-23 season. The scoring of Taysha Rushton and the collective defensive performance of the Concordia University Women’s Basketball team resulted in a 71-61 victory over Dakota State University (S.D.) on the second day (Nov. 5) of the 23rd annual Cattle Classic. Both Rushton and Mackenzie Toomey were recognized with All-Cattle Classic awards.
Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad also claimed a 74-52 win over Bellevue University on Friday. The Bulldogs held both weekend opponents well below 40 percent shooting.
“I thought defensively we were good again, just in little different ways,” Olson said. “Dakota State did such a good job of getting the ball out of the net and playing really fast. We couldn’t find them, and it was some tough matchups because of their athleticism. They basically played five guards. It was a little more difficult for us today, but I thought we did a nice job adjusting, keeping the ball in front of us and making them earn baskets. I thought that was the difference.”
Concordia appeared to have the game well in hand when Megan Belt drilled a trey midway through the fourth quarter, extending the lead to 65-51. The Bulldogs managed to survive despite failing to score on their next seven possessions. Sadie Powell helped calm the waters when she canned a mid-range jumper to push the advantage to 67-60 with just over a minute remaining. Taysha Rushton went 4-for-6 from the foul line in the final minute while Concordia’s defensive tenacity put the home team in the winner’s circle.
Large advantages in turnover margin were a theme this weekend for the Bulldogs, who were plus-19 in Friday’s win and then plus-seven on Saturday. Concordia can unleash the Dawgs in the form of Rushton, Abby Krieser and Mackenzie Toomey in the starting backcourt. That trio combined for five steals in the latest victory while Rushton provided the scoring (24 points) that the Bulldogs sorely needed. Concordia shot 36.8 percent (25-for-68) from the floor and held Dakota State to 35.9 percent (23-for-64).
Krieser (11) and Toomey (10) joined Rushton in double figures in the scoring column. Both Rushton and Toomey were named to the All-Cattle Classic team (see below). Powell made her biggest contributions on the boards as she grabbed 11 rebounds. Belt chipped in with eight points off the bench. From an offensive standpoint, there is room for growth.
Said Olson, “We have a really good group that’s tough-minded that finds ways to win in different ways. I think we have a lot to work on, but I like where we’re at. We’re sitting 2-0 this weekend with wins over good teams. I like where we’re going.”
The Trojans slipped to 0-3 with all three defeats coming at the hands of GPAC opponents. Dakota State was forced to go with a smaller lineup after the 6-foot-1 Elsie Aslesen (former Bulldog) went down hard the day before against Briar Cliff. Courtney Menning earned All-Cattle Classic honors after tallying 14 points on Saturday. Teammate Sidney Fick added 11 points and 12 rebounds.
Next up will be the start of conference play. The Bulldogs will head to Sioux City, Iowa, next Saturday (Nov. 12) to play Briar Cliff (2-1), a team that was present at Friedrich Arena for the Cattle Classic. Tipoff from the Newman Flanagan Center is set for 2 p.m. CT. The two sides split last season’s two meetings with the home team winning in both cases.
2022 All-Cattle Classic Women’s Team
Ashtyn Arnold, Bellevue
Courtney Menning, Dakota State
Taysha Rushton, Concordia
Konnor Sudmann, Briar Cliff
Mackenzie Toomey, Concordia
GPAC play to tip off Saturday at Briar Cliff
November 9, 2022
SEWARD, Neb. – Just two games into the 2022-23 season, the Concordia University Women’s Basketball team is already prepping for the start of conference play. The Bulldogs will tip off the GPAC season on Saturday at Briar Cliff in a matchup of two teams that qualified for the 2022 national tournament. Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad will have had a week off by the time Saturday arrives. Concordia is coming off wins over Bellevue University, 74-52, and Dakota State University (S.D.), 71-61, at the 23rd annual Cattle Classic.
This Week
Saturday, Nov. 12 at Briar Cliff (2-1, 0-0 GPAC), 2 p.m.
--Live Webcast | Live Stats | Location: Newman Flanagan Center (Sioux City, Iowa)
By the numbers
· A rarity for the program, the Bulldogs are a bit off the national radar, at least based on preseason rankings. Concordia landed at No. 5 in the GPAC preseason coaches’ poll but did not generate any points in the NAIA preseason top 25 coaches’ poll. The Bulldogs have cracked the top 25 in 15 straight seasons leading into 2022-23 and have finished in the NAIA top 25 (NAIA Division II until 2020-21) 12 times during Olson’s tenure. Both the 2018-19 and 2019-20 squads finished their seasons ranked No. 1 nationally. In addition, Concordia entered this season looking to extend a streak of 11 national tournament appearances in a row.
· This marked the second year in a row that the Bulldogs opened the season with a home win over Bellevue. Concordia didn’t start this year’s season opener fast, but it dominated the second half in outscoring the Bruins 23-17 in the third quarter and 19-7 in the fourth. The scoring was spread out for the Bulldogs, who got 14 points from Kendal Brigham and 10 apiece from Abby Heemstra and Kristin Vieselmeyer. Headlining returner Taysha Rushton recorded nine points, seven assists and four steals. Concordia held Bellevue to 31.4 percent shooting and enjoyed a turnover margin of plus-19. The Bruins’ biggest advantage came in the rebounding department, 47-32.
· The next day came a test against a guard-heavy Dakota State team that was the first team outside of the NAIA top 25 in the preseason poll. The Bulldogs led almost the entire way and used their defensive prowess to make it through a late scoring drought that helped the Trojans cut a 14-point deficit to five. Sadie Powell made a big shot with just over a minute left to push the lead back to seven. Rushton carried the team offensively with 24 points on 8-for-16 shooting. Abby Krieser added 11 points, six rebounds and two steals and Mackenzie Toomey posted a line of 10 points, six rebounds and three assists. Both teams shot well below 40 percent in a defensive grinder. Concordia has played Dakota State at the Cattle Classic in three straight years and has gone 2-1 in those meetings.
· Rushton collected 33 points at the Cattle Classic and pushed her career point total to 992. The 5-foot-5 guard from Midland, Texas, was immediately an impact player when she arrived in Seward. Rushton averaged 14.4 points (445 total points) as a freshman in 2020-21 and then 17.7 points (514 total points) as a sophomore in 2021-22. Rushton was named a First Team All-GPAC honoree in each of the past two seasons and was recognized as an NAIA Honorable Mention All-American following last season. With eight more points, Rushton would become the 31st player in program history to reach 1,000 for a career. Rushton was joined on last week’s All-Cattle Classic team by fellow backcourt mate Mackenzie Toomey.
· The Bulldogs returned nine of the 15 players who made up last season’s postseason roster. Out of that group, Heemstra, Powell, Rushton and Toomey possessed some degree of starting experience. The lineup Olson has used for the first two games this season has featured a backcourt of Krieser, Rushton and Toomey and frontcourt of Heemstra and Powell. A native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Powell has the potential to be a breakout performer and provide strong frontcourt offensive and defensive play. Ideally, Olson wants to be able to force the issue every outing with full-court pressure that results in mistakes by the opponent. Concordia is already plus-26 in turnover margin (plus-13.0 per game) this season.
The opponent
Briar Cliff has been impressive to start the season in winning two of three games. The only defeat came by a single point (53-52) on the home court of No. 8 Clarke University (Iowa). The Chargers have an entire starting five of players who earned All-GPAC honors last season in Madelyn Deitchler (first team), Konnor Sudmann (second team), Peyton Wingert (second team), Kennedy Benne (honorable mention) and Payton Slaughter (honorable mention). Sudmann was named to the All-Cattle Classic team last week after she scored 23 in the win over Dakota State and 26 in the win over Bellevue. Briar Cliff has a first-year head coach in Brian Ortmeier, previously the head coach at Iowa Central Community College. Ortmeier replaced Brita Hand.
Next week
Conference play will continue as the Bulldogs host Midland on Nov. 16 and play at No. 15 Dordt on Nov. 19.
Slow start too much to overcome in GPAC opener at Briar Cliff
November 12, 2022
SIOUX CITY, Iowa – In the tipoff to the GPAC slate, the Concordia University Women’s Basketball team found itself playing catchup all Saturday (Nov. 12) afternoon at Briar Cliff. An experienced crew of Chargers led by double digits after a quarter and pushed the advantage to as many as 18 points on the way to an 87-76 victory inside the Newman Flanagan Center in Sioux City, Iowa. In the defeat, star guard Taysha Rushton became the 31st player in program history to reach 1,000 career points.
This was the first action for Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad since winning twice at the previous weekend’s Cattle Classic.
“First quarter, we got off to a slow start and really struggled offensively,” Olson said. “We were a little too passive and then I feel like after the first quarter we started to get into more of an attack mode. Briar Cliff is a really good team. I thought we did a good job of fighting back in the second half. We weren’t good enough defensively throughout the game and couldn’t get stops when ne needed them down the stretch.”
As rough as the first quarter felt, the Bulldogs still had a shot in the fourth quarter. They closed within six (65-59) and had a look from 3-point range from Megan Belt that could have cut the deficit to three. The Chargers followed with a 7-0 run and the margin remained in double digits the rest of the way. Briar Cliff (4-1, 1-0 GPAC) got 23 points from Kennedy Benne and 21 from Konnor Sudmann.
Eleven Concordia 3-point field goals helped the visitors remain within striking distance despite Briar Cliff holding advantages of 43-27 in rebounds and 52.8 to 36.8 in field goal percentage. Rushton posted 23 points and went 4-for-10 from long range as the catalyst for the Bulldog attack. Sadie Powell got going with a season high 16 points and seven rebounds. Kendal Brigham (11) and Mackenzie Toomey (10) also found their way into double figures.
Said Olson, “We’re still figuring some things out on the offensive end as far as how to use certain people in better ways. It was good to see Sadie come alive in the second half. We just got down too much in the first quarter to really make a difference. You can tell Briar Cliff is playing with confidence with that experience they have. They’re a really good team.”
The Chargers start five players who all earned All-GPAC honors last season. The group includes a couple of fifth-year players in Madelyn Deitchler (11 points and 14 rebounds) and Peyton Wingert. Four of the starters played at least 33 minutes on Saturday.
Rushton entered the day needing eight points to reach 1,000 for her career. The Midland, Texas, native has landed on the All-GPAC first team in back-to-back seasons as another standout backcourt scorer in a long line of them who have played for Olson.
The Bulldogs will be at home on Wednesday to host Midland (2-2) for a 6 p.m. CT tipoff inside Friedrich Arena. Concordia won both of last season's matchups handily – 93-52 in Seward and 101-57 in Fremont. The Warriors have won back-to-back nonconference games, defeating Ottawa University (Kan.) and Panhandle State University (Okla.).
Conference action to continue with matchups vs. Midland, No. 15 Dordt
November 13, 2022
SEWARD, Neb. – The first full week of conference play is here to greet the Concordia University Women’s Basketball team, which is coming off an 87-76 loss at Briar Cliff in the GPAC opener. The Bulldogs will look to get back to their winning ways as they host Midland on Wednesday before heading to Dordt on Saturday. Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad is 2-1 (0-1 GPAC) with the two wins having come at the Cattle Classic over Bellevue University and Dakota State University (S.D.).
This Week
Wednesday, Nov. 16 vs. Midland (2-2, 0-0 GPAC), 6 p.m.
--Live Webcast/Stats | Max Country | Location: Friedrich Arena (Seward, Neb.)
Saturday, Nov. 19 at No. 15 Dordt (5-0, 0-0 GPAC), 2 p.m.
--Live Webcast | Live Stats | | Max Country | Location: DeWitt Gymnasium (Sioux Center, Iowa)
By the numbers
· The Bulldogs never truly recovered after they trailed, 19-8, at the close of the first quarter at Briar Cliff. Behind 23 points from Kennedy Benne and 21 from Konnor Sudmann, the Chargers built a lead as large as 18 midway through the third quarter. Concordia fought back admirably and got within six (65-59) after Taysha Rushton made two free throws with 7:19 left in the contest. The Bulldogs couldn’t get enough stops down the stretch as Briar Cliff shot 52.8 percent from the floor. Concordia hung in the game with the help of 11 treys. Rushton finished with a team high 23 points while Sadie Powell added 16, Kendal Brigham contributed 11 and Mackenzie Toomey notched 10.
· Rushton entered last week’s game needing eight points to reach 1,000 for her collegiate career. Rushton now stands at 1,015, making her the 31st player in program history to join the 1,000-point club. The native of Midland, Texas, averaged 14.4 points (445 total points) in 2020-21, 17.7 points (514 total points) in 2021-22 and has averaged 18.7 points (56 total points) so far in 2022-23. Rushton was named First Team All-GPAC in each of her first two seasons and was also recognized as an NAIA Honorable Mention All-American in 2021-22. Rushton’s high for a single game was 32 versus Bellevue last season.
· Rushton and her fellow third-year classmates will be key to what becomes of this season. The team’s current top four scorers are each from that group: Rushton (18.7), Brigham (10.3), Powell (9.3) and Toomey (9.0). There are high hopes for the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native Powell, who averaged 9.4 points and 4.7 rebounds last season (30 games, 12 starts). Brigham may be as good of a shooter as any on the team. She nailed 34-of-91 (.374) 3-point tries last season and is 4-for-12 from long range to begin this season. As for Toomey, she’s one of the team’s top defensive players in the backcourt.
· Through three games, Concordia is averaging 73.7 points and allowing 66.7 points per game. The Bulldogs have posted shooting percentages of 37.5 from the field, 30.8 from 3-point range and 76.6 from the free throw line. Conversely, opponents have shot 39.9 percent from the field, 31.6 percent from beyond the arc and 70.6 percent from the foul line. Concordia has had a major advantage in turnovers with a +12.0 margin/game. The Bulldogs are turning it over only 8.3 times per game.
· Olson owns 425 career wins since being hired as head coach prior to the 2006-07 season. The accomplishments over time have included 12 total GPAC championships (six regular season, six postseason), 14 national tournament appearances, five national semifinal advancements and a national title in 2019. It will be difficult for any GPAC program to duplicate the achievements from the 2016-17 through 2019-20 seasons when Concordia swept GPAC regular season and postseason championships each year and took up residence within the top five of the NAIA Division II coaches’ poll. Both the 2018-19 and 2019-20 teams were ranked No. 1 nationally when their seasons concluded.
The opponents
Midland was picked 11th in the GPAC preseason poll after it finished the 2021-22 season at 8-21 overall (4-18 GPAC). Head Coach Shawn Gilbert begins his 10th season leading the program, which last appeared at the national tournament in 2000. The Warriors are 2-2 this season with wins over Ottawa University (Kan.) and Panhandle State University (Okla.). Center Erin Prusa leads the team in scoring at 14.8 points per game while Emma Shepard ranks second at 11.3. Midland is averaging 66.0 points while allowing 71.8 points per game.
Pegged third in the GPAC preseason poll, Dordt remains a GPAC championship contender despite graduating GPAC Player of the Year Ashtyn Veerbeek. Head Coach Bill Harmsen’s squad has retained experience in the form of stars like guard Bailey Beckman and post player Karly Gustafson. Beckman is shooting 52.2 percent from 3-point range and averaging 18.6 points while Gustafson is averaging 20.0 points and 6.2 rebounds. The Defenders are 5-0 with each win coming by a margin of at least 13 points. Dordt advanced to the 2022 national championship game and fell by a score of 77-65 at the hands of Thomas More University (Ky.).
Next week
Concordia will be in action once during the week of Thanksgiving as it will host Jamestown on Nov. 22.
Bulldog backcourt shines in home rout of Midland
November 16, 2022
SEWARD, Neb. – The full-court pressure caused the opposition headaches and the offensive playmaking of the backcourt took a step forward as the Concordia University Women’s Basketball team picked up its first conference victory of 2022-23. Three Bulldog guards reached double figures in scoring in what amounted to an 85-59 win over Midland on Wednesday (Nov. 16). Concordia enjoyed a plus-16 turnover margin and knocked down 10 treys.
Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad has won all three of its home games this season and now stands at 3-1 overall (1-1 GPAC). The Bulldogs bounced back after this past weekend’s 87-76 defeat at Briar Cliff.
“I thought overall our game was well-played,” Olson said. “Our focus was on our offensive efficiency and our press – and I thought we did both of those things really well. Our guards are really good. When they play with intelligence and are making good decisions in the lane, they’re a really tough group. I’m really proud of them.”
The likes of Abby Krieser, Taysha Rushton and Mackenzie Toomey controlled the flow of the game. Midland regularly struggled to get into any kind of offensive rhythm as it was swimming up creek against the pesky press. Toomey shined on both ends in piling up 17 points and three steals while contributing mightily to the Warrior turnover count of 24. Meanwhile, Krieser’s offensive game (14 points on 6-for-9 shooting) continues to take off and Rushton (12 points, six assists and one turnover) played within herself.
Concordia led by as many as 15 points in the first half before boosting the lead up to as large as 26 points (74-48) in the fourth quarter. In part because of the turnovers, Midland shot only 40 times from the floor (although it went 21-for-31 from the foul line). The Warriors (2-3, 0-1 GPAC) also saw Toomey at her best. She was just as aggressive on the offensive end on this night as she always is defensively.
Said Toomey of the group of guards, “I think our press is coming along well because our team is full of really quick and athletic players. I think we’ve shown in practice that it’s going to be really hard to get past it. I love when you just run around in basketball, if you can’t really tell. I think a lot of other girls on our team feel that way. Everyone has a good sense of where the ball is going.”
The frontcourt is still being seasoned as the Bulldogs look to Sadie Powell to shoulder a good deal of scoring in the paint. She notched nine points in the victory. Off the bench, Kendal Brigham chipped in with nine points and Kristin Vieselmeyer added six points and seven rebounds. A feel good moment came in the waning moments when Mackenzie Koepke returned from injury and knocked down her first shot attempt of the season, a trey from the top of the key.
Koepke missed all of last season and had not played since March 20, 2021, in the NAIA national quarterfinals. Said Olson of seeing Koepke back out there, “Joy was going through my mind. I’m just so happy for her. She’s gone a long way and for her to come back for this season meant a lot to me. This is just a small step. I know she’s got more in her as she continues to gain confidence in her knee.”
Midland was led by the 12 points from Emma Shepard off the bench. The Warriors owned a 37-26 advantage in rebounding.
A tall task awaits on Saturday when the Bulldogs will play at No. 13 Dordt (6-0, 1-0 GPAC). Game time is set for 2 p.m. CT from Sioux Center, Iowa. As part of their national runner up campaign in 2021-22, the Defenders won both regular season meetings with Concordia.
Bulldogs fall in major road test at No. 13 Dordt
November 19, 2022
SIOUX CENTER, Iowa – In another significant road challenge for the Concordia University Women’s Basketball team, 2022 national runner up Dordt showed it’s a bit farther along at this point in the season. Macy Sievers enjoyed a big performance off the bench as the 13th-ranked Defenders held off the Bulldogs, 76-65, in Sioux Center, Iowa, on Saturday (Nov. 19). The 22 turnovers committed by Concordia limited its ability to rally back in the second half.
Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad now stands at 3-2 overall (1-2 GPAC) with both defeats coming on the road to teams either ranked or receiving votes nationally.
“It felt kind of similar to the Briar Cliff game (a week earlier),” Olson said. “You’ve got to do a lot of things right to be able to win that game. We fought and showed a lot of toughness and never let up. I felt like we were right there. At the same time, that second half we were not sharp offensively and did not share the ball as much as we need to. We had some great opportunities and had missed layups or missed great looks at threes. If you’re going to beat a great team on the road, you have to come up with those. We had 16 turnovers in the second half – that’s not like us.”
Dordt capitalized and built a 13-point lead (63-50) by the end of the third quarter. In that final period, the Bulldogs got back within seven (68-61) when Taysha Rushton (trey) and Sadie Powell (two-point basket) scored on back-to-back possessions. That was essentially the last gasp for Concordia from an offensive perspective. Turnovers and missed chances down the stretch helped the Defenders (7-0, 2-0 GPAC) remain undefeated.
Even without 2021-22 GPAC Player of the Year Ashtyn Veerbeek, Dordt has a lot of weapons. Sievers came off the bench to notch 18 points. She was equaled in that department by teammate Janie Schoonhoven, who totaled 18 points and eight rebounds. Veteran standouts Karly Gustafson (14) and Bailey Beckman (11) also scored in double figures. Dordt shot 49.1 percent (28-for-57) from the floor and made 14-of-16 free throws.
Rushton and Kendal Brigham led the charge for the Bulldogs with 15 points apiece. Brigham went 7-for-10 from the floor and grabbed five rebounds off the bench. Powell finished with 11 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Rushton went 5-for-14 from the floor and added three rebounds to her stat line. Mackenzie Toomey turned in a strong day that included eight points, six rebounds and three assists. Concordia shot 44.4 percent (24-for-54) from the floor but could not overcome the turnovers.
Said Olson, “On one hand, I feel good about what we’re doing. I really like our team. I feel like we are close. But we have to make those plays to prove that we’re with these teams. I think we are – we’re really good. You have to go prove it. You have to earn it. I’m excited to see how we respond. We have to get over that hump.”
The Bulldogs will return home to host Jamestown (4-1, 2-0 GPAC) at 5 p.m. CT on Tuesday. Once again, Olson will go up against former teammate Thad Sankey, the head coach of the Jimmies. Jamestown made a splash earlier this week when it upset No. 7 Dakota Wesleyan, 71-64. The Bulldogs and Jimmies split their two matchups last season.
Bulldogs return home to host Jamestown in lone game during Thanksgiving week
November 20, 2022
SEWARD, Neb. – As an appetizer to Thanksgiving, the Concordia University Women’s Basketball team will welcome Jamestown to Friedrich Arena on Tuesday evening. Tipoff is slated for 5 p.m. CT instead of the typical 6 p.m. gametime on a weeknight. Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad stands at 3-2 overall (1-2 GPAC) following a week that included an 84-59 home win over Midland and a 76-65 loss at No. 13 Dordt. The Bulldogs are 3-0 at home while the two defeats have come on the road against GPAC squads that are a combined 12-1 this season.
Tuesday, Nov. 22 vs. Jamestown (5-1, 3-0 GPAC), 5 p.m.
--Live Webcast/Stats | Max Country | Location: Friedrich Arena (Seward, Neb.)
By the numbers
· Each of Concordia’s three home wins have come by double digit margins. The Bulldogs continued their series dominance over Midland last week while riding a backcourt that made plays on both ends of the floor. Mackenzie Toomey (17), Abby Krieser (14) and Taysha Rushton (12) all scored in double figures and contributed to a full-court press that made it difficult for the Warriors to beat the 10-second violation. Midland wound up with 24 turnovers, three of which came on Toomey steals. Concordia shot 48.4 percent (31-for-64) from the floor and drained 10 treys. A feel-good moment occurred late in the game when Mackenzie Koepke saw her first action since March 20, 2021. Koepke’s first shot of the season went down for a 3-point basket. She missed all of last season due to injury.
· Dordt (7-0, 2-0 GPAC) may have graduated 2021-22 GPAC Player of the Year Ashtyn Veerbeek, but it still has a lot of weapons at its disposal. The key stretch in the game played at De Witt Gymnasium occurred in the third quarter when the Defenders pushed a six-point halftime lead to 13 (63-50). The Bulldogs managed to get back within seven (68-61) before going cold down the stretch. Kendal Brigham and Rushton paced Concordia in scoring with 15 points apiece while Sadie Powell added 11 points and seven rebounds. Toomey also posted eight points, six rebounds and three assists. Dordt led virtually the entire way while getting 18 points apiece from Macy Sievers and Janie Schoonhoven. The Defenders were also helped by 22 Bulldog turnovers.
· Koepke did not see action at Dordt as she is being brought along slowly. The Lincoln Lutheran High School alum is actually ahead of schedule in terms of when Olson expected her to make her season debut. This is Koepke’s fifth season inside the program. She was a freshman on the 2018-19 team that won the NAIA Division II national championship. As a Bulldog, Koepke has scored 760 career points and has totaled 391 rebounds, 176 steals and 75 blocked shots in 103 games. Koepke’s been named all-conference three times in her career: honorable mention twice and second team in 2019-20.
· As expected, the group of third-year players has set the tone for Concordia. From that class, four players are averaging in double figures (or close) in scoring: Rushton (16.6), Brigham (11.0), Toomey (10.4) and Powell (9.6). In the game at Briar Cliff, Rushton went past 1,000 career points. Her total currently rests at 1,042. The juniors are being leaned upon heavily in terms of minutes played with Rushton averaging 33.8 followed by Powell (26.4), Toomey (26.2) and Brigham (23.4).
· The Bulldogs will have to prove themselves this season, and Olson believes he has a squad capable of doing that. In the latest conference ratings, Concordia landed at No. 6. Four teams in the GPAC are currently ranked in the top 25: No. 7 Dakota Wesleyan, No. 12 Morningside, No. 13 Dordt and No. 25 Northwestern. In addition, Briar Cliff is receiving votes. From 2011-12 through 2020-21, the Bulldogs finished in the top 25 each season and were ranked No. 1 at the close of the 2018-19 and 2019-20 campaigns. Concordia is working on getting back to the national tournament for a 12th year in a row. Olson has led the program to 14 national tournament appearances.
The opponent
Jamestown has started hot in conference play with wins over College of Saint Mary, No. 7 Dakota Wesleyan and Midland. Head Coach Thad Sankey’s squad is led by one of the GPAC’s best players in returning First Team All-GPAC forward Hannah DeMars, who is averaging 23.0 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. Defensively, the Jimmies have been strong in limiting foes to 57.2 points per game and to 38.9 percent shooting. Jamestown was just outside the national tournament picture last season when it finished at 18-13 overall (11-11 GPAC). The Jimmies and Bulldogs split last season’s two meetings with the home team winning in both cases. Sankey and Olson are good friends who were once teammates on the Concordia Men’s Basketball team. Sankey also served one year as a graduate assistant on Olson’s staff.
Next week
Following the week of Thanksgiving, the Bulldogs will be at No. 12 Morningside on Nov. 30 before hosting No. 25 Northwestern on Dec. 3.
Bulldog attack stymied by GPAC leading Jimmies
November 22, 2022
SEWARD, Neb. – Like many Jamestown opponents so far this season, the Concordia University Women’s Basketball team found the Jimmies to be a tough nut to crack. Even on a night when the Bulldogs bothered Jamestown into committing 23 turnovers, they couldn’t muster enough offense. CUNE alum Thad Sankey’s squad came away from Friedrich Arena with a 66-49 win on Tuesday (Nov. 22) evening. The Bulldogs went just 5-for-28 from 3-point range.
Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad has endured some bumps in the road in a challenging slate to begin conference play. Concordia slipped to 1-3 in the GPAC (3-3 overall).
This will be one the Bulldogs will try to quickly flush. The third quarter represented the only real stretch where Concordia gained a bit of traction. A steal and layup by freshman Destiny Shepherd got the Bulldogs within 13 (51-38) at the close of the third quarter. To begin the fourth, Kendal Brigham splashed home a trey and Hailey Kleinschmit dropped in two points in the paint. There was life for the home team as Jamestown’s advantage was trimmed to eight (53-45).
Concordia never got any closer as it went cold once again. The Bulldogs shot only 30.2 percent (19-for-63) overall. There will be better days for standouts Sadie Powell and Taysha Rushton, who combined to go 3-for-19 from the floor and total eight points. Considering those statistics, Concordia did well to get back within eight in the final quarter.
A real positive for the Bulldogs was the play of the 5-foot-11 sophomore Kleinschmit. The Norfolk, Neb., native notched 13 points (6-for-12 from the floor) and grabbed four rebounds. She saw 24 minutes of action. Two other Concordia players reached double figures: Abby Krieser (11) and Brigham (10). The best thing the Bulldogs had going for them was their press. Powell and Mackenzie Toomey swiped three steals apiece.
Other than the turnovers, Jamestown (6-1, 4-0 GPAC) couldn’t have asked for a much better outing. The Jimmies enjoyed a massive rebound advantage, 51-25, and shot 47.3 percent (26-for-55) from the floor. Star Hannah DeMars collected 19 points and 12 rebounds while Audrey Rodakowski (12) and Kia Towers (10) joined her in double figures. Sankey has the Jimmies out to a 4-0 start in conference play with a win over No. 7 Dakota Wesleyan included in that run.
Concordia will have the remainder of Thanksgiving week off from game action. Next up on the slate will be a trip to Sioux City, Iowa, to take on No. 12 Morningside (3-3, 1-2 GPAC) at 6 p.m. CT. The Mustangs won at Doane, 97-93, on Tuesday.
After refresher, Bulldogs to face pair of ranked GPAC foes
November 28, 2022
SEWARD, Neb. – A challenging start to GPAC play will resume in the middle of this week for the Concordia University Women’s Basketball team. The Bulldogs have been off since their home loss to Jamestown on Nov. 22. Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad is still working on putting the pieces together as it sits at 3-3 overall (1-3 GPAC). They will try to do so this week while up against two top 25 foes within the league: No. 12 Morningside and No. 25 Northwestern.
This Week
Wednesday, Nov. 30 at No. 12 Morningside (3-3, 1-2 GPAC), 6 p.m.
--Live Webcast | Live Stats | Max Country | Location: Rosen Verdoorn Sports Center (Sioux City, Iowa)
Saturday, Dec. 3 vs. No. 25 Northwestern (8-0, 3-0 GPAC), 2 p.m.
--Live Webcast/Stats | Max Country | Location: Friedrich Arena (Seward, Neb.)
By the numbers
· The only outing of last week was one Concordia would like to put behind it. The Bulldogs managed to fluster Jamestown into committing 23 turnovers, but they could not overcome their shooting woes. Concordia shot only 30.2 percent (19-for-63) overall and went 5-for-28 (.179) from beyond the arc. Hannah DeMars and the visitors from North Dakota took advantage and emerged from Friedrich Arena with a 66-49 victory. DeMars finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Three Bulldogs reached double figures in scoring: Hailey Kleinschmit (13), Abby Krieser (11) and Kendal Brigham (10). Standouts Taysha Rushton and Sadie Powell combined to shoot 3-for-19 from the floor.
· Kleinschmit stepped forward as a clear bright spot in last week’s loss. She came to Concordia via Norfolk Senior High School and is studying Exercise Science. The Norfolk, Neb., native was rewarded for her play last week with 24 minutes of action. She went 6-for-12 from the floor while totaling 13 points and four rebounds. The 13 points represented a career high for the 5-foot-11 Kleinschmit. Last season as a freshman, Kleinschmit saw action in 12 games and notched 20 points and 14 rebounds. Her season high was eight points – also versus Jamestown.
· There’s been no easing into conference play. The Bulldogs played just two nonconference games prior to their road trip to Briar Cliff in mid-November. According to the official GPAC ratings released on Nov. 14, Concordia will have played four of the league's top five teams by the end of this week. That doesn’t include Jamestown, which is due for a ratings jump thanks to a 4-0 start to conference action. As of the most recent NAIA national poll (unveiled on Nov. 16), there are four GPAC teams ranked in the top 25: No. 7 Dakota Wesleyan, No. 12 Morningside, No. 13 Dordt and No. 25 Northwestern. In addition, Briar Cliff is listed as receiving votes. The Bulldogs’ most recent top 25 appearance came in late January of last season when they landed at No. 23.
· The athleticism and experience in the backcourt has allowed Olson to turn his team loose with more full-court pressure this season (as observers were used to seeing with some of the best teams in program history). The yields have been an average of 19.7 turnovers per game by Concordia opponents. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs are averaging the fewest turnovers per game (11.0) offensively of any team in the GPAC. Individually, Mackenzie Toomey ranks No. 5 in the GPAC for steals per game (2.3). However, rebounding has worked to cancel out Concordia’s turnover advantage. The Bulldogs rank last in the GPAC in rebound margin (-12.2).
· Rushton and her fellow third-year classmates will continue to have a large say in where this season goes for Concordia. Four of the team’s top five scorers are academic juniors: Rushton (14.8), Brigham (10.8), Toomey (9.2) and Powell (8.3). Collectively, those four Bulldogs combine to average 43.1 points per game (out of 69.7 as a team). A sophomore out of Lincoln North Star High School, Krieser has also increased her scoring significantly and is averaging 8.8 points per contest. Some of those early returns are encouraging as Concordia attempts to lessen the onus on Rushton, who has already passed 1,000 career points.
· Drew Olson has pushed his career win total to 426 as he is in the early stages of his 17th season as head coach. According to the official list published by the NAIA, Olson ranks 14th among active NAIA women’s basketball coaches for career victories. This week, he’ll go up against one of the coaches listed above him: Morningside’s Jamie Sale, who is No. 3 with an all-time record of 648-182 (entering the 2022-23 season). There are three active GPAC coaches who have won an NAIA national championship: Olson, Sale and Dakota Wesleyan’s Jason Christensen. In addition, Dordt’s Bill Harmsen led the Defenders to a national runner up finish in 2022.
The opponents
League champions in 2020-21 and 2021-22, Morningside opened this season ranked at No. 3 in the NAIA coaches’ poll. In the midst of a challenging slate, the Mustangs have endured three losses to ranked opponents this season: No. 13 Sterling College (Kan.), No. 12 Dakota Wesleyan and No. 15 Dordt. Head Coach Jamie Sale’s program returned First Team All-GPAC forward Sophia Peppers and second team all-league honoree McKenna Sims. The glaring loss from last season is Sierra Mitchell, a former GPAC Player of the Year who played five seasons for the Mustangs. Included in Morningside’s starting lineup is former Bulldog Chase Pfanstiel, who is averaging 10.2 points per game. As a team, the Mustangs are averaging 77.7 points and allowing 75.7.
Northwestern will ride an 8-0 start into this week. The Red Raiders are fresh off an 88-59 rout of NCAA Division II Chadron State College this past weekend. In her first season as head coach of the program in 2021-22, Kristin Rotert guided Northwestern to a 24-9 overall record and an appearance at the national tournament. The headlining returner for the Red Raiders is First Team All-GPAC performer Molly Schany, who averages 16.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Schany is the leader for a strong rebounding team (+8.0 rebound margin). In the backcourt, senior Maddie Jones leads the way while averaging 15.5 points and 2.9 steals per game. Northwestern will host Briar Cliff on Wednesday before heading to Seward on Saturday.
Next week
The Bulldogs will host Mount Marty on Dec. 7 and then travel to play at Hastings on Dec. 10. The month of December will feature four conference games and two versus nonconference foes just prior to New Year’s.
Brigham, Powell spur win at No. 25 Morningside
November 30, 2022
SIOUX CITY, Iowa – A little road grit combined with some zone-busting 3-point shooting paved the way for the most significant win so far this season for the Concordia University Women’s Basketball team. The Bulldogs got tougher on the boards while upsetting No. 25 Morningside, 71-64, in Sioux City, Iowa, on Wednesday (Nov. 30). The outcome marked the first Bulldog win at Allee Gym since the 2019-20 season.
Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad effectively shook off the rust from Thanksgiving break and claimed its first road win of the season. Concordia stands at 4-3 overall (2-3 GPAC).
“It was a really big win for us, just really proud of our team,” Olson said. “We responded well. We responded from our last game and also tonight. I felt like defensively we were great throughout. In that third quarter they came back from our eight-point lead to tie it on us. Our team showed a lot of toughness and character.”
The latest Concordia-Morningside clash came with remarkably few turnovers considering the way both teams normally like to go up-tempo. The Bulldogs showed enough patience to rotate the ball enough to find the open perimeter shooters. Concordia drained nine first-half 3-point field goals and went to the half leading 34-26 after Sadie Powell curled in three points from the left corner.
The Bulldogs will be a tough team to beat anytime Powell showcases this type of offensive game. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native went 6-for-8 from the floor, including 3-for-3 from 3-point range, on her way to a game high 18 points. Powell came through with a key bucket in the fourth quarter to push the advantage to 63-55 with just over three minutes remaining. Every time the Mustangs threatened to seize momentum, Concordia responded. The only element that left the door open just a bit for Morningside was the Bulldogs’ 13-for-21 foul shooting.
In the backcourt, Kendal Brigham and Taysha Rushton were rock solid. Brigham notched 16 points (3-for-5 from 3-point range) and committed only one turnover in 23 minutes. Meanwhile, the sharpshooting Texan knocked in two triples at the close of the third quarter and finished with 15 points and five assists. Off the bench, Megan Belt rained in three long balls on five attempts. As a team, Concordia went 12-for-26 from long range.
The rebounding was much improved as compared to last week’s effort in the loss to Jamestown. The Bulldogs held a slight rebound edge over Morningside, 36-34, while turnovers were mostly even. Abby Heemstra pulled in seven boards to top Concordia while Abby Krieser recorded six. Krieser and Mackenzie Toomey are always catalysts for the Bulldog press and defensive tenacity.
Said Olson, “I felt like our team was really focused and locked in defensively. We just played really hard and I thought did a really good job of mixing things up at times. I think that caused them to get a little off rhythm … I think the break was good for us to regroup. When we came back, we worked really hard. We had some tough practices. Our players handled it well and they were ready for tonight.”
Reigning GPAC Player of the Week Chloe Lofstrom paced the Mustangs (3-4, 1-3 GPAC) with 14 points. Fellow standout Sophia Peppers contributed 10 points and seven assists. All three Morningside GPAC losses have come at home.
The Bulldogs will return to Friedrich Arena to host No. 16 Northwestern (9-0, 4-0 GPAC) at 2 p.m. CT on Saturday. The Red Raiders jumped from 25th to 16th in this week’s NAIA coaches’ poll thanks to their hot start. Concordia and Northwestern split last season’s two regular season meetings with the home team winning in both instances.
Upset bid runs out of steam as Northwestern remains unbeaten
December 3, 2022
SEWARD, Neb. – The Concordia University Women’s Basketball team appeared poised for back-to-back league wins over ranked opponents before visiting Northwestern came to life behind star guard Maddie Jones. A 20-0 run that spilled into the fourth quarter allowed the 16th-ranked Red Raiders to avoid the upset and emerge from Friedrich Arena with a 72-56 win on Saturday (Dec. 3) afternoon. The Bulldogs managed only four made field goals in the fourth quarter.
Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad had hoped to build upon its 71-64 win at No. 25 Morningside earlier in the week. Concordia (4-4, 2-4 GPAC) played a solid 25-plus minutes on Saturday before Northwestern went on its game defining surge.
“I felt like we played really good basketball for about 27 minutes,” Olson said. “At that point we got a little sloppy and had a couple turnovers, which allowed Northwestern to gain the momentum back. Going into the fourth quarter, I still felt good about it, but we didn’t do enough to beat a really good team. That continues to be something that we’re learning. We need more people to be able to step up and make plays when we need it. I love how hard we’re playing and the things we’re doing defensively.”
A putback basket by Abby Heemstra bumped the Bulldog lead to 44-41 with 2:10 remaining in the third quarter. Concordia then went ice cold and did not score again until Heemstra made one of two free throws at the 3:45 mark of the fourth period. By the time the Bulldogs finally sank their first basket of the quarter, it was too late. The Red Raiders achieved their first double-digit lead with 7:59 left in the game and built the advantage to as many as 18 points (72-54).
The version of Concordia that took a 34-26 lead to the half is the one Olson is trying to inspire on a regular basis. As part of the first 20 minutes, Taysha Rushton poured in 11 of her team high 17 points while starring on both ends of the court. Rushton even chipped in with a ferocious blocked shot. Sadie Powell also notched all eight of her points in the first half. Defensively, the Bulldogs did a commendable job in limiting Molly Schany and Taylor VanderVelde to a combined 17 points.
But Jones and Emilee Danner came through to keep Northwestern’s record spotless at 10-0 (5-0 GPAC). Jones finished with a game high 22 points while Danner posted 17 points and nine rebounds. The Red Raiders overcame their 17 turnovers with the help of a 42-29 advantage in rebounding. They also held the Bulldogs to just 26.5 percent shooting in the second half.
Said Olson, “We just have to keep getting better. I like what we’re doing. We’ve got a young team that’s continuing to grow and gain confidence. We didn’t win today, but I still feel like our group gained more confidence knowing what we’re capable of. We just have to put it together for 40 minutes and do it on a consistent basis. We saw what we were capable of at Morningside.”
The Bulldogs will remain at home this coming Wednesday to welcome Mount Marty (3-8, 1-5 GPAC) to Seward for a 6 p.m. CT tipoff. Concordia has won each of the past 12 series meetings over the Lancers, who are under the direction of first-year Head Coach Allan Bertram. Mount Marty earned its first GPAC win of the season this week with a 67-60 triumph over Midland.
Matchups with Lancers, Broncos on this week's docket
December 5, 2022
SEWARD, Neb. – The Concordia University Women’s Basketball team navigated last week’s challenging conference slate and came away with a 71-64 win at No. 25 Morningside before relinquishing a nine-point lead in its 72-56 home loss to No. 16 Northwestern. The matchups were a continuation of an arduous first month of the 2022-23 season. Head Coach Drew Olson believes the best is yet to come for a squad that stands at 4-4 overall (2-4 GPAC). The Bulldogs hope to begin a winning streak this week while hosting Mount Marty on Wednesday and then traveling to Hastings on Saturday.
Wednesday, Dec. 7 vs. Mount Marty (3-8, 1-5 GPAC), 6 p.m.
--Live Webcast/Stats | Max Country | Location: Friedrich Arena (Seward, Neb.)
Saturday, Dec. 10 at Hastings (5-4, 3-2 GPAC), 2 p.m.
--Live Webcast/Stats | Max Country | Location: Lynn Farrell Arena (Hastings, Neb.)
By the numbers
· There’s optimism that goes beyond Concordia’s .500 record. According to Massey Ratings, the Bulldogs have played the NAIA’s second toughest schedule to this point in the season. Concordia’s four losses have come against two teams ranked in the current NAIA top 25, No. 5 Dordt and No. 16 Northwestern, another receiving votes, Briar Cliff, and one that is now 5-1 in GPAC play, Jamestown. Those four foes own a combined overall record of 33-5. Both Dordt and Northwestern are unbeaten at 10-0 and are the current co-GPAC leaders. During the 2021-22 season, Concordia played the No. 1 strength of schedule in the NAIA, according to the official NAIA metric.
· The win at Morningside was a significant one in terms of the Bulldogs’ season profile and for their confidence. In the scoring department, Sadie Powell and Kendal Brigham led the way with 18 and 16 points, respectively. Concordia shot 44.2 percent from the floor and drained 12-of-26 attempts from long range. It also shored up its rebounding from the previous outing and held a slight advantage in that category, 36-34. Star guard Taysha Rushton notched 15 points, five assists and four rebounds. Off the bench, Megan Belt rained in three triples. Ranked No. 3 in the NAIA in the preseason, the Mustangs (4-4, 2-3 GPAC) suffered their fourth loss of the season.
· The Bulldogs put together a strong 25-plus minutes as they attempted to hand Northwestern (10-0, 5-0 GPAC) its first loss of the season. Concordia led by as many as nine points and still held an advantage with as little as a minute-and-a-half remaining in the third quarter. The Bulldogs then struggled mightily offensively and surrendered a 20-0 run that gave the Red Raiders full control. Maddie Jones paced Northwestern with 22 points on 7-for-10 shooting from the floor. Rushton led Concordia with 17 points and Belt again contributed nine points off the bench. The Bulldogs shot only 26.5 percent from the floor in the second half.
· Concordia team leaders by category include Taysha Rushton in scoring average (15.1) and assists (3.5), Sadie Powell in rebounding (5.1), Mackenzie Toomey in steals (1.9) and Megan Belt in 3-point field goals (15). The rest of the team’s top five in scoring average includes Kendal Brigham (10.6), Powell (9.5), Toomey (7.9) and Abby Krieser (7.6). The Bulldogs are averaging 68.3 points per game while shooting 39.1 percent from the floor, 31.2 percent from 3-point range and 73.2 percent from the foul line. Opponents are averaging 67.1 points while shooting 43.8 percent from the floor, 33.6 percent from 3-point range and 70.1 percent from the foul line.
· The starting lineup though eight games has featured the same five players: Rushton, Krieser and Toomey in the backcourt and Powell and Abby Heemstra in the frontcourt. The rotation has typically gone nine deep with the main bench contributors being Belt, Brigham, Hailey Kleinschmit and Kristin Vieselemeyer. In addition, Mackenzie Koepke continues to come along while returning from the injury that sidelined her for the entire 2021-22 season. Twelve players have seen action in at least one varsity game. Concordia has been without another contributor in Hanna Spearman, who has been sidelined by injury.
· The Bulldogs will attempt to continue their series dominance over Mount Marty. Concordia has won each of the past 12 meetings dating back to an 81-60 loss at Mount Marty on Jan. 23, 2016. That Lancer squad of 2015-16 advanced all the way to the NAIA Division II national semifinals. The Bulldogs won last season’s matchups with Mount Marty by scores of 88-53 in Seward and 83-58 in Yankton. Meanwhile, Concordia-Hastings has been more competitive in recent years. Last season, the Bulldogs routed the Broncos in Hastings, 91-69, but were beaten at home, 68-60, by the rival west on interstate 80. That result snapped what had been a five-game series win streak for Concordia.
The opponents
Mount Marty has a first-year head coach in Allan Bertram, who replaced Todd Schlimgen. The Lancers have fallen towards the bottom of the standings since their national semifinal run in March 2016. Mount Marty has shown signs of progress after finishing 2-27 overall (1-21 GPAC) in 2021-22. The current team’s leading scorer is Eve Millar, who is averaging 10.7 points per game. As a team, the Lancers are averaging 57.6 points while allowing 66.1 per outing. Mount Marty’s wins this season have come over Waldorf University (Iowa), Presentation College (S.D.) and Midland.
Hastings carries momentum into this week after a weekend that saw it win twice on the road against teams above it in the GPAC standings – Jamestown (63-62) and No. 11 Dakota Wesleyan (74-70). Those victories will be a boost to the Broncos’ chances of reaching the national tournament after missing out the past two seasons. Eighth-year Head Coach Jina Douglas has a team built on defense. It has limited the opposition to 66.0 points per game. Two Hastings players are averaging in double figures: Allison Bauer (11.4) and Mariyah Avila (10.0). The Broncos were a 30-win team as recently as the 2019-20 season.
Next week
Final exams will take place next week at Concordia. As such, the lone outing will be on Dec. 15 when Doane visits Friedrich Arena.
Bulldogs rain down 21 triples in white washing of Mount Marty
December 7, 2022
WATCH: All 21 treys made by the Bulldogs in the win
SEWARD, Neb. – A hot shooting Concordia University Women’s Basketball team hit Mount Marty with a 14-1 run to begin the game and never looked back. The Bulldogs used their best perimeter shooting performance (21-for-47 from 3-point range) of the season in the process of routing the Lancers, 91-48, inside Friedrich Arena on Wednesday (Dec. 7). Off-the-bench sparkplug Kendal Brigham rained home five triples on the evening.
Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad moved back above .500 at 5-4 overall (3-4 GPAC). Concordia is 4-2 at home this season.
“I thought Mount Marty did a good job of taking away the paint,” Olson said. “When we drove in there, we were able to kick out for a lot of open looks. Thankfully we shot well, and I think we have a great shooting team. When we shoot like that, keep firing away.”
Concordia never let Mount Marty get its legs underneath it. The Lancers went scoreless the first four minutes of the game and were already down double digits by the 5:32 mark of the first quarter. The Bulldogs had no problem spreading the sugar as eight different players knocked down at least one trey. Brigham’s final triple kissed off the glass as a sign of what kind of night it was for the home team. Freshman Megan Belt also curled in four 3-point field goals and Mackenzie Koepke, Sadie Powell and Taysha Rushton added three apiece.
Mackenzie Toomey grabbed seven of her game high 10 rebounds in the opening quarter as Concordia mounted a 26-6 lead. As the lead grew to a margin of 40-plus in the second half, Olson unleashed the bench mob. In her most extended action to this point, Koepke reached double figures for the first time this season while totaling 11 points and six rebounds. A freshman from York, Neb., Destiny Shepherd got going with seven points and three rebounds in 15 minutes of action.
Said Koepke, who played 15 minutes, “It felt really good. I missed it a lot. My teammates have helped me a lot. They just encouraged me to get back on the court and they push me in practice so I’m ready to come out and play in a game. It was really fun.”
The top scorers for the Bulldogs were Brigham (15), Rushton (14), Belt (12) and Koepke (11). Concordia actually made three times as many 3-point field goals (21) as it did two-point shots (seven). The Bulldogs shot 44.4 percent (28-for-63) overall from the floor. They were also able to force 23 turnovers, a figure boosted by the four steals from Powell. Led by Toomey, Concordia won the rebound battle, 47-35.
Mount Marty (3-9, 1-6 GPAC) has shown signs of progress of the first year of Head Coach Allan Bertram’s tenure. A large percentage of the Lancer offense came from Eve Millar (12 points) and Macy Kempf (10 points) on Wednesday. Mount Marty, which recently defeated Midland, shot only 29.8 percent (17-for-57) from the floor.
Said Olson, “I think our confidence is definitely growing. I feel like defensively we’ve become really, really good. Can we sustain that focus for 40 minutes? That’s what we’re working on. Offensively, we’re still a work in progress. We’re still trying to tinker with some things, but I really like what we’re doing.”
The Bulldogs will take to the road on Saturday for a short journey to Hastings (6-4, 4-2 GPAC). Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. CT from Lynn Farrell Arena. The Broncos won the most recent meeting by a 68-60 score, snapping what had been a five-game series win streak for Concordia. Hastings is 3-0 in the month of December following its 61-48 win at Midland on Wednesday.
Defensive smothering keys road win over Hastings
December 10, 2022
HASTINGS, Neb. – The first half was tightly contested until the Concordia University Women’s Basketball team ended it on a 13-0 run and seized control. Once again, the defensive prowess of the Bulldogs was the story in a clash that resulted in a 70-57 win over host Hastings inside Lynn Farrell Arena on Saturday (Dec. 10). Concordia’s pesky backcourt took on a leading role as the Broncos were limited to 32.7 percent shooting and flustered into 22 turnovers.
Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad has won back-to-back GPAC games and three of its last four outings while picking up steam. Concordia has moved to 6-4 overall (4-4 GPAC).
“I thought we played really well in spurts,” Olson said. “I didn’t think it was one of our better games, but we had a couple of good runs. It was great composure because we were down five and then went on that run. Then in the second half we had another one to extend it to about a 20-point lead. It was good enough for us.”
This was an overall solid outing for the Bulldogs, who effectively controlled a Hastings team that had been 3-0 in December with an upset of 11th-ranked Dakota Wesleyan. The aforementioned 13-0 surge began with an Abby Heemstra bucket that seesawed Concordia back in front, 25-24. Taysha Rushton soon followed with a pair of triples. The lead swelled to 12 (36-24) at the break and the Bulldogs maintained an advantage of double digits the rest of the way. Then in the fourth quarter, Concordia put together a 10-1 run, featuring Abby Krieser, and owned a commanding 62-39 lead.
Three days after netting 21 treys versus Mount Marty, the Bulldogs cooled off a bit but still went 10-for-29 from beyond the arc. It’s not offensive firepower that has characterized Concordia, it’s been tenacious defensive play that covers every square foot of the court. The Broncos (6-5, 4-3 GPAC) made only four treys on Saturday and never found much consistency until the game was already out of reach. Three steals apiece were pilfered by Krieser, Rushton and Mackenzie Toomey.
Said Olson, “Our press was really effective. It got them out of rhythm and also caused some turnovers. We want to play fast, but there were times where it was slow and choppy.”
The game for the Lincoln North Star grad Krieser continues to grow. She totaled 14 points, six rebounds and two blocked shots in addition to the three steals. In addition, the star Rushton enjoyed an efficient performance in pouring in 16 points on 5-for-9 shooting, including 4-for-6 from 3-point range. Heemstra added eight points and Toomey supplied five points and six boards. Led by six points apiece from Megan Belt and Kendal Brigham, the bench contributed a combined 24 points.
Concordia has won six of the last seven series matchups over Hastings. The Broncos were paced in the scoring department on Saturday by Carley Leners with 13 points. Knode Dawson chipped in eight points and nine rebounds off the bench. The two sides were even in rebounding (40-40), but the turnover category (plus-seven for the Bulldogs) turned out to be a major factor in the outcome.
The Bulldogs will wait until Thursday to return to action. On that day, Concordia will welcome Doane (7-4, 3-4 GPAC) to Friedrich Arena for a 6 p.m. CT tipoff. The Bulldogs have won each of the past 12 meetings over the Tigers, who feature the conference’s leading scorer in Mak Hatcliff (22.8 points per game).
Bulldogs looking to stay hot with Doane visiting on Thursday
December 12, 2022
SEWARD, Neb. – Two teams that have gained momentum in recent action will meet inside Friedrich Arena on Thursday. The Concordia University Women’s Basketball team and Doane will tip things off at 6 p.m. CT. The Bulldogs are coming off a promising week that saw them blow out Mount Marty, 91-48, and then win comfortably at Hastings, 70-57. The back-to-back victories pushed Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad to 6-4 overall (4-4 GPAC). The matchup with Doane will be the lone outing during finals week on the Concordia campus.
Thursday, Dec. 15 vs. Doane (7-4, 3-4 GPAC), 6 p.m.
--Live Webcast/Stats | Max Country | Location: Friedrich Arena (Seward, Neb.)
By the numbers
· The Bulldogs fell off the ratings radar when polls were released in late November, but the hope is to get back into that territory with further growth. Massey Ratings lists Concordia as the No. 16 team in the NAIA and rates the schedule as having been the third toughest in the nation to this point. The Bulldogs have put a couple of quality wins on the board having beaten No. 25 Morningside and Dakota State University, a squad that continues to receive votes nationally. On the national leaderboard, Concordia ranks fourth for made 3-point field goals per game (9.8) and 17th for fewest turnovers committed per game (13.3).
· The Bulldogs knocked down 21 treys in what just might have been a school record in last week’s win over Mount Marty (3-10, 1-7 GPAC). Even some of Olson’s very best teams like the editions that reached the national semifinals (2012, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019) never drained that many 3-point field goals in a single game. Kendal Brigham went 5-for-7 from long range, Megan Belt went 4-for-7 and three teammates put home three triples apiece: Sadie Powell (3-for-4), Taysha Rushton (3-for-6) and Mackenzie Koepke (3-for-7). Because of the way Concordia was defended, it attempted 47 3-point shots and only 16 two-point shots. Mackenzie Toomey added seven points and 10 rebounds in the blowout victory.
· The offense may not have operated with the same rhythm at Hastings, but the Bulldogs still managed to win comfortably. Two key spurts helped Concordia put the game away – a 13-0 run at the close of the first half and a 10-1 run in the fourth quarter. The Bulldogs pushed the lead to 62-39 at one point and owned a double-digit advantage for the entire second half. Rushton put together an efficient outing in supplying 16 points on 5-for-9 shooting (4-for-6 from 3-point range) while Abby Krieser starred in posting 14 points, six rebounds, three steals and two blocked shots. The Bulldogs have won six of the last seven in the series with the Broncos (6-5, 4-3 GPAC).
· The nature of the game against Mount Marty provided a soft landing for Koepke to see her most minutes (15) so far this season. The Lincoln Lutheran High School alum missed the entire 2021-22 season due to injury and has slowly made her way back from surgery. Koepke put up 11 points and six rebounds in the win over Mount Marty. In her collegiate career, Koepke has played in 108 games and has totaled 774 points while making 186 3-point field goals. She’s earned three career all-conference awards, including a second team mention in 2019-20. Koepke was a regular in the rotation for the 2018-19 national championship team.
· The calling card for this Concordia team has been on the defensive end of the court. Its opponents are averaging 19.6 turnovers per game. Individually, Toomey swipes 1.9 steals per game. If the Bulldogs can sustain their defensive success while simultaneously growing offensively, they can be dangerous. The starkest contrast last week between Concordia and its opponents was in 3-point shooting. The Bulldogs went 31-for-76 (.408) from the perimeter and their foes went 5-for-35 (.143). Concordia’s style of play has resulted in it taking 90 more shots (631-541) than its opponents through the season’s first 10 games.
· Still in just her third collegiate season, Rushton is going to continue to rise up the program’s all-time charts. Her 1,110 career points have pushed her into a tie for No. 23 in program history. She’s also tied for eighth on the program’s list for most career 3-point field goals (166). Just above her at No. 6 is Koepke (186). Rushton is on a trajectory that could have her challenging for 2,000 points before her college career ends. Only two players in school history have ever reached 2,000 points: Bailey Morris (2,054) and Philly Lammers (2,033).
· Coming into this season, Drew Olson owns a career record of 26-6 versus Doane. The Bulldogs have won 12 in a row in the series and have taken 21 of the last 22 meetings. The matchups were competitive last season as the Bulldogs won by scores of 76-70 (overtime) in Seward and 74-63 in Crete. That was a major contrast to several previous years when Concordia won handily. The scores in 2020-21 were 111-52 and 98-57. The most recent series win for the Tigers occurred in Seward during the 2015-16 season.
The opponent
Doane has been on an upward trajectory under Head Coach Ryan Baumgartner, who was initially named the program’s interim coach in November 2019. The Tigers went from 5-20 overall (3-19 GPAC) in 2020-21 to 12-18 overall (6-16 GPAC) last season. A major catalyst behind the improvement has been conference leading scorer Mak Hatcliff, a 5-foot-7 guard from Beatrice, Neb. The returning First Team All-GPAC selection is averaging 22.6 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. Two others are averaging in double figures – Macy Holtz (13.5) and Megan Chambers (10.2). Doane started this season at 4-0, then lost four in a row and now has won three straight. The current win streak has included routs of College of Saint Mary, Viterbo University (Wis.) and Manhattan Christian College (Kan.).
Probable Lineups
Concordia (6-4, 4-4)
G – Abby Krieser (8.2)
G – Taysha Rushton (15.1)
G – Mackenzie Toomey (7.5)
F – Abby Heemstra (3.8)
F – Sadie Powell (8.8)
Head Coach: Drew Olson (429-125, 17th season at CUNE)
Doane (7-4, 3-4)
G – Mak Hatcliff (22.6)
G – Macy Holtz (13.5)
G – Olivia Nall (7.7)
G – Kali Staples (6.1)
F – Megan Chambers (10.2)
Head Coach: Ryan Baumgartner (4th season at Doane)
Next week
The Bulldogs will have the entire week off from game action. Next up on the schedule is the Dec. 28 contest at Texas Wesleyan University. As part of the journey south, Concordia will also be at the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma on Dec. 30.
Dawgs turn up heat in press-ure cooking of Doane
December 15, 2022
SEWARD, Neb. – The press ratcheted up to doggone tenacious levels on Thursday (Dec. 15) as the Concordia University Women’s Basketball team turned up the heat on Doane. The increasingly nasty press resulted in 33 Tiger turnovers and a 72-55 Bulldog victory inside Friedrich Arena. Notably, Concordia owned a 35-11 advantage in points off turnovers and limited Doane star Mak Hatcliff to a grand total of one point in the second half.
Head Coach Drew Olson’s program pushed its series win streak to 13 versus the Tigers while moving the active win streak to three. The Bulldogs are now 7-4 overall (5-4 GPAC).
“I felt like we got a little grittier,” Olson said of the second half adjustments on Thursday. “We showed a lot more toughness. We didn’t give up as many rebounds and our press continued to be effective, but we were able to capitalize on it a little bit more. We started hitting some shots and just kind of broke it open.
“I feel like this group continues to figure out how to press better and better. Last year we didn’t do it a whole lot, so we’re getting more experience in it and more confidence in it.”
A rising Doane team led by Hatcliff managed to make a run at the end of the third quarter, but the final 10 minutes were utterly dominated by Concordia. On several possessions, it was a chore for the Tigers to simply get the ball beyond halfcourt. The Bulldogs feasted on eight Doane turnovers during a 24-4 run to open the fourth quarter. The always pesky Mackenzie Toomey did some of her best work during that splurge in putting up seven points, including a three-point play.
The work of the likes of Toomey, Kendal Brigham, Taysha Rushton and Abby Krieser in the backcourt had the opposition flustered and worn out. One sequence in the middle of the fourth quarter went: Sadie Powell steal – Rushton layup, Brigham steal – Toomey layup, Rushton steal – Toomey layup. To cap the exhilarating run, Rushton called game when she nailed a trey to make it 69-46 at the 4:22 mark of the fourth quarter.
“I think it’s really fun,” Rushton said of the relentless press. “All of us are good athletes, so we get after it and it causes a lot of turnovers for the other teams.”
Rushton led all scorers with 16 points while adding four assists and four rebounds. Three other Bulldogs reached double figures: Brigham (12), Powell (12) and Toomey (12). No one played harder than Toomey, who added eight rebounds, five steals and four assists to her stat line. In addition, Mackenzie Koepke put home nine points off the bench and Abby Heemstra contributed six points and five rebounds. Concordia shot a modest 39.1 percent (27-for-69) overall, but it took 22 more shots than Doane.
Doane (7-5, 3-5 GPAC) took a 34-30 lead to the half before eventually faltering. The 10 points for Hatcliff were the second lowest of the season for the Beatrice star. She also pulled down 10 rebounds. Not only did the Tigers turn the ball over at an excessive rate, they also went only 3-for-19 from 3-point range.
This was exactly the way Olson would have hoped for his team to enter a stretch of nearly two weeks before the next game. Said Olson, “The growth we’ve had since the Thanksgiving break has been awesome, and I just know we’re going to keep getting better. It’s a long break – I think it’s good for us – but hopefully we come back even more charged.”
The Bulldogs will wait until Dec. 28 for a return to action. On that date, Concordia will be in Fort Worth, Texas, to take on Texas Wesleyan University as part of a two-game swing down south. The Bulldogs will also play at No. 17 University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma on Dec. 30. Conference play will resume after New Year’s.
Extended break to end with holiday trip south
December 26, 2022
SEWARD, Neb. – The Concordia University Women’s Basketball team will escape the cold of the Midwest this week while heading south for a pair of games over the holiday break. Idle since defeating Doane, 72-55, on Dec. 15, the Bulldogs are getting set to take on Texas Wesleyan University on Wednesday and then 17th-ranked University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma on Friday. Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad stands at 7-4 overall (5-4 GPAC) on the strength of a three-game win streak.
This Week
Wednesday, Dec. 28 at Texas Wesleyan (8-1), 6 p.m.
--Live Webcast | | Live Stats | 104.9 Max Country | Location: Sid Richardson Center (Fort Worth, Texas)
Friday, Dec. 30 at No. 17 Science & Arts (11-1), 5 p.m.
--Live Webcast | Live Stats | 104.9 Max Country | Location: Drover Fieldhouse (Chickasha, Okla.)
By the numbers
· Concordia’s growth and persistence through a challenging slate to begin nonconference play is showing in the results. The Bulldogs enter the holiday trip with a three-game win streak that includes victories over Mount Marty, 91-48, Hastings, 70-57, and Doane, 72-55. During that stretch, Concordia is averaging 77.7 points per game while allowing 53.3. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have enjoyed major advantages in turnover margin (78-51), 3-point field goals (40-8) and in field goal percentage (.407 to .327). Star guard Taysha Rushton has been incredibly efficient during the streak in averaging 15.3 points per game on 16-for-29 (.552) shooting from the floor, 9-for-18 (.500) shooting from 3-point range and 5-for-6 (.833) shooting from the foul line.
· The Concordia full-court press just might be rounding into form. It devasted Doane to the tune of 33 turnovers. The press played a significant role in turning a competitive game into a runaway for the Bulldogs, who opened the fourth quarter on a 24-4 run. The Tigers (7-5, 3-5 GPAC) shot just 3-for-19 (.158) from 3-point range and GPAC leading scorer Mak Hatcliff was limited to 10 points (roughly 13 below her season average). Mackenzie Toomey was again a catalyst in the press and filled the stat sheet with 12 points, eight rebounds, five steals and four assists. Rushton led all scorers with 16 points. Two other Bulldogs reached double figures: Kendal Brigham (12) and Sadie Powell (12). Concordia has won each of the last 13 meetings with Doane.
· Still in just her third collegiate season, Rushton is going to continue to rise up the program’s all-time charts. Her 1,126 career points have pushed her to No. 23 in program history. She’s also eighth on the program’s list for most career 3-point field goals (168). Just above her at No. 6 is Mackenzie Koepke (189). Rushton is on a trajectory that could have her challenging for 2,000 points before her college career ends. Only two players in school history have ever reached 2,000 points: Bailey Morris (2,054) and Philly Lammers (2,033).
· A native of Midland, Texas, Rushton will have the opportunity to play in her home state for the second season in a row. Rushton and company picked up a significant nonconference win last season when they upset No. 3 Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas, on Nov. 27, 2021. Rushton notched 15 points and five assists in that victory while Taylor Farell led the way with 17 points on 4-for-8 shooting from beyond the arc. Challenging road trips are nothing new for Drew Olson’s program, which has always had the willingness to play anyone anywhere. The 2021-22 slate was rated as the best in the country and saw the Bulldogs play teams ranked Nos. 1 and 3, respectively, at the Surf N Hoops Classic in Hawaii.
· Forcing turnovers and shooting a high volume of 3-point field goals has been a trademark of many of Olson’s most successful teams. Concordia is gaining steam in those areas. Nationally, the Bulldogs rank fifth for both 3-point field goals made per game (9.7) and for 3-point field goals attempted per game (29.5). Through 11 games, the Bulldogs have forced 229 turnovers while committing 148, making for an average margin of plus-7.4 per game. The team’s best 3-point shooters in terms of percentage have been: Brigham (.425; 17-for-40), Rushton (.383; 23-for-60), Koepke (.333; 8-for-24) and Megan Belt (.328; 22-for-67).
· Concordia notched its first win this season over a top 25 opponent when it won at then 25th-ranked Morningside, 71-64, on Nov. 30. According to the current top 25, the Bulldogs have played other ranked or receiving votes teams in No. 5 Dordt, No. 15 Northwestern, No. 22 Briar Cliff and RV Dakota State University (S.D.). Concordia will take its shot at No. 17 Science & Arts on Friday.
The opponents
Texas Wesleyan reached the national tournament last season and went 25-7 overall under Head Coach Brenita Jackson. The Rams are looking like another national tournament qualifier in 2022-23 having just come off an 80-56 win at Science & Arts, handing the Drovers their first defeat of the campaign. Texas Wesleyan brought back Honorable Mention All-American guard Kertisa Amos and features a star post player in 6-foot-1 Zarria Carter, who averages 17.1 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. Rebounding is a major strength for the Rams, who lead the nation in rebound margin (plus-16.2). Up-tempo Texas Wesleyan ranks ninth nationally in scoring average (81.7).
Science & Arts is the alma mater of former Concordia graduate assistant coach Kaitlyn Hodgins. The Drovers went 23-10 overall last season and advanced to the NAIA national round of 32. Head Coach Darrick Matthews’ squad is led by returning Honorable Mention All-American forward Zaria Dorsey, who is averaging 12.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. Science & Arts raced out to an 11-0 start this season before running into Texas Wesleyan on Dec. 14. The Drovers average 73.0 points per game and allow 59.1. Sophomore forward Lainey Morrow paces the team with an average of 14.0 points per game.
Probable starters
Concordia (7-4, 5-4)
G – Abby Krieser (7.6)
G – Taysha Rushton (15.2)
G – Mackenzie Toomey (7.9)
F – Abby Heemstra (4.0)
F – Sadie Powell (9.1)
Head Coach: Drew Olson (430-125, 17th season at CUNE)
Texas Wesleyan (8-1)
G – Na’Teiona Cole (3.3)
G – Taryn Willis (11.9)
F – Kertisa Amos (14.3)
F – Zarria Carter (17.1)
F – Makayla Coy (12.6)
Head Coach: Brenita Jackson (2nd season at Texas Wesleyan)
Science & Arts (11-1)
G – Diaka Berete (11.3)
G – Jessica Palmer (6.7)
G – Brayanna Polk (7.8)
F – Zaria Dorsey (12.9)
F – Lainey Morrow (14.0)
Head Coach: Darrick Matthews (8th season)
Next week
It will be back to conference play as the calendar flips to 2023. Concordia will travel to play at Mount Marty on Jan. 4 and will then host Dakota Wesleyan on Jan. 7.
Comeback bid falls just short in Fort Worth
December 28, 2022
FORT WORTH, Texas – In the first of two major road tests against Sooner Athletic Conference opponents this week, the Concordia University Women’s Basketball program started slow and then kept hot on the heels of host Texas Wesleyan University all evening. In the end, the Rams’ size and rebound advantages were just enough to hold off the Bulldogs’ relentless press. Texas Wesleyan eked it out, 73-71, with the help of a 39-23 rebound margin in Fort Worth, Texas, on Wednesday (Dec. 28).
The loss snapped a three-game win streak for Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad, which now stands at 7-5 overall. The outing marked the first action for Concordia since its 72-55 home win over Doane on Dec. 15.
“I was really proud of our team for continuing to compete, giving us a chance to be in the game,” Olson said. “We did have a slow start. Credit to Texas Wesleyan and how they play. Coming off break, I don’t think we were as sharp as we needed to be. It was a great basketball game. In the second half when we went to zone – that was a good adjustment. Maybe we should have done that a little bit earlier just to force them to shoot more from the perimeter.”
There were multiple times when observers may have left the Bulldogs for dead on Wednesday. The visitors trailed 12-2 out of the gate and faced deficits as large as 14 points in the third quarter and 13 points in the fourth quarter. A furious 12-0 fourth quarter Concordia blitz made it a nail-biter in the closing minutes. A baseball-style in-bounds pass from Mackenzie Koepke led to two points for Kendal Brigham, getting the Bulldogs within two (73-71) with 10.5 seconds left. After the Rams then missed two free throws, Taysha Rushton was fouled near the basket. Rushton left the first free throw short and Concordia was unable to tip in the ensuing intentional miss.
Brigham served as a major catalyst in keeping the Bulldogs close despite 23 points and three steals from opposing standout Zarria Carter. Concordia attempted to combat its size disadvantage with its full-court pressure and perimeter shooting. Megan Belt initiated the aforementioned 12-0 run with a trey and Brigham dropped in five points (three on a triple) during the spurt. The Bulldogs went 9-for-26 from long range while the Rams were just 3-of-12 from that territory.
Brigham paced Concordia with 17 points on 5-for-10 shooting from the floor and 5-for-7 foul shooting. Sadie Powell (12) and Rushton (10) also reached double figures. As for Keopke, it may have been her best outing of the season. She notched eight points, four steals and a blocked shot in 21 minutes. Meanwhile, Abby Krieser produced eight points and four rebounds and Belt sank nine points off the bench.
Said Olson, “I look at this game and I look at going 10-of-18 from the free throw line and our 19 turnovers. We had some lapses here and there that allowed them wide-open baskets. When you’re playing a two-point game, all those little things add up … We competed hard and continue to believe.”
Texas Wesleyan (9-1) will likely push for a top 25 ranking when the next NAIA poll comes out. The rebound contrast was no shock considering the Rams entered the week leading the nation in rebound margin. Carter was joined in double figures by teammates Kertisa Amos (16), Makayla Coy (11) and Taryn Willis (11). Texas Wesleyan effectively overcame its 21 turnovers. Also noteworthy, Concordia got a boost from having a large group of fans present at the Sid Richardson Center.
As part of the road trip, the Bulldogs will head to Chickasha, Okla., for a matchup with No. 17 Science & Arts (11-1) on Friday. Tipoff from the Drover Fieldhouse is set for 5 p.m. CT. USAO has not played since its 80-56 home loss to league rival Texas Wesleyan on Dec. 14. The Drovers finished last season at 23-10 overall. In addition, Olson mentioned that the team will visit Magnolia Market and attend a Dallas Mavericks game on Thursday.
Early lead evaporates in loss at No. 17 USAO
December 30, 2022
CHICKASHA, Okla. – In its second leg of the southern tour, the Concordia University Women’s Basketball team shot only 32.3 percent from the floor while failing to keep up with 17th-ranked University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma on Friday (Dec. 30) evening. The Bulldogs fizzled after opening the game on a 16-6 run and fell on the home floor of the Drovers, 77-64. Sadie Powell led the way for Concordia with 17 points.
Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad went 0-2 on the road trip having also been defeated by Texas Wesleyan University, 73-71, on Wednesday. The Bulldogs now stand at 7-6 overall.
“These weren’t the outcomes we had hoped for or expected,” Olson said. “I thought the way we were playing before break, we would be able to get two wins, but we did not perform to our level. Thee were two good teams on the road. We will come together and we will get better. I thought Sadie had an awesome start and played with good confidence.”
USAO (12-1) knocked off some rust early after having been idle since a loss to Texas Wesleyan on Dec. 14. In the early going on Friday, the Drovers struggled with the full-court press, which led to Concordia jetting out to a 10-point lead behind a hot start from Powell (nine points in the first five minutes). USAO made the necessary adjustments and controlled much of the action from that point on. The host shot 50 percent (31-for-62) from the floor while getting 14 or more points from four different players.
Two days earlier, the Bulldogs nearly rallied from 14 points down at Texas Wesleyan. Concordia had hoped to make this one another nail-biter as it slashed an 11-point halftime deficit (44-33) down to five (49-44) midway through the third quarter after Taysha Rushton turned a steal into a transition basket. However, the Bulldogs managed only two free throws the remainder of the period and trailed by 12 to open the fourth quarter.
In a game featuring a nearly even turnover margin (25 turnovers for USAO compared to 24 for Concordia), the greater offensive efficiency and rebounding (47-36) of the Drovers made the difference. Star post player Zaria Dorsey posted 15 points, 11 rebounds and two blocked shots for the victors. Three of her teammates joined her in double figures: Diaka Berete (15), Lainey Morrow (15) and Tonijah Fortune (14).
The 17 points for Powell were one off a season high. She went 6-for-16 from the floor, pulled down eight rebounds and swiped two steals. Rushton knocked home 16 points on 6-for-17 shooting. Meanwhile, Mackenzie Toomey added nine points, three assists and two steals and Abby Krieser notched six points, six rebounds, three steals and two rejections. While Concordia shot poorly overall, it went 9-for-30 from 3-point range and made 15-of-21 free throw tries. The Bulldogs were attempting to knock off a ranked opponent on the road for the second time this season – they defeated then No. 25 Morningside on Nov. 30.
The Bulldogs will ring in 2023 with a road trip to Mount Marty (4-10, 1-7 GPAC) on Wednesday. Tipoff from Cimpl Arena is slated for 6 p.m. CT. In the meeting that took place in Seward on Dec. 7, Concordia used 21 treys to run away from the Lancers for a 91-48 victory. The Bulldogs have won each of the past 13 series matchups.
New Year brings return to GPAC play vs. Mount Marty, DWU
January 2, 2023
SEWARD, Neb. – Following a road trip down south just prior to New Year’s, the Concordia University Women’s Basketball team has returned to the GPAC landscape for a resumption of conference action. In terms of results, Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad came up empty last week while falling on the home courts of two Sooner Athletic Conference foes – Texas Wesleyan University, 73-71, on Dec. 28 and No. 17 University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma, 77-64, on Dec. 30. The Bulldogs, now 7-6 overall (5-4 GPAC), had entered the road trip on a three-game win streak.
NOTE: Inclement weather is expected to impact the area this week. Please follow @CUNEathletics on Twitter and be sure to check the website schedule for potential changes to game dates and/or times.
This Week
Thursday, Jan. 5 at Mount Marty (4-11, 1-8 GPAC), 5 p.m.
--Live Webcast | | 104.9 Max Country | Location: Cimpl Arena (Yankton, S.D.)
Saturday, Jan. 7 vs. No. 21 Dakota Wesleyan (10-3, 4-3 GPAC), 2 p.m.
--Live Webcast/Stats | 104.9 Max Country | Location: Friedrich Arena (Seward, Neb.)
By the numbers
· There have been some ups and downs as the season nears the halfway point of the regular season. As usual, Concordia hasn’t shied away from playing a challenging schedule (currently ranked top five nationally by Massey Ratings). When a new NAIA national poll is released next week (Jan. 11), it’s very possible that last week’s foes will both be ranked inside the top 25. Texas Wesleyan has moved to 11-1 while Science & Arts has pushed its record to 12-1. The six teams that have defeated the Bulldogs own a combined record of 67-11. On paper, Concordia’s highest quality wins came over Dakota State University (10-5) and Morningside (8-5). The Bulldogs still have a three-game GPAC win streak intact with wins during that stretch over Mount Marty, 91-48, Hastings, 70-57, and Doane, 72-55.
· A spirited fourth quarter rally at Texas Wesleyan nearly lifted Concordia to a potential big-time road win. The Bulldogs faced separate deficits of 14 points in the third quarter and 13 points in the fourth quarter. Kendal Brigham notched five points as part of a 12-0 fourth-quarter run that slashed the deficit to one (65-64) with just over four minutes remaining. In the final few seconds, the Rams missed a pair of free throws, providing Concordia (down 73-71) an opportunity to tie or even win the game. Taysha Rushton was fouled driving to the basket. She missed two free throws and Texas Wesleyan hung on to the victory. Off the bench, Brigham paced the Bulldogs with 17 points to go with three assists. Sadie Powell (12) and Rushton (10) also reached double figures. Zarria Carter poured in 23 points in a starring performance for the Rams.
· Science & Arts was looking to make amends for the 80-56 home loss it had suffered to Texas Wesleyan on Dec. 14. The 17th-ranked Drovers struggled early on with the Concordia press as the Bulldogs jumped out to a 16-6 lead. USAO made the necessary adjustment and wound up possessing a double-digit lead for the entirety of the final quarter. The Drovers shot 50 percent from the floor while limiting the Bulldogs to 32.3 percent shooting. The home team also owned a 47-36 advantage on the boards. Powell notched 17 points and eight rebounds and Rushton added 16 points.
· Still in just her third collegiate season, Rushton is going to continue to rise up the program’s all-time charts. Her 1,152 career points have pushed her to No. 23 in program history (seven points behind Mary Janovich for No. 22). She’s also eighth on the program’s list for most career 3-point field goals (170). Just above her at No. 6 is Mackenzie Koepke (192). Rushton is on a trajectory that could have her challenging for 2,000 points before her college career ends. Only two players in school history have ever reached 2,000 points: Bailey Morris (2,054) and Philly Lammers (2,033).
· Forcing turnovers and shooting a high volume of 3-point field goals have been trademarks of many of Olson’s most successful teams. Concordia is gaining steam in those areas. Nationally, the Bulldogs rank fifth for both 3-point field goals made per game (9.6) and for 3-point field goals attempted per game (29.2). Through 13 games, the Bulldogs have forced 275 turnovers while committing 191, making for an average margin of plus-6.5 per game. The team’s best 3-point shooters in terms of percentage have been: Brigham (.422; 19-for-45), Rushton (.357; 25-for-70), Megan Belt (.333; 26-for-78), Powell (.333; 16-for-48) and Koepke (.324; 11-for-34).
· Among GPAC teams, Concordia ranks first in turnovers forced per game (21.2), second in free throw percentage (.736), sixth in 3-point field goal percentage offense (.329), seventh in defensive scoring average (65.2), eighth in offensive scoring average (70.3), ninth in field goal percentage offense (.393) and 11th in field goal percentage defense (.418). Individually, Rushton is the league’s seventh leading scorer with an average of 14.8 points per game.
The opponents
Mount Marty will be attempting to snap a 13-game series losing streak versus Concordia. In this season’s first meeting, the Bulldogs won by a 91-48 score in Seward while knocking down 21 treys. Head Coach Allan Bertram’s squad managed to pick up a win out of conference, just before New Year’s, 64-49 over Presentation College. The Lancers’ most recent GPAC victory came on Nov. 30 over Midland, 67-60. Eve Millar leads Mount Marty in scoring at 10.8 points per game. As a team, the Lancers average 56.6 points while allowing 68.9 per outing.
Dakota Wesleyan and Concordia will meet up for the first time this season. The Tigers won two of last season's three matchups with both of their wins coming in Mitchell, S.D. After advancing to the NAIA national tournament round of 32 last season, DWU rose all the way up to No. 7 in the national poll in mid-November (now ranked 21st). The Tigers and Bulldogs are at opposite ends of the spectrum in rebounding. DWU leads the GPAC with a rebound margin of plus-11.6 per game. That’s not surprising considering the team’s top players in the frontcourt: Jada Campbell and Matti Reiner, a pair of All-GPAC performers in 2021-22. Before venturing to Seward, the Tigers will host No. 22 Briar Cliff on Wednesday.
Probable starters
Concordia (7-6, 5-4 GPAC)
G – Abby Krieser (7.5)
G – Taysha Rushton (14.8)
G – Mackenzie Toomey (7.4)
F – Abby Heemstra (3.9)
F – Sadie Powell (9.9)
Head Coach: Drew Olson (430-127, 17th season at CUNE)
Mount Marty (4-11, 1-8 GPAC)
G – Kiara Berndt (6.6)
G – Kaity Hove (5.3)
G – Emma Jarovski (5.4)
F – Briona Jensen (1.0)
F – Eve Millar (10.8)
Head Coach: Allan Bertram (1st season)
Dakota Wesleyan (10-3, 4-3 GPAC)
G – Morgan Edelman (6.6)
G – Aspen Hansen (5.0)
G – Isabel Ihnen (10.9)
F – Jada Campbell (15.7)
F – Matti Reiner (13.2)
Head Coach: Jason Christensen (13th season)
Next week
Concordia will host College of Saint Mary on Jan. 11 and then will make the trek up to North Dakota to play Jamestown on Jan. 14.
Series dominance continues as GPAC win streak pushed to four
January 5, 2023
YANKTON, S.D. – It’s tried and true formula got it back in the win column. In its first outing of 2023, the Concordia University Women’s Basketball forced 28 turnovers and rained in 13 3-point field goals while taking care of business at Mount Marty, 85-62. Eleven Bulldogs registered in the scoring column as part of the win in Yankton, S.D., on Thursday (Jan. 5). The contest was delayed one day due to inclement weather earlier in the week.
Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad dropped a pair of competitive road games just before New Year’s, but it owns an active four-game GPAC win streak. Concordia moved to 6-4 in league play (8-6 overall).
“I thought we had some good moments – didn’t put together a full 40-minute game – but to get a road win by 20-plus is a good thing,” Olson said. “It was nice tonight to get some people more experience. I thought Destiny (Shepherd) got some good minutes. To see Willy (Taylor Farrell) go out there for the first time this year and hit a three was awesome. It was just baby steps for her. Love that everyone got in and played well.”
For Concordia, this week is about regaining the form it showed when it defeated Mount Marty, Hastings and Doane handily in consecutive games during the month of December. In Thursday’s outing, the Bulldogs did not quite duplicate the 21 treys they poured on the Lancers in Seward, but their pressure resulted in 20 steals and their third quarter efforts (22-14 scoring advantage) put the latest meeting out of reach. The result pushed Concordia’s series win streak to 14.
Impressively, five different Bulldogs pilfered at least three steals in the victory, led by four from Abby Krieser. Three apiece were collected by Mackenzie Koepke, Sadie Powell, Taysha Rushton and Mackenzie Toomey. That type of thievery combined with the outside shooting was enough for Concordia to put it on cruise control. The Bulldogs jumped out to an 8-0 lead (with help form a three apiece from Toomey and Rushton) and never looked back.
The offensive game continues to expand for Powell, who equaled a season high with 18 points on 6-for-12 shooting from the floor. She added four rebounds and three assists to her stat line. She was joined in double figures by Megan Belt (14) and Kendal Brigham (12). The sharpshooting Belt netted 4-of-8 tries from long range. Brigham also contributed six assists. In addition, five other Bulldogs notched at least five points: Koepke (8), Vieselmeyer (8), Krieser (6), Toomey (6) and Rushton (5). Concordia shot 43.1 percent (31-for-72) from the floor.
Also noteworthy, Taylor Farrell saw her first action of the season and knocked down a triple on her only shot attempt. It had been a long road back for Farrell, who has persevered through the adversity dealt her way. The victory also marked Olson’s 250th within GPAC league play over his 17-year tenure.
Mount Marty (4-12, 1-9 GPAC) slipped for the sixth-straight time within GPAC play. The Lancers got a fine performance off the bench from freshman Maria Parsley, who totaled 12 points and nine rebounds while Sidney Thue led her side with 15 points. Mount Marty shot 38.3 percent (23-for-60) from the field. A positive for the Lancers was their 40-34 edge in rebounding.
The Bulldogs will be back at home for the first time since Dec. 15 when they host No. 21 Dakota Wesleyan (10-4, 4-4 GPAC) at 2 p.m. CT on Saturday. This will be the first meeting this season between the two sides. The Tigers won two of the three matchups in 2021-22, including one that took place in the GPAC tournament quarterfinals. The Tigers have been ranked as high as No. 7 in the NAIA poll this season.
Said Olson, “It’s going to be a battle. They’re a great team, great defensively. We’ve got to be sharper and a little better with taking care of basketball.”
Bulldogs survive scare at buzzer, hold off No. 21 DWU
January 7, 2023
WATCH: Potential game-winning shot comes after buzzer sounds
SEWARD, Neb. – In a series that has featured many instant classic down-to-the-wire finishes, the Concordia University Women’s Basketball team and 21st-ranked Dakota Wesleyan played another heart stopper on Saturday (Jan. 7) afternoon. The Bulldogs ultimately exhaled when the Tigers’ Morgan Edelman’s 3-point shot came just after the final buzzer, resulting in a 59-58 victory for the home team. Concordia gritted it out in a game of contrasting styles. The two star DWU post players were limited to a combined 17 points.
Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad boosted its GPAC win streak to five while moving to 9-6 overall (7-4 GPAC). The Bulldogs are 6-2 on the home court this season.
“Awesome game – we kind of knew that going in that it was going to be a little bit different (style) game,” Olson said. “Dakota Wesleyan is great defensively, great in the halfcourt. I’m just really proud of our team. That was a gutsy win – fought really hard throughout and made some plays. (Mackenzie) Koepke made two threes, Taysha (Rushton) hit the three in the corner and we got some stuff in transition when we really needed it. Defensively, we found ways to get stops.”
Concordia showed it could win in a rock fight with the GPAC’s top rebounding team. In a contest that saw eight lead changes and six ties, the Bulldogs did just a little bit more in the clutch. Sadie Powell scored in transition and then made two free throws as part of the game’s final few minutes. With less than a minute remaining, Concordia led, 59-55. On the ensuing sequence, Jada Campbell drained a trey and the Tigers got a stop that gave them possession, trailing by one, with 1.7 seconds left on the clock.
Edelman received the ball out top and then proceeded to dribble twice toward the right wing. She hoisted a 3-point shot that went through the bottom of the net, but it came after the buzzer sounded. The Bulldogs celebrated a white-knuckle victory in which they went toe-to-toe with DWU on the boards (36-34 in the Tigers’ favor). From DWU’s perspective, it got 13 points apiece from Campbell and Rylee Rosenquist and nearly overcame 2-for-17 shooting in the opening quarter.
Concordia finished at 38 percent (19-for-50) from the floor compared to 34.4 percent (21-for-61) shooting by the Tigers (10-5, 4-5 GPAC). The 14-for-16 (.875) foul shooting by the Bulldogs proved critical. Concordia may struggle to score at times, but it has formed a scrappy identity.
Said Olson, “Early on we gave up a few too many offensive rebounds, but then we did a much better job as the game went on. I thought Abby Heemstra was awesome against Campbell. She’s a factor – she’s tough. I thought we did a nice job on (Matti) Reiner. Defensively, we were just really good … Our press wasn’t great, but we were able to adapt. I felt like we cut down on our errors today.”
Powell’s offensive emergence continues as she posted 16 points (6-for-6 on free throws) and eight rebounds. Rushton chipped in with 15 points, five rebounds and three assists. Abby Krieser notched eight points and four steals and Kendal Brigham and Koepke contributed six points apiece. Heemstra gave a solid 27 minutes defending one of the league's best post players. Meanwhile, Mackenzie Toomey recorded four points, seven rebounds and two steals.
The Bulldogs can get comfortable at home as they look forward to hosting College of Saint Mary (4-12, 1-9 GPAC) at 7 p.m. CT on Wednesday. This will be the first meeting of the season between the two sides. Concordia owns a 20-game series win streak over the Flames, who suffered a 72-60 home loss to Mount Marty on Saturday
GPAC win streak to be put to the test by CSM, Jamestown
January 9, 2023
SEWARD, Neb. – The Concordia University Women’s Basketball team will put its five-game GPAC win streak on the line this week against the likes of College of Saint Mary and Jamestown. The Bulldogs are coming off wins last week over Mount Marty, 85-62, and No. 21 Dakota Wesleyan, 59-58. Those results moved Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad to 9-6 overall (7-4 GPAC). Concordia will host CSM on Wednesday before hitting the road to play at Jamestown on Saturday.
This Week
Wednesday, Jan. 11 vs. College of Saint Mary (4-12, 1-9 GPAC), 7 p.m.
--Live Webcast/Stats | 104.9 Max Country | Location: Friedrich Arena (Seward, Neb.)
Saturday, Jan. 14 at Jamestown (12-4, 7-3 GPAC), 2 p.m.
--Live Webcast | Live Stats | 104.9 Max Country | Location: Newman Arena (Jamestown, N.D.)
By the numbers
· The five-game GPAC win streak has featured triumphs over Mount Marty twice, 91-48 and 85-62, Hastings, 70-57, Doane, 72-55, and Dakota Wesleyan, 59-58. The victory over DWU marked the second time this season the Bulldogs have defeated a team ranked in the top 25 at the time of the game. They also won at then No. 25 Morningside on Nov. 30. As usual, Concordia has played a challenging schedule, one that ranks as the fourth toughest in the NAIA, according to Massey Ratings. The six teams that have beaten the Bulldogs are now a combined 80-13. Both foes Concordia lost to on its southern road trip – University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma (14-1) and Texas Wesleyan University (14-1) – stand a good chance to be ranked in the new NAIA poll this week.
· It was a bit of a ho-hum win at Mount Marty (5-12, 2-9 GPAC). The Bulldogs jumped out to an 8-0 lead and never felt seriously challenged. The pressure helped result in 28 Lancer turnovers and the home team went just 6-for-28 (.214) from 3-point range. Three Concordia players scored in double figures: Sadie Powell (18), Megan Belt (14) and Kendal Brigham (12). Eleven Bulldogs registered in the scoring column. That group included Taylor Farrell, who made her first appearance of the season. She nailed a trey in her first shot attempt while making her way back from offseason surgery. Concordia has won each of the past 14 meetings over Mount Marty.
· Chalk up another down-to-the-wire hair-raiser of a finish in the series between the Bulldogs and Dakota Wesleyan. The Tigers came close to erasing a four-point deficit in the final minute of the game thanks to a trey from Jada Campbell. With 1.7 seconds left on the clock and Concordia leading 59-58, DWU in-bounded from halfcourt. A potential game-winning three from Morgan Edelman came after the buzzer and was waived off. The Bulldogs were able to get it done with defense and grit – they held the Tigers (10-5, 4-5 GPAC) to 34.4 percent shooting from the floor. The top performers for Concordia were Powell (16 points and eight rebounds), Taysha Rushton (15 points, five rebounds and three assists) and Abby Krieser (eight points and four steals). Olson also commended Abby Heemstra for her post defense on Campbell.
· When the shots aren’t falling, Concordia can level the playing field with its full-court press. With the press being unleashed on full blast this season, the Bulldogs are forcing 21.1 turnovers per game (most in the GPAC), up from the 18.0 turnovers they forced per outing last season. Furthermore, Concordia has limited opponents to 64.5 points per game and to 41.0 percent shooting. Five Bulldogs average at least one steal per game: Mackenzie Toomey (2.1), Abby Krieser (2.0), Taysha Rushton (1.7), Sadie Powell (1.4) and Mackenzie Koepke (1.1). The national championship team of 2018-19 devasted opponents while forcing 29.4 turnovers per game and more than 1,000 for the season.
· Consistent offensive production from Powell in recent action has been an important factor for the Bulldogs. Over the past five outings, the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native has posted respective scoring totals of 12, 12, 17, 18 and 16 points. The 6-foot third-year player has grown into more of a starring role while improving her scoring averages from 3.2 in 2020-21 to 9.4 in 2021-22 and to 10.9 currently in 2022-23. This season, Powell is also averaging career highs for rebounds (5.1), assists (1.9) and steals (1.4) per game.
· The victory last week at Mount Marty marked career GPAC league victory No. 250 for Olson (that number does not include GPAC tournament wins). Now in his 17th season as head coach, Olson owns a career GPAC record of 251-81 and is 432-127 overall (.773). Only one coach (in any sport) in Concordia Athletics history has more career wins. Grant Schmidt went 445-276 during his 23-year tenure leading the men’s basketball program. Olson guided the Bulldogs to a national championship in March of 2019 and his squads have reached the national semifinals five times.
The opponents
College of Saint Mary showed progress last season in finishing at 13-15 overall (7-15 GPAC), but it has started out just 1-9 in league play this season. The Flames are the lowest scoring team in the GPAC with an average of 54.5 points per game. Head Coach Kirk Walker’s top scorer has been Kenzi Hoit (9.1). CSM picked up its lone GPAC victory back on Nov. 22 when it won at Hastings, 61-58. The Flames will be attempting to end a 20-game series losing streak to Concordia. That stretch dates back to before the Flames joined the GPAC starting with the 2015-16 season.
Despite two losses last week, Jamestown just might be ranked by the time a new poll is released. The Jimmies started out 12-2 before falling at No. 15 Northwestern and at No. 5 Dordt this past weekend. Head Coach Thad Sankey (CUNE alum) leans upon two primary stars in forward Hannah DeMars and guard Kia Towers, both battle-tested seniors. Jamestown emerged from Friedrich Arena with a 66-49 win on Nov. 22 with the help of 19 points and 12 rebounds from DeMars. Concordia shot only 30.2 percent from the floor. Strong defensive play is a pillar of who the Jimmies are – they are limiting opponents to 57.8 points per game and to 37.5 percent shooting. DeMars averages 18.5 points and 9.3 rebounds. Jamestown appears on a path to reaching the national tournament for the first time since 2018.
Probable starters
Concordia (9-6, 7-4 GPAC)
G – Abby Krieser (7.5)
G – Taysha Rushton (14.2)
G – Mackenzie Toomey (7.1)
F – Abby Heemstra (3.8)
F – Sadie Powell (10.9)
Head Coach: Drew Olson (432-127, 17th season at CUNE)
College of Saint Mary (4-12, 1-9 GPAC)
G – Kenzi Hoit (9.1)
G – Allisa Schubert (4.9)
G – Bailey White (8.6)
G/F – Madelyn Turner (8.3)
F – Clare Lewandowski (5.6)
Head Coach: Kirk Walker (5th season)
Jamestown (12-4, 7-3 GPAC)
G – Kate Busek (4.7)
G – Kia Tower (13.6)
F – Hanna DeMars (18.5)
F – Jailyn Martinson (3.8)
C – Audrey Rodakowski (9.3)
Head Coach: Thad Sankey (5th season)
Next week
The Bulldogs will host Morningside on Jan. 18 and then will play at No. 15 Northwestern on Jan. 21.
Second half of GPAC slate continues with rematches vs. Morningside/Northwestern
January 16, 2023
SEWARD, Neb. – The back half of the GPAC slate will continue this week as the Concordia University Women’s Basketball team prepares for rematches with Morningside and No. 15 Northwestern. The Bulldogs are coming off a week that saw them win comfortably over College of Saint Mary, 74-54, before enduring a 79-72 loss at Jamestown, a squad receiving votes in the national poll. That defeat interrupted what had been a six-game GPAC win streak for Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad. Currently, Concordia resides in fifth place in the GPAC standings with an 8-5 league mark (10-7 overall).
This Week
Thursday, Jan. 19 vs. Morningside (12-6, 7-5 GPAC), 6 p.m.
--Live Webcast/Stats | 104.9 Max Country | Location: Friedrich Arena (Seward, Neb.)
Saturday, Jan. 21 at No. 15 Northwestern (14-3, 9-2 GPAC), 2 p.m.
--Live Webcast | Live Stats | Location: Bultman Center (Orange City, Iowa)
By the numbers
· The strength of the schedule played by the Bulldogs is evident when studying the NAIA coaches’ poll released on Jan. 11. The Bulldogs have taken on five teams currently in the top 25: No. 3 Dordt, No. 15 Northwestern, No. 17 Texas Wesleyan University, No. 19 University of Science & Arts (Okla.) and No. 21 Briar Cliff. They have also played “receiving votes” teams in Dakota State University (S.D.) and Jamestown (twice). In addition, Concordia also has defeated two teams that were ranked at the time the games were played: then No. 21 Dakota Wesleyan and then No. 25 Morningside. According to Massey Ratings, Concordia has played the fifth toughest schedule in the NAIA.
· Since the Bulldogs began playing at Friedrich Arena (inside the Walz Human Performance Complex) with the start of the 2009-10 season, they own a 178-30 home record. That mark was bolstered by undefeated home records in 2016-17 (17-0), 2017-18 (15-0) and 2019-20 (16-0). The senior class that graduated in 2020, featuring All-American Philly Lammers, went an otherworldly 63-1 at home over four seasons. Under Olson’s direction, Concordia has posted an above .500 home record in every season of the current arena’s existence. The 2022-23 squad ran its home record to 7-2 with last week’s win over College of Saint Mary.
· The Bulldogs have had their way with the Flames (5-13, 2-10 GPAC) in winning each of the past 21 series meetings, a string that dates prior to College of Saint Mary joining the GPAC. Concordia started a bit slow last week in a contest that was tied, 17-17, late in the first quarter. The Bulldogs then got rolling in the second quarter, took a 41-25 lead to halftime and never looked back. Concordia overcame 6-for-28 (.214) shooting from 3-point range by forcing 21 turnovers and with a balanced scoring attack. Off the bench, Hailey Kleinschmit produced 12 points and nine rebounds. Four other Bulldogs notched at least eight points: Kendal Brigham (10), Sadie Powell (10), Taysha Rushton (nine) and Abby Krieser (eight). Rushton also dished out five assists. The bench accounted for 41 of the team’s 74 points.
· A hot start came in the form of 4-for-5 shooting from long range to begin the game at Jamestown (13-5, 8-4 GPAC). Concordia built a 14-7 lead before cooling off. A key stretch came late in the first half when an 11-3 Jimmie run made it a 40-31 halftime spread. Jamestown built the advantage to 13 (72-59) with less than two minutes remaining. That deficit was slashed to five with an 8-0 run initiated by Krieser’s three-point play. The Jimmies eventually put the game away by making each of their final seven free throws. Jamestown star Hannah DeMars piled up 25 points and 17 rebounds as the Jimmies owned the boards, 49-30. The Bulldogs hung in there with the help of 20 turnovers forced and double-digit scoring from Rushton (15), Krieser (14) and Megan Belt (12).
· Krieser came on strong last week in totaling a combined 22 points. Her emergence as a sophomore is one of the reasons why Concordia has unleashed the press this season after using it situationally in 2021-22. The 5-foot-8 guard out of Lincoln North Star High School is averaging 7.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.3 assists per game in her first season as a starter. Her work in the backcourt has helped the Bulldogs force an average of 20.9 turnovers per game, a figure that ranks No. 1 in the GPAC and 30th nationally.
· The Midland, Texas, native Rushton is leading the team in scoring at 13.9 points per game (10th most among GPAC players). That average is down from 17.7 in 2021-22, but Rushton has seemingly gained confidence in her teammates’ ability to score. In turn, Rushton has been efficient in shooting 40 percent from the floor and 36.8 percent from 3-point range. An impact player from the day she arrived on campus, Rushton owns career totals of 1,196 points, 209 rebounds, 206 assists and 128 steals in 77 games. She’s a career 34.2 percent shooter from 3-point range (180-for-526). Both Rushton and Mackenzie Koepke (196-for-627) are on the verge of reaching 200 career 3-point field goals.
The opponents
Morningside has gotten on a nice roll with four straight wins and with victories in eight of its past nine outings. The Mustangs have always been dangerous under Head Coach Jamie Sale, who has led the program to four NAIA Division II national championships. Morningside will be attempting to avenge the 71-64 home loss it suffered to Concordia on Nov. 30. A returning First Team All-GPAC honoree, Sophia Peppers is averaging 12.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. The starting five includes four double-figure scorers, including former Illinois State University guard McKenna Sims. Offensively, the Mustangs average 75.0 points per game and shoot 43.3 percent from the field. They allow 69.1 points per game and 39.4 percent shooting.
Northwestern experienced some bumps in the road with three straight losses in December, but it has recovered to go 4-0 during the month of January (entering action Wednesday at No. 21 Briar Cliff). The Red Raiders put to use an experienced backcourt led by Maddie Jones (13.3 ppg) and can lean upon one of the league’s top post players in Molly Schany, who averages 14.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. Head Coach Kristin Rotert’s squad has been stout defensively, ranking second in the GPAC in both scoring defense (58.9) and field goal percentage defense (.365). Northwestern will be aiming for a regular season sweep of Concordia. The Red Raiders won in Seward, 72-56, on Dec. 3.
Probable starters
Concordia (10-7, 8-5 GPAC)
G – Abby Krieser (7.9)
G – Taysha Rushton (13.9)
G – Mackenzie Toomey (6.8)
F – Abby Heemstra (3.6)
F – Sadie Powell (10.5)
Head Coach: Drew Olson (433-128, 17th season at CUNE)
Morningside (12-6, 7-5 GPAC)
G – Olivia Larsen (6.1)
G – McKenna Sims (10.1)
G – Alexis Spier (11.3)
F – Chloe Lofstrom (11.1)
F – Sophia Peppers (12.4)
Head Coach: Jamie Sale (578-167, 24th season at Morningside)
Northwestern (14-3, 9-2 GPAC)
G – Hali Anderson (8.4)
G – Emilee Danner (10.1)
G – Maddie Jones (13.3)
G – Taylor VanderVelde (9.3)
F – Molly Schany (14.3)
Head Coach: Kristin Rotert (38-12, 2nd season at Northwestern)
Next week
Next week will be jampacked with home action as the Bulldogs will host Hastings on Jan. 25 before shifting focus to the 70th Concordia Invitational Tournament (Jan. 27-28). On day one of the event, CUNE will take on Concordia University Wisconsin.
Balanced Bulldogs earn season sweep of Mustangs
January 19, 2023
WATCH: Bulldogs ring victory bell
SEWARD, Neb. – For the first time since the 2019-20 season, the Concordia University Women’s Basketball team has earned a regular season sweep of perennial powerhouse Morningside. Five different Bulldogs reached double figures in paving the way for a 74-60 victory over the Mustangs on Thursday (Jan. 19). Concordia led by as many as 18 points and put it on ice with two fourth quarter treys from Megan Belt.
Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad has won seven of its last eight GPAC outings and has moved to 11-7 overall (9-5 GPAC). Olson saw this effort as one of the Bulldogs’ best performances of the season to date.
“I think we’re really progressing,” Olson said. “We played a great basketball game today. It was one of our better games, just for a full 40 minutes. Morningside had a great run in the third quarter but how we responded is a huge sign of the team we have become.”
Abby Krieser and a gritty backcourt are leading the way for Concordia's middle-of-the-season surge. Krieser had already pilfered three steals in the opening half as Morningside was flustered into 12 turnovers. Not so surprisingly for a program used to winning, the Mustangs had a run in them that slashed the deficit all the way down to two (48-46) in the third quarter. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native Sadie Powell dropped in six points during the ensuing 13-1 spurt that put the Bulldogs back in control.
Concordia simply makes it a chore to find any halfcourt rhythm because of the effort expended in breaking its press. A couple of Morningside starting guards combined for just as many turnovers as points. As a team, the Mustangs were limited to 36.2 percent shooting (21-for-58) while finishing with 21 giveaways. Krieser ended the night with four steals and was matched by Powell’s four thefts. In addition, Mackenzie Koepke blocked three shots. In the face of that tenacity, Morningside struggled through a seven-minute scoreless drought in the second quarter.
Said Olson of the team’s defensive effort, “Just really good focus. They understood what they needed to do with who they guarded but also as a collective group. They did a phenomenal job throughout that game. The number of people who stepped up and hit big shots was awesome.”
Added Krieser, “We’re really aggressive and we play like we’re on a string. Our press is working well and we work really well together. We’ve been able to turn a lot of our steals into transition points.”
The five Bulldog double-figure scorers were Abby Heemstra (12), Taysha Rushton (12), Krieser (11), Powell (10) and Kristin Vieselmeyer (10). Heemstra paced Concordia with seven rebounds while Rushton stuffed the stat sheet with six assists, five rebounds and two steals. Off the bench, Vieselmeyer was ultra-efficient in making 2-of-3 shots from 3-point range and all four attempts from the foul line. Belt closed like Mariano Rivera with two late triples. The Bulldogs’ 41.9 percent shooting (26-for-62) was enough to get the job done.
Morningside (12-7, 7-6 GPAC) was led in scoring by Sophia Peppers (15), Alexis Spier (14) and Lily Vollertsen (11). Peppers added 10 rebounds in recording the double-double. Off the bench, Ella Wragge, younger sister of former Concordia All-American Quinn Wragge, appeared in 12 minutes. The Mustangs had won six straight series meetings over the Bulldogs prior to this season.
The Bulldogs are in the midst of a five-games-in-10-days stretch that will continue on Saturday with a road trip to No. 15 Northwestern (14-4, 9-3 GPAC). Tipoff from the Bultman Center in Orange City, Iowa, is set for 2 p.m. CT. Concordia will attempt to avenge the 72-56 loss it endured at the hands of the Red Raiders on Dec. 3. Northwestern owns a 7-2 home mark on the season.
Impressive week capped with road upset of No. 15 Northwestern
January 21, 2023
ORANGE CITY, Iowa – Fundamental team basketball coupled with an increasingly effective press has the Concordia University Women’s Basketball team surging towards the stretch run of the conference schedule. The backcourt play of Abby Krieser and Taysha Rushton allowed the Bulldogs to dictate the terms of Saturday (Jan. 21)’s game in what amounted to a 65-55 upset at No. 15 Northwestern. The host Red Raiders were held to nearly 20 points below their season scoring average.
Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad put together an impressive week that also included a 74-60 home win over Morningside. Concordia has won eight of its last nine GPAC contests while moving to 10-5 in league play (12-7 overall).
“I thought defensively we were really good throughout the game,” Olson said. “It shows the toughness we've developed over the course of the season. We have players who are confident and stepping up and hitting big shots when we need them. That was a really good win.”
This might not be the type of Bulldog squad that will run up 80-90 points with consistency, but it’s found an identity that leans upon a pesky backcourt, budding young frontcourt players and offensive balance. The growth has been evident since Concordia fell at home, 72-56, to Northwestern on Dec. 3. This time around, the Bulldogs shot better than 56 percent in the first half and wound up forcing 21 Red Raider turnovers. Then when Northwestern made a push, cutting it to a four-point game (50-46) entering the fourth quarter, Concordia had its response.
Rushton and Krieser teamed up to score all seven points as part of a 7-0 blitz to begin the final period. The lead ballooned to as large as 14 (65-51) when freshmen Megan Belt and Kristin Vieselmeyer made a trey apiece. The Red Raiders never really knew where it was going to come from – eight Bulldogs notched at least five points. The double-figure scorers were Krieser (12), Abby Heemstra (10) and Rushton (10).
Said Olson, “It shows our players love each other and are willing to share the ball. The trust they have goes a long way. They've developed that over the past 15-20 games. They are really believing in each other.”
Rushton’s stat line included four assists and four rebounds and Krieser pilfered three steals. Sadie Powell chipped in with eight points and five rebounds, while Kendal Brigham and Vieselmeyer notched seven points apiece. Additional contributions were made by Belt (six points; 2-for-4 3-pt FGs) and Mackenzie Koepke (five points, two blocks and two steals). Concordia shot 50.0 percent (26-for-52) for the game while overcoming a 39-24 disadvantage on the boards.
Noticeably, good things are happening when Krieser goes into attack mode. Her offensive game is clearly expanding. Said Olson, “She had a couple baskets where our team needed the bucket and she was like, 'I can take my opponent, and I'm going for it.' The last three or four games, she's had that swagger. She knows now she's capable of doing that. It's awesome to see.”
Northwestern (14-5, 9-4 GPAC) had won four straight games in January before running into Briar Cliff and Concordia this week. Two Red Raiders reached double figures on Saturday: Maddie Jones (14) and Emilee Danner (13). Star post player Molly Schany (nine points and 11 rebounds) just missed a double-double. Northwestern made only 16 field goals for the game and shot 31.4 percent from the field.
A jampacked week at home is coming up as the Bulldogs will welcome Hastings (8-12, 4-10 GPAC) to Friedrich Arena for a 6 p.m. CT tipoff. Once that game is in the books, focus will shift to the 70th Concordia Invitational Tournament set for Jan. 27-28. As for the matchup with the Broncos, Concordia will shoot for a season sweep having defeated the GPAC rival on the road, 70-57, on Dec. 10.
Previewing #CIT2023 week on the women's side
January 22, 2023
WATCH: Sights and sounds from CIT 2017 in Seward
SEWARD, Neb. – CIT week on the Concordia University Nebraska campus has arrived. The Bulldogs are going to get comfortable inside Friedrich Arena while hosting action on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Before focusing on the 70th Concordia Invitational Tournament, Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad will welcome Hastings to Seward on Wednesday evening. The Bulldogs are coming off a sterling week that featured wins by scores of 74-60 over Morningside (home) and 65-55 over No. 15 Northwestern (away). CUNE enters the week at 12-7 overall (10-5 GPAC) having won eight of its last nine GPAC outings.
This Week
Wednesday, Jan. 25 vs. Hastings (8-12, 4-10 GPAC), 6 p.m.
--Live Webcast/Stats | 104.9 Max Country | Location: Friedrich Arena (Seward, Neb.)
CIT – Friday, Jan. 27 vs. Concordia Wisconsin (8-8), 7 p.m.
--Live Webcast/Stats | 104.9 Max Country | Location: Friedrich Arena (Seward, Neb.)
CIT – Saturday, Jan. 28 vs. Concordia Ann Arbor/Concordia Chicago, 12/5 p.m.
--Live Webcast/Stats | 104.9 Max Country | Location: Friedrich Arena (Seward, Neb.)
2023 CIT Schedule – Jan. 27-28
--Admission at the door will be $15 for a day pass and $25 for a tournament pass; tickets can be purchased in advance by ordering online at https://www.cune.edu/athletics/tickets.
--Streaming: All eight CIT games will be streamed via the Concordia Sports Network. The cost for streaming will be $15 for a day pass and $25 for a tournament pass. Live stats will be available for free and all CUNE games will also be broadcast live via 104.9 Max Country radio.
Visit our official CIT webpage for more information: https://www.cune.edu/athletics/hosted-tournaments-and-meets/concordia-invitational-tournament.
Friday, Jan. 27
- 1 p.m. CST - Ann Arbor vs. Chicago (Women)
- 3 p.m. CST - Ann Arbor vs. Wisconsin (Men)
- 6 p.m. CST - Nebraska vs. Wisconsin (Women)
- 8 p.m. CST - Nebraska vs. Chicago (Men)
Saturday, Jan. 28
- 9 a.m. CST - Dance Competition
- 9:45 a.m. CST - Cheer Competition
- 12 p.m. CST - Women's Consolation Game
- 2 p.m. CST - Men's Consolation Game
- 5 p.m. CST - Women's Championship Game
- 7 p.m. CST - Men's Championship Game
- Trophy presentation and all-Concordia devotions following last game
By the numbers
· The first official ratings percentage index and ARC rankings for NAIA women’s basketball were released in mid-January. The metrics show the Bulldogs are in strong position for another national tournament appearance (although there is still work to be done). Concordia is ranked 36th in the RPI and has played the 10th strongest schedule in the NAIA. In addition, the Bulldogs are ranked seventh in the North/Central region (as of Jan. 16). Using the RPI, Concordia owns quality wins over the likes of No. 23 Dakota State University, No. 33 Morningside (two), No. 42 Northwestern and No. 59 Dakota Wesleyan. All seven losses have come against top 45 RPI opponents.
· Not since the 2019-20 season had the Bulldogs earned a regular season sweep of Morningside. The latest victory over the Mustangs saw Concordia hold a lead from wire-to-wire, although it got pushed when the visitors made a third quarter run. The key sequence came after Morningside closed within two (48-46) late in the third period. The Bulldogs followed with a 13-1 run that included six points from Sadie Powell. Balance was a theme as Concordia had five players reach double figures in scoring: Abby Heemstra (12), Taysha Rushton (12), Abby Krieser (11), Powell (10) and Kristin Vieselmeyer (10). Krieser (four steals) served as a catalyst defensively as the Bulldogs limited Morningside (13-7, 8-6 GPAC) to 36.2 percent shooting and flustered the Mustangs into 21 turnovers.
· On paper, Concordia was the underdog heading into the road trip to No. 15 Northwestern, but the Bulldogs didn’t play like it. They successfully avenged the 72-56 defeat they endured to the Red Raiders on Dec. 3. In last week’s matchup, Concordia again used a gritty defensive effort in holding Northwestern to nearly 20 points below its season scoring average. The Red Raiders (14-5, 9-4 GPAC) shot only 31.4 percent from the floor and turned it over 21 times. Krieser starred in totaling 12 points, three steals and a blocked shot. Meanwhile, Heemstra and Rushton added 10 points apiece and Powell posted eight points and five rebounds. Eight different Bulldogs recorded at least five points in another team effort.
· On a team that has been decidedly balanced, Krieser has stood out of late. The Lincoln North Star High School product has raised her game on the offensive end and is averaging 12.3 points over the past three contests. Defensively, Krieser just might be one of the best guards in the entire GPAC. She’s averaging 2.1 steals per game (sixth most in the GPAC) and is a major reason why Concordia leads the conference with an average of 20.9 turnovers forced per game. Krieser made the jump into the starting lineup this season after she appeared off the bench in 17 games as a freshman in 2021-22. She’s averaging 8.3 points per game, up from 2.8 points per game last season.
· Rushton is on the verge of moving into the program’s top 20 in terms of all-time scoring. As part of last week’s action, the Midland, Texas, native leapt Teresa Noffke (1,207) for 21st on the list. At 1,218 career points, Rushton now has her sights set on the likes of Amy Scheil (1,244), Tracy Peitz (1,277) and Katie Rich (1,293). An immediate impact player from the day she stepped on campus, Rushton has also totaled 218 rebounds, 216 assists and 131 steals in 79 games as a Bulldog. Rushton is a two-time First Team All-GPAC selection.
Five facts about CUNE Women’s Basketball at CIT
· CUNE owns the most CIT titles (30) in the history of the women’s event, which dates back to 1973. The Bulldogs first seized the title in 1983 when led by head coach Carl Everts. CUNE has won 29 of the last 34 CITs.
· Five different head coaches have led the program to CIT titles (in order): Carl Everts (seven), Mark Lemke (four), Micah Parker (four), Todd Voss (four) and Drew Olson (11). Olson’s 11 CIT championships rank as the most of any women’s basketball coach in the history of the tournament.
· The Bulldogs have won seven straight CIT championships, including 14 consecutive CIT games during the run. Over those 14 games, CUNE’s average margin of victory has been 31.6 points per game.
· Six Bulldogs have earned multiple CIT MVP awards: Quinn Wragge (2016, 2017), Bailey Morris (2014, 2015), Whitney Stichka (2006, 2008, 2009), Sarah Harrison (2002, 2004, 2005), Stacey Miller (1997, 1998) and Lynda Beck (1990, 1991). Former Bulldog All-American Grace Barry took CIT MVP honors in 2020, the most recent CIT.
· Now in his 17th season as head coach, Drew Olson owns an all-time CIT record of 25-3 and has reached the CIT championship game in every season of his tenure. CUNE lost CIT title games to CU-Wisconsin in 2007 and to CU-Ann Arbor in both 2011 and 2013.
Hastings and the CIT Field
Concordia University Nebraska Bulldogs
Head Coach: Drew Olson, 17th year (435-128)
Record: 12-7 (10-5 GPAC)
Conference: Great Plains Athletic Conference (NAIA)
Location: Seward, Nebraska
Scoring Offense: 70.7 ppg / .400 FG%
Scoring Defense: 63.9 ppg / .400 FG%
CIT Titles: 30 (most recent: 2020)
Probable Lineup
G – Abby Krieser (8.3)
G – Taysha Rushton (13.6)
G – Mackenzie Toomey (6.4)
F – Abby Heemstra (4.4)
F – Sadie Powell (10.3)
Hastings College Broncos
Head Coach: Jina Douglas, 8th year
Record: 8-12 (4-10 GPAC)
Conference: Great Plains Athletic Conference (NAIA)
Location: Hastings, Nebraska
Scoring Offense: 63.5 ppg / .371 FG%
Scoring Defense: 66.0 ppg / .405 FG%
Probable Lineup
G – Mariyah Avila (8.3)
G – Alyssa Baker (6.3)
G – Allison Bauer (11.3)
G – Kiernan Paulk (7.0)
F – Katharine Hamburger (7.0)
Concordia University Ann Arbor Cardinals
Head Coach: Elyse Schlump, 1st year
Record: 12-8 (9-5 WHAC)
Conference: Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (NAIA)
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Scoring Offense: 63.8 ppg / .390 FG%
Scoring Defense: 60.5 ppg / .393 FG%
CIT Titles: 2 (most recent: 2013)
Probable Lineup
G – Samantha Dorn (13.3)
G – Ellie Kallner (2.4)
G – Taylor Leatherman (14.8)
G – Zaria Mitchner (4.9)
F – Izzy Viau (5.7)
Concordia University Chicago Cougars
Head Coach: Lauren Martin, 5th year
Record: 8-8 (7-4 NACC)
Conference: Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NCAA Division III)
Location: River Forest, Illinois
Scoring Offense: 70.6 ppg / .361 FG%
Scoring Defense: 71.3 ppg / .403 FG%
CIT Titles: 4 (most recent: 1986)
Probable Lineup
G – Prentciss Gates (2.7)
G – Melia Perry (8.4)
G – Chloe Schaafsma (1.5)
G – Jaylene Wade (10.8)
F – Alisyn MacGregor (5.9)
Concordia University Wisconsin Falcons
Head Coach: Stacey Brunner-Jones, 19th year
Record: 8-8 (7-4 NACC)
Conference: Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NCAA Division III)
Location: Mequon, Wisconsin
Scoring Offense: 60.4 ppg / .396 FG%
Scoring Defense: 60.6 ppg / .376 FG%
CIT Titles: 3 (most recent: 2007)
Probable Lineup
G – Lily Guerra (8.2)
G – Emily Hafemann (14.1)
G – Lindsey Lonigro (4.8)
G – Reagan Obry (9.1)
F – Erin Viergutz (6.4)
Next week
It will be strictly conference play the rest of the regular season. The Bulldogs will play at Midland on Feb. 1 before returning home to host No. 3 Dordt on Feb. 4.
Third quarter splash lifts Bulldogs over Broncos
January 25, 2023
SEWARD, Neb. – A third quarter run of dominance took the drama out of it on Wednesday (Jan. 25) as the Concordia University Women’s Basketball team remained red hot. The Bulldogs allowed visiting Hastings only three field goals during the third period in the process of growing the advantage to as large as 18 points. Concordia turned away the Broncos, 73-62, with the help of a career high-tying 14 points from Abby Krieser.
Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad has gone 9-1 in its last 10 GPAC games while running its record to 13-7 overall (11-5 GPAC). Before revving up for the Concordia Invitational Tournament, the Bulldogs had to get this one first.
“We talked at halftime about being a little bit sharper defensively,” Olson said. “When we get stops, we can play a lot faster. I felt like in that stretch (third quarter), we played with really good pace and got a lot of easy baskets. They have a lot of confidence in each other. They’re really enjoying playing together. That goes a long way. I think this group has figured some things out.”
A Concordia drought leading into halftime allowed Hastings to pull even, 33-33, at the break. Spurred first by its play on the defensive end, the Bulldogs made the game-defining push. Mackenzie Koepke and Taysha Rushton broke a 37-37 stalemate with back-to-back treys, initiating a 16-0 surge. Kendal Brigham capped the run with a pair of layups. As a team that has averaged 63.5 points per game this season, the Broncos did not possess the firepower to keep up.
The meshing of this Concordia team continues to develop without the need for one singular star holding down the spotlight. The budding Krieser added to her stat line on Wednesday with four rebounds, two steals and two blocked shots. As for Rushton, she’s playing within herself. She went 4-for-5 from 3-point range in putting up 12 points, four rebounds and three assists. Another five Bulldogs notched at least five points, including Brigham (nine), Koepke (eight), Sadie Powell (eight), Megan Belt (six) and Mackenzie Toomey (five).
Hastings (8-13, 4-11 GPAC) kept within striking distance for much of the evening thanks to its 14-for-29 performance from 3-point range. Conversely, the Broncos made only 6-of-24 shots from inside the arc and shot 37.7 percent overall. Katharine Hamburger paced all players with 16 points while Alyssa Baker chipped in 13. The visitors did do a commendable job in limiting their turnovers to 17 in the face of a pesky press. Hastings has suffered seven straight defeats and has not earned a conference win since Dec. 7.
Koepke poured in two treys and ended the night with 199 career 3-point field goals, leaving her on the brink of becoming the sixth player in program history to net 200. She’s seen how this team has evolved over time. Said Koepke, “We’re feeling good, we’re playing well together. We’re staying level-headed – don’t ride the highs too high or the lows too low. We’re staying confident in each other and I think that’s what’s helping us a lot.”
Concordia earned a season sweep of the Broncos having also defeated them on the road, 70-57, on Dec. 10. The Bulldogs are 6-1 in the month of January with the lone defeat coming at Jamestown. One of the hottest players individually, Krieser has scored in double figures in four consecutive games and has averaged 12.8 points during that stretch.
The 70th Concordia Invitational Tournament will tip off on Friday from Friedrich Arena. In round one of the event, the Bulldogs will take on Concordia University Wisconsin (9-8) at 6 p.m. CT on Friday. CUNE will be attempting to extend a string of seven straight CIT championships. For more details on CIT 2023, including ticket information, click HERE.
Dawgs light up scoreboard in CIT blowout over CUW
January 27, 2023
SEWARD, Neb. – It looked like vintage Concordia University Nebraska Women’s Basketball on day one of the 70th Concordia Invitational Tournament. The harassing full-court pressure and 3-point marksmanship of the Bulldogs made for a rout from the opening tip. While hosting CIT for the first time since 2017, CUNE cruised to a 100-49 win over Concordia University Wisconsin on Friday (Jan. 27). Friedrich Arena saw its most frenzied atmosphere yet this season.
Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad moved to 14-7 overall in the process of extending a program winning streak of 15 games at CIT.
“The biggest thing was the crowd and how awesome that was,” Olson said. “The environment was incredible. It’s just really cool for our players to experience that. My hope is they just keep coming out now. They see it’s a fun atmosphere and it’s fun to go crazy and cheer. It’s a good team to cheer for. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come.”
After a two-year absence from CIT, the Bulldogs are back to winning at the event in a leave-no-doubt fashion. Kendal Brigham notched the final four points of a 15-1 run to open the game – and the lead only grew from there. The only real drama late the contest centered upon whether CUNE would crack the century mark for the first time this season. That feat came to fruition in the closing minutes when Destiny Shepherd fired in a trey, much to the crowd’s delight.
Most critically, the Bulldogs are winning because they are playing with their hair on fire defensively. CUW (9-9) went nearly seven minutes before finally scoring its first bucket. The Falcons struggled to the tune of 25.9 percent shooting (14-for-54) overall. Matters were made worse by CUNE’s crater-sized 53-33 advantage on the boards. It was clear – the Bulldogs fed on the crowd. They shot impressively from 3-point range (15-for-38) and from the foul line (15-for-16).
Taylor Farrell got going with eight points (two treys) in the first half and was one of 13 Bulldogs with at least five points on the evening. Said Farrell, “This year hasn’t been the most ideal for me, but my teammates have been extremely supportive … I’m really proud of this team. It’s been really special to go out there and do that (play in CIT).”
Taysha Rushton drained three triples in the fourth quarter and wound up leading all scorers with 15 points (to go with a pair of steals). Kristin Vieselmeyer (11 points and seven rebounds) also reached double figures off the bench. Reece Snodgrass hustled her way to six points and eight rebounds and Brigham posted seven points, six assists and six rebounds. Also noteworthy, Mackenzie Koepke splashed home two long range jumpers and became the sixth player in program history to reach 200 career 3-point field goals.
Said Olson, “It was good to have everybody get a little more confidence. Everybody was in on the action. That always makes it more fun … It’s so cool to see Willy out there. She’s going to continue to give us some quality minutes throughout the season. She’s one of the two that has been a part of CIT. The CIT she got to be a part of – she got injured. For her to experience this and have that kind of success is awesome.”
The 70th CIT will continue on Saturday with cheer and dance competitions and four more basketball games. In the 5 p.m. CT championship game, the Bulldogs will go up against fellow NAIA member Concordia University Chicago (9-9). The Cougars topped Concordia University Ann Arbor, 71-65, in the opening game of the tournament. Winner of 30 all-time CIT titles, CUNE will be aiming to run its active string to eight in a row.
In tournament's reemergence, Bulldogs get back on that CIT roll
January 28, 2023
SEWARD, Neb. – Though only two players on the Bulldog roster owned prior CIT experience, the 2022-23 Concordia University Nebraska Women’s Basketball team picked up where the 2019-20 squad left off. In other words, the Bulldogs controlled the Concordia Invitational Tournament in utterly dominant fashion. Behind tournament MVP Taysha Rushton, CUNE suffocated Concordia University Chicago in an 85-33 CIT championship game victory inside a jampacked Friedrich Arena on Saturday (Jan. 28).
Head Coach Drew Olson’s program has won each of the past eight CITs and owns a 16-game winning streak in the tournament. For the 31st time in program history, the CIT trophy remains in Seward.
“It was an awesome defensive effort,” Olson said. “We played so hard on that end and that leads to transition baskets. I’m just really happy for how hard we’re playing and for us to be able to experience CIT again. This is what college basketball should be. It’s so fun to have our players experience something like this – and for our student body. It’s about coming to games, going crazy and cheering for your team and having pride in your university, and we have it here at Concordia.”
The defensive tenacity of the Bulldogs was the story of the contest. CUNE started the game 1-for-11 from the field, but it didn’t matter. Rushton and company ended the first quarter on a 13-3 run (led 20-8) and quickly made the outcome a foregone conclusion. The Bulldogs swiped 14 steals, forced 26 Cougar turnovers and held the opposition to a miserable 18.8 percent (12-for-64) from the floor. CUC (9-10) likely felt like there were six or seven CUNE players on the court when it went on offense.
Just like Friday, Olson used the bench liberally as all 13 Bulldogs who suited up saw action – and all 13 scored. This was a big weekend for freshman Kristin Vieselmeyer, who notched 11 points and seven rebounds on Friday and then followed it up with a career high 21 points and nine rebounds on Saturday. Vieselmeyer was joined in double figures in the title game by teammates in Rushton (13) and Mackenzie Toomey (10). Rushton added four assists and a couple of steals to her stat line. The Midland, Texas, native poured in 15 points in Friday’s win over Concordia Wisconsin.
Said Vieslemeyer, “I enjoyed being able to play with my teammates in such a cool atmosphere and see my whole family be here. You could feel the love from the community.”
Collectively, the Bulldogs shut down star CUC guard Katherine Benes, who had scored 30 points in her team’s Friday win over Concordia Ann Arbor. In the championship, Benes was frustrated into an 0-for-12 performance from the field. She entered the contest average more than 25 points per game. Melia Perry wound up on the CIT all-tournament team after she totaled 13 points against the Bulldogs. No other CUC player had more than seven points.
Said Olson, “I think our team enjoys playing against really good players. Benes is really good. She scores (almost) 28 per game for a reason. Our team is really locked in and they enjoy those challenges. They just did a great job on her.”
Toomey and Mackenzie Koepke collected six rebounds apiece as CUNE enjoyed a 52-42 advantage on the boards. Off the bench, Kendal Brigham posted nine points on 2-for-2 shooting from the field and 4-for-4 shooting from the foul line. The Abbys, Krieser and Heemstra, added six points apiece. The Bulldogs shot 43.1 percent overall and were nearly perfect on free throws (16-for-17).
It will be back to conference play on Wednesday when the Bulldogs are set to venture to Fremont, Neb., for a 6 p.m. CT tipoff inside the Wikert Event Center. CUNE will seek a season sweep of Midland (3-18, 1-15 GPAC) after having defeated the Warriors, 84-59, on Nov. 16. The Bulldogs are 9-1 over their last 10 GPAC outings.
2023 CIT All-Tournament Team
MVP – Taysha Rushton, CUNE
Emily Hafemann, CUW
Taylor Leatherman, CUAA
Melia Perry, CUC
Kristin Vieselmeyer, CUNE
Post CIT slate ushers in return to GPAC play
January 30, 2023
SEWARD, Neb. – The final six games of the regular season will all be against GPAC opponents as Concordia University Women’s Basketball turns the page after winning the Concordia Invitational Tournament. The Bulldogs won three home games over a four-day stretch last week, taking care of Hastings, 73-62, Concordia University Wisconsin, 100-49, and Concordia University Chicago, 85-33. Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad went 8-1 during the month of January while rounding into form. The Bulldogs enter this week at 15-7 overall (11-5 GPAC).
This Week
Wednesday, Feb. 1 at Midland (3-18, 1-15 GPAC), 6 p.m.
--Webcast | Live Stats | 104.9 Max Country | Location: Wikert Event Center (Fremont, Neb.)
Saturday, Feb. 4 vs. No. 3 Dordt (21-1, 15-1 GPAC), 2 p.m.
--Live Webcast/Stats | 104.9 Max Country | Location: Friedrich Arena (Seward, Neb.)
By the numbers
· The Bulldogs entered the month of January sitting just barely above .500 at 7-6 overall. Fast forward a month later and CUNE looks like a different, more confident team. During the course of January, CUNE went 8-1 and claimed wins over two ranked teams: then No. 21 Dakota Wesleyan and then No. 15 Northwestern (on the road). Over that stretch, the Bulldogs averaged 76.3 points to their opponents’ 56.9 and outshot their foes, 42.7 percent to 33.3 percent. The offensive balance over those nine games was striking. Five CUNE players averaged at least 8.3 points: Taysha Rushton (11.8), Sadie Powell (9.7), Abby Krieser (9.4), Kristin Vieselmeyer (8.4) and Kendal Brigham (8.3).
· Before thinking about CIT, the Bulldogs took care of Hastings in the middle of last week and earned a regular season sweep of the Broncos (8-14, 4-12 GPAC). After a 33-33 halftime stalemate, CUNE turned on the jets and outscored Hastings 22-7 in the third quarter. Krieser continued her tear by going for 14 points, four rebounds, two steals and two blocked shots while Rushton added 12 points, four rebounds and three assists. Hastings stayed in the game to some degree by making 14-of-29 shots from 3-point range. However, the Broncos were just 6-for-24 inside the arc and committed 17 turnovers. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs shot a solid 45.9 percent from the field and went 7-for-8 from the foul line.
· The opening matchup of CIT was no contest as CUNE outscored Concordia Wisconsin (9-10), 25-6, in the first quarter and kept piling on. All 13 Bulldogs who saw action registered in the scoring column with Rushton (15) and Vieselmeyer (11) notching double figures. CUNE stifled the Falcons into shooting only 25.9 percent (14-for-54) from the floor and flustered them into 20 turnovers. The Bulldogs knocked down 15 treys and dominated the boards, 53-33. In the win, Mackenzie Koepke became the sixth player in program history to reach 200 career 3-point field goals. It was also a fine performance for Taylor Farrell, who posted eight points in the opening half. Koepke and Farrell were the lone two Bulldogs with prior CIT experience.
· It was more of the same in the CIT championship, which saw CUNE’s defense lock down even tighter. The Cougars (9-10) shot a miserable 18.8 percent (12-for-64) from the floor and star guard Katherine Benes went 0-for-12 and was held scoreless. A big weekend continued for Vieselmeyer who totaled 21 points and nine rebounds in the championship and was named CIT all-tournament. Rushton garnered CIT MVP honors and posted 13 points, four assists and two steals versus CUC. Brigham contributed nine points off the bench. Once again, all 13 Bulldogs scored. CUNE also took the rebounding battle, 52-42, and netted 16-of-17 foul shots.
· This year’s CIT dominance was a continuation from the previous seven events. The Bulldogs have won eight CITs in a row and own an active CIT win streak of 16. Entering this year’s tournament, CUNE had won its previous 14 CIT games by an average margin of 31.6 points per game. In his 17 years as head coach, Olson has a record of 27-3 at CIT with 12 championships. Four other coaches in program history have won CIT titles: Carl Everts (seven), Mark Lemke (four), Micah Parker (four) and Todd Voss (four). CUNE has won 31 all-time CIT titles and has reigned supreme in 30 of the past 35 CITs.
· As stated, Koepke became the sixth Bulldog to knock down 200 or more 3-point field goals in a career. Now with 202 3-point field goals, Koepke (837 career points) is joined in that club by Kristen Conahan (323), Melissa Tinkham (266), Andrea Janssen (247), Brenleigh Daum (232) and Bailey Morris (201). Rushton will soon add her name to the group. The Midland, Texas, native enters the week with 193 career 3-point field goals to her credit. Speaking of Rushton, she’s made her way to No. 19 on the program’s all-time scoring list with 1,258 points. Rushton’s career totals also include 226 assists, 225 rebounds and 135 steals in 82 games.
The opponents
Midland has struggled its way through a winless month of January. Its most competitive outings over the past month were losses by scores of 89-83 versus Doane and 63-55 versus Mount Marty. The most recent win for the Warriors was a 69-57 triumph at College of Saint Mary on Dec. 14. Head Coach Shawn Gilbert’s top two scorers have been Erin Prussa (10.7) and Emma Shepard (10.1). As a team, Midland has averaged 59.9 points per game while allowing 76.8. Concordia has won four straight in the series with the Warriors. The two sides met in Seward on Nov. 16 with the result being an 84-59 Bulldog win.
Dordt has just one blemish on its record – a 71-66 upset loss at Doane on Jan. 11. Since then, the Defenders have beaten No. 21 Briar Cliff, College of Saint Mary, Midland, Dakota Wesleyan and Hastings while keeping their grip on first place in the GPAC standings. Dordt graduated the GPAC Player of the Year, Ashtyn Veerbeek, from last season’s national runner up team, but has made up for it with an experienced and well-rounded roster. The team’s two biggest stars are the likes of Karly Gustafson in the frontcourt and Bailey Beckman in the backcourt. Head Coach Bill Harmsen’s squad leads the GPAC in offensive scoring average (80.0) while ranking third in defensive scoring average (60.1). The Defenders defeated Concordia on Nov. 19, 76-65, and have won each of the past three series matchups.
Probable starters
Concordia (15-7, 11-5 GPAC)
G – Abby Krieser (8.3)
G – Taysha Rushton (13.6)
G – Mackenzie Toomey (6.5)
F – Abby Heemstra (4.5)
F – Sadie Powell (9.8)
Head Coach: Drew Olson (438-128, 17th season at CUNE)
Midland (3-18, 1-15 GPAC)
G – Kennedy Darner (6.7)
G – Lexi Kraft (6.0)
G – Sam Shepard (10.1)
G – Sarah Shepard (4.5)
C – Erin Prusa (10.7)
Head Coach: Shawn Gilbert (10th season)
Dordt (21-1, 15-1 GPAC)
G – Bailey Beckman (16.7)
G – Hayden Heimensen (6.4)
G – Faith Van Holland (6.0)
F – Karly Gustafson (17.0)
F – Janie Schoonhoven (12.4)
Head Coach: Bill Harmsen (5th season)
Next week
The Bulldogs will have two short road trips next week as they will play at Doane on Feb. 8 and at College of Saint Mary on Feb. 11. Concordia beat both opponents at home already this season.
Rushton torches nets in trouncing of Midland
Fabruary 1, 2023
FREMONT, Neb. – There’s something about playing at the Wikert Event Center that brings out the best in star guard Taysha Rushton. The Midland, Texas, native shot the ball like she was running a heater on NBA Jam. Rushton made her first eight attempts from the field in helping fuel a 102-64 Concordia University Women's Basketball road blowout of Midland on Wednesday (Feb. 1). For the evening, Rushton went an otherworldly 7-for-7 from 3-point range (10-for-11 from the floor) on her way to a season high 29 points.
Everything has been trending positively for Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad, which showed no signs of a letdown coming off a Concordia Invitational Tournament championship. The Bulldogs (16-7, 12-5 GPAC) went 8-1 during the month of January and are 10-1 over their last 11 GPAC games.
“I was really impressed with our team’s focus right from the beginning,” Olson said. “We knew Midland is a team that’s been struggling, but you don’t want them to have hope and hang around. Our team came out from the beginning and shot lights out, played with great defensive energy and put them away early.
“Taysha was phenomenal – just couldn’t miss. She even banked in a three. And Abby Krieser played phenomenal. The whole group is just playing really good basketball. We have to keep it going.”
It took Rushton fewer than five minutes to reach double figures and, as a team, the Bulldogs started 10-for-12 from the floor with four 3-point field goals over that stretch. By first quarter’s end, Concordia had built a virtually insurmountable 35-15 lead. The Bulldogs were able to add to the advantage while netting 19-of-45 (.422) tries from 3-point range. When its core players were on the court, Concordia had little trouble getting the shots it wanted.
Rushton poured in 22 points in the first half on Wednesday, almost exactly a year after she recorded 26 of her 31 points in the opening 20 minutes at the very same venue in Fremont. Rushton also became the seventh player in school history to reach 200 career 3-point field goals. Her play grabs the headline, but Abby Krieser has been as important as any player to the team’s surge. The Lincoln North Star product collected a career high 20 points to go along with eight assists, five steals and five rebounds in the latest victory. Kendal Brigham also reached double figures in totaling 11 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Named to the CIT all-tournament team, Kristin Vieselmeyer enjoyed another solid outing in putting up six points and eight rebounds. Meanwhile, Sadie Powell produced seven points, Mackenzie Koepke added eight points and seven rebounds and Mackenzie Toomey supplied seven points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals. Furthermore, Concordia shot 44.7 percent (38-for-85) overall, won the rebound battle, 52-38, and forced 19 Midland turnovers. Ten different players scored for the visitors.
The Warriors (3-19, 1-16 GPAC) have been stuck at the bottom of the GPAC standings and lost twice to the Bulldogs this season in convincing fashion. Midland got 12 points apiece on Wednesday from Gabby Beauperthuy and Sarah Shepard. The Warriors were held to 36.5 percent (23-for-63) shooting by an increasingly nasty Bulldog defense. A trey by Reece Snodgrass pushed Concordia into triple digits for the second time in three outings.
Said Olson, “I think we’ve learned a lot of things about each other and how much they love playing together. It’s a really competitive group that’s built up a lot of confidence with some of the wins we’ve had. It makes a big difference when you trust each other, care about each other and love to win.”
The Bulldogs will be back at Friedrich Arena on Saturday (2 p.m. CT tipoff) to welcome in fourth-ranked Dordt (22-1, 16-1 GPAC). National runners up in 2022, the Defenders have just one blemish on their record, a 71-66 upset loss at Doane on Jan. 11. Concordia will be looking to even up the season series after it fell in Sioux Center, Iowa, 76-65, on Nov. 19. The Bulldogs are 11-2 at home in 2022-23.
Dawgs take fourth-ranked Dordt to the wire
February 4, 2023
SEWARD, Neb. – It was the ultimate test on Saturday (Feb. 4) to see just how far this Concordia University Women’s Basketball team had grown. In many ways, the Bulldogs passed the test while taking fourth-ranked Dordt to the wire in what ultimately resulted in a 76-69 victory for the Defenders. Offensive rebounding proved critical for Dordt, which started the contest in an immediate 7-0 hole.
Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad had been 10-1 over its previous 11 GPAC outings. Concordia (16-8, 12-6 GPAC) won’t panic after being narrowly outdueled by the top team in the conference standings.
“It was a great game,” Olson said. “Dordt showed why they’re leading the league and why they were in the national championship game last year. They’re tough – they’re battle-tested and they just found ways to claw back into the game. They made the plays at the end of the game. We just didn’t do all the little things we needed to do to beat a great team today.”
The Defenders may be one of the few teams nationally that could interrupt the roll the Bulldogs have been on since the calendar flipped to 2023. A key stretch on Saturday came right after halftime when Dordt turned a 42-37 deficit into a 48-42 lead thanks to an 11-0 surge that featured six points from Janie Schoonhoven. The Defenders never trailed again, although they needed virtually all 40 minutes to put the game away.
Concordia closed within two (71-69) with 2:27 left when Taysha Rushton drained a pair of free throws. Some hard-nosed Defender defense and an offensive rebound by Karly Gustafson off a missed foul shot in the final minute helped Dordt move to 23-1 overall (17-1 GPAC). The final field goal of the game for the Bulldogs came on Sadie Powell’s trey at the 6:00 mark of the fourth quarter. Clutch plays down the stretch and a 38-30 rebound advantage made the difference for the Defenders.
Said Olson, “Today it was them outrebounding us. I thought we did a really good job in the first half, but down the stretch, we’d get them to miss and they get the offensive rebound. Then they’d miss a free throw and get another offensive rebound. Those things add up, but I love how hard our team played. We played a really good basketball team and played a great game. I know our team’s going to respond.”
The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native Powell enjoyed one of her better offensive games of the season in making her first five shots from the floor on the way to a team high 18 points (4-for-5 from 3-point range). She was followed in double figures by Abby Krieser (16) and Rushton (14). Powell also paced the team with seven rebounds and three steals. Off the bench, Kendal Brigham supplied nine points, three assists and three rebounds. Abby Heemstra also added eight points and three boards.
Even without last year’s GPAC Player of the Year Ashtyn Veerbeek, Dordt possesses star powerin the form of Bailey Beckman (game high 24 points) and Karly Gustafson (17 points and seven rebounds). Schoonhoven notched a double-double (13 points and 10 rebounds). The Defenders were not fazed by the full-court press as they committed only nine turnovers. They also shot a rock-solid 44.3 percent (27-for-63) from the floor. On the other end, Concordia never went away while knocking down 17-of-20 free throw attempts.
The Bulldogs will be on the road on Wednesday for a short drive to Crete, Neb., where they will take on Doane (13-11, 7-11 GPAC) at 6 p.m. CT. Concordia won this season’s first meeting, 72-55, in Seward and has won each of the last 13 meetings (and 22 of the last 23) with the Tigers. Olson owns a career record of 27-6 versus Doane.
Two in-state GPAC road games await Bulldogs
February 6, 2023
SEWARD, Neb. – A couple of short road trips will make up this week’s slate as the Concordia University Women’s Basketball team will stay within the state of Nebraska. Now 10-2 over their last 12 GPAC games, the Bulldogs will take their act on the road against Doane on Wednesday and College of Saint Mary on Saturday. In last week’s action, Concordia earned a 102-64 win at Midland before falling, 76-69, in a wire-to-wire clash with fourth-ranked Dordt. Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad enters this week in a tie for fourth place in the GPAC standings at 12-6 in league play (16-8 overall). The current top three in the league standings are Dordt (17-1), Jamestown (14-4) and Briar Cliff (13-5).
This Week
Wednesday, Feb. 8 at Doane (13-11, 7-11 GPAC), 6 p.m.
--Webcast | Live Stats | 104.9 Max Country | Location: Haddix Center (Crete, Neb.)
Saturday, Feb. 11 at College of Saint Mary (5-19, 2-16 GPAC), 2 p.m.
--Webcast | 104.9 Max Country | Location: Lied Fitness Center (Omaha, Neb.)
By the numbers
· The Bulldogs have not been receiving votes in the national poll, but they are in much better shape in regards to the national tournament than the human polls would indicate. In metrics released at the end of January, Concordia was revealed as the No. 22 team in the official RPI and has played the 10th best strength of schedule in the NAIA. Additionally, the Bulldogs are rated fifth in the North/Central “ARC Rankings” unveiled on Jan. 30. The top four in the region are currently Dordt, Briar Cliff, Dakota State and Jamestown. Though not an official NAIA metric, Massey Ratings lists Concordia as the No. 17 team in the NAIA. Based on the latest RPI, the Bulldogs’ best wins this season have come over No. 34 Dakota State, No. 43 Northwestern, No. 45 Dakota Wesleyan and No. 53 Morningside (twice).
· Taysha Rushton has enjoyed playing at the Wikert Event Center in Fremont. A year ago, she racked up 26 points in the first half on her way to a 31-point outing in a 101-57 victory at Midland. Déjà vu struck last week as Rushton made her first eight shots and totaled 22 of her 29 points in the first half in leading the 102-64 triumph. Rushton finished 10-for-11 from the floor and an otherworldly 7-for-7 from 3-point range. Abby Krieser also poured in a career high 20 points while adding eight assists, five steals and five rebounds. Off the bench, Kendal Brigham posted 11 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Concordia went 19-for-45 (.422) from 3-point range in the scorching of the Warriors (3-20, 1-17 GPAC).
· The Bulldogs gave No. 4 Dordt (23-1, 17-1 GPAC) their best shot in a suspenseful wire-to-wire battle inside Friedrich Arena. In the end, the Defenders were too much thanks in large part to their 12 offensive rebounds and stingy defensive play down the stretch. Dordt was led by a star trio of Bailey Beckman, Karly Gustafson and Janie Schoonhoven (combined for 54 points). Three Concordia players reached double figures: Sadie Powell (18), Krieser (16) and Rushton (14). Powell also added seven rebounds and three steals in one of her better outings of the season to date. Brigham posted nine points and three assists off the bench. The Defenders (only nine turnovers) managed to neutralize the full-court press.
· With her seven treys at Midland, Rushton hit 200 3-point field goals for her career exactly. The Midland, Texas, native joins six Bulldogs in program history with at least 200 career treys: Kristen Conahan (323), Melissa Tinkham (266), Andrea Janssen (247), Brenleigh Daum (232), Mackenzie Koepke (204) and Bailey Morris (201). Rushton has also jumped to 18th on the program’s all-time scoring list with 1,301 points in 84 games. Rushton has notched additional career totals of 235 rebounds, 232 assists and 137 steals.
· Since the calendar flipped to 2023, the Bulldogs own a record of 9-2 with the lone losses coming on the road at Jamestown and at home to Dordt. Over that 11-game stretch, Concordia has averaged 78.0 points per game and has shot 42.8 percent from the floor while limiting opponents to 59.3 points per game and 34.6 percent shooting. The balance during that run has been striking with five Bulldogs averaging at least 7.6 points: Rushton (13.5), Krieser (11.0), Powell (10.2), Brigham (8.6) and Kristin Vieslemeyer (7.6). Turnover margin has also been a key to that 9-2 mark as Concordia has forced 213 turnovers and committed only 146 over that time period.
· In terms of the defensive efficiency metric, the Bulldogs (.827) have been the most difficult team in the league to score against on a possession basis. The metric measure points per possession allowed. The surge Concordia has been on has also pushed its GPAC rankings to third in field goal percentage defense (.384) and to fifth in scoring defense (62.5). The Bulldogs continue to force more turnovers per game (20.3) than any other GPAC squad. Individually, both Krieser (2.0 spg) and Mackenzie Toomey (2.0 spg) rank in the top 10 of the conference in terms of steals per game.
The opponents
Doane has continued to trend upward in comparison to recent seasons. Head Coach Ryan Baumgartner has helped the Tigers put behind a 2-25 campaign in 2019-20 while jumping to 13-11 so far in 2022-23. The program’s rise has certainly been aided by the arrival of Mak Hatcliff, who leads the GPAC in scoring at 22.1 points per game (No. 5 in the NAIA). The high point of the season to date came on Jan. 11 when the Tigers upset then No. 3 Dordt, 71-66, behind 21 points from Hatcliff. Things have been a bit up and down with Doane having gone 2-5 over its past seven GPAC outings. The Tigers are averaging 77.2 points per game while allowing 72.7 per contest. The 72-55 Concordia win over Doane (in Seward) on Dec. 15 pushed the Bulldogs’ series win streak to 13.
College of Saint Mary enters the week with a six-game GPAC skid since its 66-63 home win over Hastings on Jan. 14. The Flames showed improvement last season when they finished at 13-15 overall (7-15 GPAC). Those win totals are out of reach this 2022-23 season. The Flames struggle to score, as evidenced by their average of 55.9 points per game. The highest individual scorer is Madelyn Turner at 9.4 points per game. Head Coach Kirk Walker’s squad has beaten Hastings twice this season. In this season’s meeting with Concordia that took place inside Friedrich Arena, the Bulldogs won by a 74-54 score and have triumphed in each of the past 21 meetings with the Flames.
Probable starters
Concordia (16-8, 12-6 GPAC)
G – Abby Krieser (9.1)
G – Taysha Rushton (14.3)
G – Mackenzie Toomey (6.3)
F – Abby Heemstra (4.7)
F – Sadie Powell (10.0)
Head Coach: Drew Olson (439-129, 17th season at CUNE)
Doane (13-11, 7-11 GPAC)
G – Mak Hatcliff (22.1)
G – Macy Holtz (14.8)
G – Rylie Rice (8.0)
G – Libby Trausch (7.9)
F – Megan Chambers (9.5)
Head Coach: Ryan Baumgartner (4th season)
College of Saint Mary (5-19, 2-16 GPAC)
G – Kenzi Hoit (8.3)
G – Allisa Schubert (4.6)
G – Bailey White (8.7)
G/F – Madelyn Turner (6.8)
F – Clare Lewandowski (6.8)
Head Coach: Kirk Walker (5th season)
Next week
Next week will mark the close of the regular season as the Bulldogs will host 18th-ranked Briar Cliff on Feb. 15 before heading to Dakota Wesleyan on Feb. 18. Concordia will recognize senior Taylor Farrell as part of the evening on Feb. 15.
Rushton honored as GPAC Player of the Week
February 7, 2023
SEWARD, Neb. – For her performances in GPAC outings versus Midland and No. 4 Dordt, Taysha Rushton has been honored as the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Player of the Week, as announced by the league on Tuesday (Feb. 7). The release marks the second time Rushton has collected the conference weekly award in her career. Rushton is a two-time First Team All-GPAC selection.
A Midland, Texas, native, Rushton spearheaded the 102-64 win at Midland on Feb. 1 while racking up 22 of her game high 29 points in the first half. Rushton went 10-for-11 from the floor and made all seven of her attempts from 3-point range. Factoring in her efforts in the 76-69 loss to Dordt on Feb. 4, Rushton compiled weekly totals of 43 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and two steals and went 14-for-22 (.636) from the floor, 7-for-10 (.700) from 3-point range and 8-for-9 (.889) from the foul line. She’s averaging a team high 14.3 points per game on the season.
With her seven treys at Midland, Rushton hit 200 3-point field goals for her career exactly. The Midland, Texas, native joins six Bulldogs in program history with at least 200 career treys: Kristen Conahan (323), Melissa Tinkham (266), Andrea Janssen (247), Brenleigh Daum (232), Mackenzie Koepke (204) and Bailey Morris (201). Rushton has also jumped to 18th on the program’s all-time scoring list with 1,301 points in 84 games. Rushton has notched additional career totals of 235 rebounds, 232 assists and 137 steals.
Rushton and the Bulldogs (16-8, 12-6 GPAC) will be at Doane on Wednesday for a 6 p.m. CT tipoff. Four games remain on the regular season schedule.
Krieser, Rushton lead Bulldogs back in second half onslaught at Doane
February 8, 2023
CRETE, Neb. – Host Doane found ways to break down the normally stingy Bulldogs, but the star power of Taysha Rushton helped her side escape danger on Wednesday (Feb. 8) at the Haddix Center in Crete. Concordia Women’s Basketball drained 13-of-23 shots during a white hot third quarter that made the 92-80 victory possible. The Tigers led both of this season’s regular season meetings at the half before the Bulldogs turned up the heat over the final 20 minutes. In the latest meeting, Rushton went wild with 14 of her game high 27 points splashing home in the third quarter.
Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad has gone 11-2 over its last 13 GPAC outings in the process of moving to 17-8 overall (13-6 GPAC). Concordia received votes in the NAIA coaches’ poll released earlier in the day.
“In that first half we didn’t have the energy or the focus we needed,” Olson said. “We were giving up so many offensive rebounds and loose ball plays. We responded extremely well in the second half with great energy and great focus – and it always helps when you hit a lot of shots. I just think we played a lot harder and played a lot more together. We were talking better defensively and tweaked our press just a little bit. The big difference was our players played harder.”
The formula on Wednesday looked a bit different than the one the Bulldogs have used throughout most of their surge since the middle of the season. Instead of grinding it out defensively, Concordia rained in 15-of-32 shots from 3-point range and erased what had been a 12-point deficit in the third quarter. While it’s true that the reigning GPAC Player of the Week Rushton has been on a tear, she didn’t do it alone at Doane. Abby Krieser reset her own career high and racked up 18 of her 23 tallies after halftime.
In running their series win streak to 14, the Bulldogs used a 13-0 spurt in the third quarter and then an 11-0 back-breaker of a run in the fourth to leave the Tigers (13-12, 7-12 GPAC) in the dust. The latter run made it an 80-66 advantage with fewer than six minutes to play. Rushton and Krieser went back-to-back from long range to cap it.
Said Olson, “Taysha was incredible and so was AK again. Both of them continue to play at a high level. I thought our post players in the first half got beat up, but in the second half they were the difference. They did such a good job helping on Chambers, helping on drives and getting rebounds. I also thought (Mackenzie) Koepke and Kendal (Brigham) did a great job giving us a lift off the bench.”
From an offensive standpoint, Brigham kept things from getting away from Concordia in the first half. She tallied 11 of her 12 points in the opening 20 minutes and added eight assists to her stat line. Sadie Powell chipped in with 10 points and five rebounds while Koepke came off the bench to supply six points, two blocked shots and a team high eight rebounds. The Bulldogs shot 46.3 percent (31-for-67) overall from the floor.
On the other side, star Mak Hatcliff was the headliner in posting 18 points and 10 rebounds. Doane (which led 46-36 at the break) managed to limit its turnovers to a count of four in the first half before finishing with 15. The Tigers also cooled off from the floor (36.8 percent for the game) and fell to 0-3 in the month of February. Megan Chambers (11 points and 10 rebounds) posted a double-double of her own.
A week on the road while up against in-state GPAC opponents will continue on Saturday with a trek to Omaha for a 2 p.m. CT tipoff with College of Saint Mary (5-20, 2-17 GPAC). Concordia’s series win streak grew to 21 after it defeated the Flames, 74-54, in Seward on Jan. 11. A victory on Saturday would make the Bulldogs a perfect 9-0 this regular season against in-state foes.
Offensive growth continues in torching of the Flames
February 11, 2023
OMAHA, Neb. – This was a short weekend road trip that was all about taking care of business. The Concordia University Women’s Basketball team completed a 9-0 regular season against in-state opponents while lighting up the scoreboard in a 99-76 rout of College of Saint Mary on Saturday (Feb. 11). Using a balanced scoring effort, the Bulldogs clinically shot 54.5 percent from the floor inside the Lied Fitness Center in Omaha, Neb.
Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad also won at Doane, 92-80, on Wednesday. The 2-0 week has pushed Concordia to 18-8 (14-6 GPAC) with two games to go in the regular season.
“Overall it was a good game,” Olson said. “That first quarter College of Saint Mary did a great job – great energy and hit some shots. Part of that was our press needs to get a little sharper, but I did like how we responded. We had a great second quarter and then just a phenomenal third quarter. We’re playing really good basketball. We just have to put together a full 40 minutes of focus and understanding of how we need to defend from the beginning.”
These Bulldogs are becoming increasingly comfortable with playing an up-tempo style. Thanks to another frenetic, hot-shooting display, Concordia has reached 85 or more points in five of its last six games. In the latest contest, the Bulldogs allowed the Flames (5-21, 2-18 GPAC) to shoot 53.8 percent in a competitive first quarter. But CSM wasn’t going to keep up with this kind of pace. Concordia took a 47-36 lead to the half and broke the game wide open with a 14-0 surge to begin the third quarter.
The offensive game of the Bulldogs was surgical at times. Mackenzie Toomey enjoyed one of her better games of the season in tallying 16 points on 6-for-6 shooting from the floor (2-for-2 from the foul line). She also added four assists and three steals. She served as a major reason why the Flames turned it over 21 times. Toomey was joined in double figures by Sadie Powell (14), Taysha Rushton (14) and Kendal Brigham (10). Eleven Concordia players registered in the scoring column.
Said Olson, “I thought Toomey played a phenomenal game – all facets of the game. She had great numbers and she was everywhere defensively. She just made all the right plays today. Taysha again shot really well, especially early on. I felt like the whole team moved the ball well and allowed us to get open shots.”
Plenty of others contributed for the Bulldogs, including seven players who scored between five and nine points: Abby Heemstra (nine), Abby Krieser (eight), Kristin Vieselmeyer (seven), Destiny Shepherd (six), Taylor Farrell (five), Hailey Kleinschmit (five) and Reece Snodgrass (five). Vieselmeyer paced the team in rebounding with six boards. In addition, eight Concordia players knocked down at least one 3-point field goal as part of a 15-for-28 team performance from long distance. The triples helped open up a lead that grew as large as 30 points.
CSM came out of the gates energized on its senior day. The Flames got 19 points from Bailey White and 18 from Madelyn Turner on Saturday. They shot 44.1 percent (26-for-59) while attempting to keep up with the red hot Bulldogs. Ultimately, CSM saw its series losing streak extend to 22 games versus Concordia. Both Flames’ GPAC wins this season have come over Hastings.
Next week will mark the final one of the regular season. The Bulldogs will welcome No. 23 Briar Cliff (19-7, 15-5 GPAC) to Friedrich Arena on Wednesday for a 6 p.m. CT tipoff. At halftime of the men’s game that night, Concordia will honor senior Taylor Farrell, the lone fourth-year player on the roster. Back on Nov. 12, the Bulldogs dropped their GPAC opener at Briar Cliff, 87-76.
Bulldogs looking for move up GPAC standings in regular season's final week
February 13, 2023
SEWARD, Neb. – A chance to place as high as second in the final GPAC regular season standings is at stake during the closing week of the 2022-23 regular season. Fresh off two road wins this past week, the Concordia University Women’s Basketball team is looking ahead to Wednesday’s home clash with No. 23 Briar Cliff and Saturday’s road trip to Dakota Wesleyan. Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad enters the week at 18-8 overall (14-6 GPAC). The Bulldogs are currently situated in fourth place in the conference behind Dordt (19-1), Briar Cliff (15-5) and Jamestown (15-5). Dordt has clinched the regular season title.
This Week
Wednesday, Feb. 15 vs. No. 23 Briar Cliff (19-7, 15-5 GPAC), 6 p.m.
--Webcast/Live Stats | 104.9 Max Country | Location: Friedrich Arena (Seward, Neb.)
Saturday, Feb. 18 at Dakota Wesleyan (19-7, 13-7 GPAC), 2 p.m.
--Webcast | Live Stats | 104.9 Max Country | Location: Corn Palace (Mitchell, S.D.)
By the numbers
· In the process of defeating Doane, 92-80, and College of Saint Mary, 99-76, last week, the Bulldogs went a perfect 9-0 against in-state opponents this regular season. That mark includes regular season sweeps of College of Saint Mary, Doane, Hastings and Midland and a nonconference victory over Bellevue. Dating back to last season, Concordia has won 12 contests in a row against Nebraska foes. The average margin of victory in 2022-23 versus in-state foes has been 20.1 points. Also last week, the Bulldogs extended series win streaks to 22 over College of Saint Mary and to 14 over Doane.
· Taysha Rushton and Abby Krieser were the ringleaders in the win at Doane (13-13, 7-13 GPAC). Concordia found itself trailing at halftime, 46-36, before getting white hot during a third quarter that saw it outscore the Tigers, 33-17. Rushton finished with a game high 27 points on the strength of 6-for-9 shooting from 3-point range. In addition, Krieser came through with a new career high of 23 points and went 5-for-7 from beyond the arc. As a team, the Bulldogs drained 15-of-32 (.469) shots from 3-point range and went a healthy 15-for-18 (.833) from the foul line. Two other Concordia players reached double figures: Kendal Brigham (12) and Sadie Powell (10). Another player who has grown considerably, Brigham dished out eight assists and had only one turnover in 30 minutes of action. Off the bench, Mackenzie Koepke contributed six points and eight rebounds.
· Lincoln Southeast High School alum Mackenzie Toomey enjoyed one of her better games this season while totaling 16 points, four assists and three steals in the comfortable win at College of Saint Mary (5-21, 2-18 GPAC). Toomey made all six of her shot attempts from the floor (two from 3-point range) and both of her free throw tries. The Bulldogs again shot the ball well, going 15-for-28 (.536) from beyond the arc and shooting 54.5 percent (36-for-66) overall. A competitive first quarter (25-22 Concordia lead) gave way to a blowout as the visitors pushed the lead to as many as 30 points. Toomey was joined in double figures by Powell (14), Rushton (14) and Brigham (10). Eleven Bulldogs posted at least five points and eight players made at least one 3-point field goal.
· The last four games have been especially impressive for Rushton, who leads the team with an average of 14.7 points per game. Over the last two weeks, the Midland, Texas, native has averaged 21.0 points per game while making 27-of-42 (.643) shots from the floor, 17-of-25 (.680) attempts from 3-point range and 13-of-14 (.929) tries from the foul line. Nationally, Rushton ranks 17th in both made 3-point field goals (65) and 3-point field goal percentage (.439) on the season. An NAIA Honorable Mention All-American last season, Rushton has produced collegiate career totals of 1,342 points, 242 rebounds, 237 assists and 141 steals in 86 games.
· The offensive efficiency numbers are also on the rise from a team perspective. Concordia went a sizzling 30-for-60 (.500) from 3-point range last week, raising the team’s 3-point percentage to 35.0 for the season. Nationally, the Bulldogs rank fourth in 3-point field goals made per game (10.3), fourth in 3-point field goal attempts per game (29.5) and 15th in 3-point percentage. In addition, Concordia has shot 78.2 percent from the foul line, which ranks No. 3 in the NAIA. The Bulldogs’ top 3-point shooters from a percentage standpoint are Rushton (.439), Brigham (.417), Megan Belt (.352), Powell (.346) and Krieser (.342).
· The program will honor its lone senior, Taylor Farrell, on Wednesday night. Farrell is the only fourth-year player on the roster. Now in her fifth season in the program, Koepke took part in senior day festivities a year ago. As for Farrell, she’s played in 88 career games and has totaled 579 points while making 118-of-305 (.387) 3-point attempts as a Bulldog. Unfortunately, Farrell was slowed to begin this season due to an injury she suffered late in the 2021-22 campaign. One of Farrell’s finest moments on the court came at the 2021 national tournament when she tallied 14 points (3-for-4 from 3-point range) in a 71-54 come-from-behind win over Loyola University New Orleans. That victory sent Concordia to the national tournament final site in Sioux City, Iowa.
The opponents
Briar Cliff trots out a starting five about as talented as any in the GPAC. The Chargers will be vying for the GPAC’s No. 2 seed this week as they finish the regular season with trips to Concordia and Doane. Head Coach Brian Ortmeier’s squad won twice this this past weekend, defending the home court against Hastings and No. 19 Jamestown. Briar Cliff boasts two stars in particular in wing Konnor Sudmann and center Madelyn Deitchler. Ranked 23rd in the most recent coaches’ poll, the Chargers landed at No. 31 in the official RPI released in late January. Briar Cliff averages 75.4 points per game and shoots 44.5 percent from the floor while holding opponents to 62.2 points per game and 40.8 percent shooting. The Chargers defeated Concordia in Sioux City, 87-76, on Nov. 12.
Dakota Wesleyan has won five of its last six GPAC outings entering this week. Before hosting the Bulldogs on Saturday, DWU will welcome Morningside to Mitchell, S.D., on Wednesday. The Tigers could still climb into the top four of the league standings and host in the GPAC quarterfinals if things break right for them this week. Led by frontcourt standouts Jada Campbell and Matti Reiner, DWU owns an average rebound margin of plus-8.3, good for 21st in the NAIA. Head Coach Jason Christensen’s squad plays strong defense, as evidenced by its GPAC rankings of first in scoring defense (57.6) and second in field goal percentage defense (.384). Offensively, the Tigers average 73.0 points and shoot 44.5 percent from the floor. DWU will be aiming to even up the season series after it dropped a nailbiter, 59-58, in Seward on Jan. 7.
Probable starters
Concordia (18-8, 14-6 GPAC)
G – Abby Krieser (9.6)
G – Taysha Rushton (14.7)
G – Mackenzie Toomey (6.5)
F – Abby Heemstra (4.9)
F – Sadie Powell (10.2)
Head Coach: Drew Olson (441-129, 17th season at CUNE)
Briar Cliff (19-7, 15-5 GPAC)
G – Kennedy Benne (11.0)
G – Payton Slaughter (9.2)
G – Konnor Sudmann (17.7)
F – Peyton Wingert (7.8)
C – Madelyn Deitchler (14.0)
Head Coach: Brian Ortmeier (1st season)
Dakota Wesleyan (19-7, 13-7 GPAC)
G – Morgan Edelman (7.6)
G – Isabel Ihnen (9.7)
G – Rylee Rosenquist (7.4)
F – Jada Campbell (14.8)
F – Matti Reiner (13.4)
Head Coach: Jason Christensen (13th season)
Next week
The GPAC tournament will get started with the quarterfinal round on Wednesday, Feb. 22. The semifinals will be held on Feb. 25 with the championship game to follow on Feb. 28. Conference tourney pairings will be announced on Saturday after all league games are completed.
Defensive grinder gutted out by Chargers
February 15, 2023
SEWARD, Neb. – Two of the GPAC’s best defensive teams played like it on Wednesday (Feb. 15). The two conference foes shot south of 33 percent in a GPAC grinder that went down to the wire. A 27-point outing from Konnor Sudmann allowed 23rd-ranked Briar Cliff to gut it out, 56-51, over the Concordia University Women’s Basketball team. The Bulldogs led by as many as seven points in the second half.
Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad fell for just the fourth time in 15 home games this season. With one regular season contest left on the slate, Concordia stands at 18-9 overall (14-7 GPAC).
“That’s exactly how I thought it was going to go,” Olson said of the defensive nature of the game. “I thought we had a really good defensive game plan to hold them. I knew they were a great defensive team and it was going to be a struggle to score at times. It was going to be a grind to the end. It was a great game.”
Led by the hot shooting of Taysha Rushton, the Bulldogs had been lighting up the scoreboard in recent outings. The rugged nature of this matchup just wasn’t going to allow for such free-flowing offensive action. Concordia threatened to pull away when its 8-0 run supplied a 36-29 lead midway through the third quarter. During which, Abby Krieser got loose for two transition buckets. The Chargers regrouped, went on a 7-0 run to tie it and it was a white knuckler the rest of the way.
The Briar Cliff star Sudmann was immune to the shooting struggles that plagued just about everyone else. With her team trailing 46-45, Sudmann drained a trey at the 3:25 mark of the fourth quarter. She then made clutch jumpers at the 2:44 and 0:43 marks to help sink the Bulldogs. Down 54-51 in the last 20 seconds, Concordia’s set play after a timeout gave Kendal Brigham a shot at a potential game-tying trey that rimmed out.
It was a matter of a play here and there that made the difference. The Bulldogs fell despite allowing the Chargers (20-7, 16-5 GPAC) to shoot only 29.5 percent (18-for-61) from the floor. Concordia was only slightly better at 32.1 percent (17-for-53) and had to overcome an early rash of turnovers and fouls. Krieser led the attack offensively with 12 points to go with two steals. Abby Heemstra turned in a solid performance that included nine points and eight rebounds.
Rushton was held scoreless in the first half before she came alive with nine tallies after the break. Six points apiece were contributed by Brigham, Sadie Powell and Kristin Vieselmeyer. In honor of senior day, Olson inserted senior Taylor Farrell and super senior Mackenzie Koepke into the starting lineup. Farrell drained the first Bulldog bucket from 3-point range. Farrell played an instrumental role in the trip to the NAIA national quarterfinals in 2021.
Briar Cliff earned a regular season sweep of Concordia. Sudmann (10-for-21 from the floor) was the lone Charger in double figures. Gritty post player Madelyn Deitchler notched seven points and a game high 13 rebounds. Payton Slaugher added nine points as she reached a career milestone of more than 1,000 points. Briar Cliff won the rebounding battle, 44-39, and was plus-three in turnover margin.
The Bulldogs will finish off the regular season on Saturday with a trip to the Corn Palace, home to Dakota Wesleyan (20-7, 14-7 GPAC). Tipoff in Mitchell, S.D., is set for 2 p.m. CT. Concordia eked out a 59-58 win over the Tigers in the meeting that took place in Seward on Jan. 7. The matchup will have standings implications as DWU lies in a tie for fourth place with Concordia and Northwestern.
Regular season finale goes the other way in another defensive-minded battle
February 18, 2023
MITCHELL, S.D. – In a game with many statistical similarities to the one the Concordia University Women’s Basketball team played three days earlier, Dakota Wesleyan did enough to the Bulldogs from snatching one away at the Corn Palace. The Tigers made 18-of-22 foul shots on a day when field goals were difficult to come by and sent Concordia away, 61-54. The Bulldogs did not get their usual production from beyond the arc (6-for-21).
Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad fell twice this week and saw a potential GPAC quarterfinal home game slip away. Concordia will enter the postseason at 18-10 overall (14-8 GPAC) and in a tie for fifth in the league standings.
“I was frustrated and disappointed with the result,” Olson said. “We dug ourselves a little bit of a hole early on. I felt like we came out a little bit too timid, but we fought back. I think switching to zone helped. At the end of the game we do a great job of getting the lead and then we got a little tentative as opposed to attacking them like we did to get the lead. To go on the road and beat a great team, we have to play a full 40-minute game and do all the little things – be the attacker.”
The hole grew to as large as 14 points (36-22) early in the third quarter before the Bulldogs began to gain some traction. Kendal Brigham led the way off the bench with a 15-point effort on 6-for-9 shooting from the floor. The Bulldogs took their first lead (53-52) of the afternoon at the 4:25 mark of the fourth quarter when Brigham scored on a layup. After the two sides then traded empty possessions, Jada Campbell scored inside to initiate a 9-1 run to close out the game. The only point put up by Concordia over the final four minutes was a free throw by Brigham.
Campbell (22) and Matti Reiner (15) combined for 37 of DWU’s 61 points. Campbell also grabbed 10 rebounds in helping her side take that category by a count of 43-32. The inside game was much needed for the Tigers (21-7, 15-7 GPAC), who made only 3-of-19 attempts from 3-point range. DWU won despite shooting 34.5 percent (20-for-58) from the floor overall.
Brigham was joined in double figures by teammates Abby Krieser (12) and Mackenzie Toomey (11). Taysha Rushton was limited to seven points on 3-for-10 shooting. Off the bench, Kristin Vieselmeyer tallied eight points. Concordia shot 35.1 percent (20-for-57) from the floor and settled for a regular season split with the Tigers.
Said Olson, “Kendal played really well. She was aggressive – both her and AK in that stretch run. We were able to get a lot of transition baskets and push the pace. That was why we got the lead. We have to continue to do that. I thought Mack Koepke did a great job defensively and rebounding. Kristin Vieselmeyer battled inside and hit a big three.”
GPAC tournament play will get started on Wednesday with the quarterfinal round. As the No. 6 seed, the Bulldogs will make the long trip north to play third-seeded Jamestown (21-7, 16-6 GPAC). The Jimmies won both regular season meetings. Game time from Newman Arena in North Dakota is slated for 6 p.m. CT. The complete GPAC tournament pairings can be found HERE.
2023 GPAC WBB Quarterfinal Preview: Concordia at Jamestown
February 20, 2023
SEWARD, Neb. – The slate is wiped clean this week as postseason play begins throughout the NAIA basketball landscape. The Concordia University Women’s Basketball team hopes to find success on the road as it prepares for a trip to play No. 19 Jamestown in the GPAC quarterfinals on Tuesday (the contest was originally scheduled for Wednesday). The Bulldogs fell back to the No. 6 seed in the conference tournament after enduring two losses last week – 56-51 at home to No. 23 Briar Cliff and 61-54 at Dakota Wesleyan. Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad completed the regular season at 18-10 overall (14-6 GPAC).
This Week
GPAC Quarterfinals – Tuesday, Feb. 21 at No. 19 Jamestown (21-7, 16-6 GPAC), 6 p.m.
--Webcast | Live Stats | Location: Newman Arena (Jamestown, N.D.)
GPAC Semifinals – Saturday, Feb. 25 (if Concordia wins on Wednesday)
By the numbers
· A win this past weekend would have given the Bulldogs the No. 4 seed. Instead, they tied for fifth in the conference along with Northwestern (14-8). The top four in the standings are Dordt (20-2), Briar Cliff (17-5), Jamestown (16-6) and Dakota Wesleyan (15-7). This is about the time of year when observers of the league begin to wonder how many teams the GPAC may qualify for the national tournament. Should Concordia fall short of an automatic bid via a conference tournament title, it would be in good shape for an at-large berth. In the NAIA’s official metrics, the Bulldogs appear at No. 32 in the RPI and have played the nation’s 25th toughest schedule. Last season, the GPAC was rewarded with two auto qualifiers (Morningside and DWU) and four at-large selections (Briar Cliff, Concordia, Dordt and Northwestern).
· The Bulldogs held the lead for the majority of their matchup with the Chargers (21-7, 17-5 GPAC), who rely heavily on their starting five. Both teams shot below 33 percent overall – 32.1 percent for Concordia and 29.5 percent for Briar Cliff. Star performer Konnor Sudmann made a major difference for the visitors as she racked up 27 points and poured in several clutch baskets during crunch time. The Bulldogs had only one double figure scorer: Abby Krieser, who notched 12 points on 4-for-9 shooting. It was a solid outing for Abby Heemstra, who notched nine points and eight rebounds. The Chargers emerged with a regular season sweep of Concordia.
· The game at Dakota Wesleyan had plenty of statistical similarities as both teams also shot low percentages from the floor – 35.1 percent for the Bulldogs and 34.5 percent for the Tigers. In a tough environment, Concordia followed the lead of Kendal Brigham (team high 15 points) and stormed back from a 14-point deficit to take a one-point lead (53-52) with 4:25 left in the game. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs did not make another field goal the rest of the way and DWU ended the contest on a 9-1 run. The standout inside combo of Jada Campbell (22 points and 10 rebounds) and Matti Reiner (15 points and two blocks) played a pivotal role in the outcome. The Tigers (21-7, 15-7 GPAC) managed to split the regular season series and outrebounded Concordia, 43-32.
· As part of the home finale against Briar Cliff, the Bulldogs honored their lone fourth-year senior, Taylor “Willy” Farrell. Part of the rotation immediately as a freshman when she arrived in the fall of 2019, Farrell has faced her share of adversity in the form of family tragedy and injuries. Said Olson of Farrell, “The three things that stand out most to me about Willy is her thoughtfulness, resiliency and fun personality ... Willy has had to endure a lot of things in her four years. I am so proud and impressed with how she has handled it all. Her faith has not wavered.” Farrell got the start on senior day and knocked down a trey. In her career, Farrell has totaled 582 points and 119 3-point field goals in 90 games.
· Taysha Rushton leads the team in scoring with an average of 14.3 points per game (1,358 career points). The next three highest scoring averages on the team are remarkably similar: Brigham (9.9), Krieser (9.8) and Sadie Powell (9.7). Brigham has come off the bench for all 28 games this season, but she’s like having a sixth starter in terms of the minutes she’s played (24.0 per game). The Wahoo, Neb., native excels in all areas thanks to her athleticism, quickness and shooting ability. Brigham sports strong shooting percentages across the board: 45.1 from the floor, 42.2 from 3-point range and 76.4 from the foul line. As a team, the Bulldogs rank fourth nationally in free throw percentage (.771).
· Last season, Concordia went on the road for the GPAC quarterfinals and fell at Dakota Wesleyan, 68-52. However, the program has had a history of success in the conference tournament under Olson’s direction. During Olson’s tenure, the Bulldogs have celebrated GPAC tournament championships in 2012, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. In addition, Concordia was the conference tournament runner up in 2021. From 2017 leading up to the GPAC tourney title game of 2021, the program won 14-straight GPAC tournament contests. Over the previous 11 seasons, the Bulldogs have reached at least the GPAC semifinal round nine times. Prior to Olson’s hiring, Todd Voss steered Concordia to a GPAC postseason championship in 2005.
The opponents
Concordia alum Thad Sankey has enjoyed his best season as head coach of the Jimmies, a program he’s led since his hiring in the summer of 2018. Jamestown cracked the most recent NAIA coaches’ poll, landing at No. 19. Led by stars Hanna DeMars and Kia Tower, the Jimmies appear to have safely secured a national tournament bid no matter the results in the GPAC tournament. Among GPAC players, DeMars ranks first in rebounding (9.9) and second in scoring (18.0). Like the Bulldogs, Jamestown shoots its share of perimeter shots, ranking ninth nationally in 3-point field goals per game (8.9). The quarterfinal matchup will pair the GPAC’s two best teams in terms of field goal percentage defense – 38.1 percent allowed by Concordia and 38.2 percent allowed by the Jimmies. In addition, Jamestown has allowed only 60.7 points per game. During the regular season, the Jimmies defeated the Bulldogs by scores of 66-49 in Seward and 79-72 in North Dakota.
Probable starters
Concordia (18-10, 14-8 GPAC)
G – Abby Krieser (9.8)
G – Taysha Rushton (14.3)
G – Mackenzie Toomey (6.5)
F – Abby Heemstra (4.9)
F – Sadie Powell (9.7)
Head Coach: Drew Olson (441-131, 17th season at CUNE)
Jamestown (21-7, 16-6 GPAC)
G – Kate Busek (6.0)
G – Kia Tower (13.5)
F – Hanna DeMars (18.0)
F – Jailyn Martinson (4.6)
C – Audrey Rodakowski (8.4)
Head Coach: Thad Sankey (5th season)
2023 GPAC Women’s Basketball Tournament
Quarterfinals – Tuesday, Feb. 21
(8) Doane at (1) Dordt, 6 p.m.
(5) Northwestern at (4) Dakota Wesleyan, 6 p.m.
(6) Concordia at (3) Jamestown, 6 p.m.
(7) Morningside at (2) Briar Cliff, 7 p.m.
Semifinals – Saturday, Feb. 25
1/8 winner vs. 4/5 winner, time TBA
2/7 winner vs. 3/6 winner, time TBA
Championship – Tuesday, Feb. 28
Highest remaining seed hosts, time TBA
Brigham, Powell recognized as CSC All-District award winners
February 21, 2023
2022-23 Academic All-District Women’s Basketball Teams
SEWARD, Neb. – A pair of Bulldogs have represented the Concordia University Women’s Basketball program on the honor roll released on Tuesday (Feb. 21) by College Sports Communicators (CSC). The organization recognized Kendal Brigham and Sadie Powell as 2022-23 Academic All-District® Team award winners. Brigham and Powell have garnered honors from CSC for the first time in their careers.
The 2022-23 Academic All-District® Women’s Basketball Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. Student-athletes must achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher in order to be nominated for this award. The CSC Academic All-America® program separately recognizes honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA — for each gender.
A third-year student-athlete from Wahoo, Neb., Brigham has taken advantage of increased on-court opportunities in 2022-23. Brigham has played in all 28 games and has averaged 9.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.0 steal per game while shooting 45.1 percent from the floor, 42.2 percent from 3-point range and 76.4 percent from the foul line. Also an NAIA Scholar-Athlete, Brigham is studying Secondary Education.
A classmate of Brigham’s, Powell arrived at Concordia via her hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Powell has also seen her role increase this season and has started all 28 games. She entered the week averaging 9.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 39.8 percent from the floor, 34.9 percent from beyond the arc and 79.2 percent from the foul line. Powell garnered NAIA Scholar-Athlete and Honorable Mention All-GPAC accolades last season. She is studying Biology.
Academic All-District® honorees advance to the CSC Academic All-America® ballot. First-, second- and third-team Academic All-America® honorees will be announced in mid-March.
Quick turnaround trip to Jamestown snow problem in GPAC quarterfinals
February 21, 2023
JAMESTOWN, N.D. – When the GPAC quarterfinal round was moved up a day early, the Concordia University Women’s Basketball team scrambled to get on the road to make the long trek to Jamestown, North Dakota. Snow problem. The sixth-seeded Bulldogs used an impressive first half and then a series of clutch plays in the fourth quarter to earn the postseason victory, 73-67, over the 19th-ranked and third-seeded Jimmies on Tuesday (Feb. 21). Concordia earned a measure of revenge for the two regular season defeats it suffered at the hands of Jamestown.
Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad moved to 19-10 overall on the season. As a program, the Bulldogs have advanced to at least the GPAC semifinal round for the 10th time in the past 12 seasons.
“We showed a lot of toughness and maturity in learning from the last two games and the season as a whole,” Olson said. “We’ve been in those moments a lot. Sometimes we’ve responded well and sometimes we haven’t. Because of the last two games (close losses to Briar Cliff and Dakota Wesleyan), we knew what it would take. I just thought our team showed incredible guts and toughness.”
There was a moment in the fourth quarter when things could have gone sideways if Concordia had allowed it. The Jimmies managed to shake off a 14-point halftime deficit and took their first lead of the night, 57-56, at the 6:18 mark of the final period. Star Bulldog guard Taysha Rushton picked up her fourth foul at that same juncture – and momentum seemed to have swung the other way. The 9-0 Concordia run that followed showed guts on the road.
That spurt began with a put-back basket from Kristin Vieselmeyer and included a cold-blooded trey from Kendal Brigham. Down 65-57 after Mackenzie Toomey capped the run with a bucket, Jamestown soon fought back to within four before eventually running out of time. The last gasp for the Jimmies came when Kia Tower scored to cut the deficit to 70-67 with 13 seconds remaining. Rushton answered by making two free throws, putting the game on ice. Though her shot was off a bit, Rushton filled the stat sheet with eight rebounds, five assists and three steals.
It was truly a team effort for Concordia, which managed to limit Jamestown (21-8) to 36.9 percent shooting. A rash of early turnovers for the Jimmies factored into the Bulldogs quickly building a double-digit advantage. Not surprisingly, Jamestown made a push on its home court, but was denied by a balanced effort from Concordia. Five Bulldogs scored in double figures: Sadie Powell (14), Abby Heemstra (13), Abby Krieser (13), Brigham (10) and Rushton (10). The aggressive nature of Heemstra stood out. She also snared six rebounds.
Said Olson, “That was an awesome win and it was all across the board. Everyone had a hand in that. There were little moments here and there for all of them. It was just really, really cool to see.”
The Jimmies still appear to be safely in the national tournament field, but they were hoping to end a GPAC postseason drought. Standout Hannah DeMars was held without a point in the first half on Tuesday but wound up with a double-double (10 points and 10 rebounds). During the rough moments in the first half, Audrey Rodakowski helped keep her side afloat and posted a game high 15 points. Kia Tower notched 14 points (5-for-20 from the floor).
Concordia will attempt to sled-dog its way back home once it’s safe to do so. The quarterfinal round was moved to Tuesday (instead of Wednesday) due to a widespread winter storm. In the GPAC semifinal round on Saturday, the Bulldogs will be at second-seeded Briar Cliff (22-7) for a 3 p.m. CT tipoff. Concordia will be tasked with trying to take out another foe that it was twice defeated by during the regular season. The 23rd-ranked Chargers topped the Bulldogs by scores of 87-76 in Sioux City and 56-51 in Seward. At stake for Concordia will be a chance to appear in the GPAC championship game for the seventh time in nine years.
2023 GPAC WBB Semifinal Preview: Concordia at Briar Cliff
February 22, 2023
SEWARD, Neb. – For the 10th time in 12 seasons, the Concordia University Women’s Basketball program has reached the semifinal round of the GPAC tournament. The sixth-seeded Bulldogs scrambled to travel to Jamestown, N.D., a day early and emerged with a 73-67 win over the third-seeded Jimmies. That victory sets up a semifinal road game at No. 2 seed Briar Cliff, which squeaked past intra-city rival Morningside, 85-82, in overtime in the quarterfinals. Saturday’s tipoff from the Newman Flanagan Center in Sioux City, Iowa, is slated for 3 p.m. CT. Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad has moved to 19-10 overall this season.
This Week
GPAC Quarterfinals – def. No. 19 Jamestown, 73-67
--Webcast | Live Stats | Location: Newman Arena (Jamestown, N.D.)
GPAC Semifinals – Saturday, Feb. 25 at No. 18 Briar Cliff (22-7), 3 p.m.
--Webcast | Live Stats | 104.9 Max Country | Location: Newman Flanagan Center (Sioux City, Iowa)
By the numbers
· All four GPAC quarterfinal women’s basketball games were played on Tuesday night. The lone upset, based on seeding, was the one claimed by the Bulldogs. Elsewhere, No. 1 Dordt defeated No. 8 Doane, 80-64, No. 4 Dakota Wesleyan held off No. 5 Northwestern, 69-62, and No. 2 Briar Cliff edged No. 7 Morningside, 85-82, in overtime. Dakota Wesleyan is the defending GPAC tournament champion after having toppled Morningside, 83-60, in the 2022 GPAC final. The 2022-23 GPAC regular season champion, Dordt will attempt to sweep conference titles, a feat achieved recently by Morningside in 2020-21 and by Concordia in each of the 2016-17 through 2019-20 campaigns.
· One more win would give the Bulldogs 20 for the season, a mark Drew Olson has hit in 13 of his first 16 seasons as head coach at his alma mater. Tuesday’s win at Jamestown marked No. 442 in the career of Olson. He’s begun to sneak up on former Bulldog men’s basketball head coach Grant Schmidt for the most wins ever by a Concordia basketball coach (or for any sport at Concordia). Schmidt compiled a record of 445-276 over his 23-year tenure. Olson played for Schmidt during the 2000-01 through 2002-03 seasons. Counting Olson’s three seasons as a Bulldog student-athlete, he’s been involved in 504 victories (62 wins as a player).
· If there was any doubt about whether Concordia was a national tournament team, that was likely erased with Tuesday’s win. The Bulldogs picked up another quality win while adding to a season profile that included an RPI ranking of 32nd and a strength of schedule rank of 25th, according to the NAIA’s official metrics. Based on the RPI, the win at Jamestown was the best this season for Concordia. Jamestown’s RPI was No. 28 as of mid-February. Last season, the GPAC was rewarded with two national tournament auto qualifiers (Morningside and DWU) and four at-large selections (Briar Cliff, Concordia, Dordt and Northwestern). The conference appears to be in line for another six – and possibly seven – bids in 2023.
· Taysha Rushton leads the team in scoring with an average of 14.1 points per game (1,368 career points). The next three highest scoring averages on the team are remarkably similar: Brigham (9.9), Krieser (9.9) and Sadie Powell (9.8). Brigham has come off the bench for all 29 games this season, but she’s like having a sixth starter in terms of the minutes she’s played (24.2 per game). The Wahoo, Neb., native excels in all areas thanks to her athleticism, quickness and shooting ability. Brigham sports strong shooting percentages across the board: 44.8 from the floor, 42.2 from 3-point range and 75.4 from the foul line. As a team, the Bulldogs rank fourth nationally in free throw percentage (.770).
· Last season, Concordia went on the road for the GPAC quarterfinals and fell at Dakota Wesleyan, 68-52. However, the program has had a history of success in the conference tournament under Olson’s direction. During Olson’s tenure, the Bulldogs have celebrated GPAC tournament championships in 2012, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. In addition, Concordia was the conference tournament runner up in 2021. From 2017 leading up to the GPAC tourney title game of 2021, the program won 14-straight GPAC tournament contests. Over the previous 11 seasons, the Bulldogs have reached at least the GPAC semifinal round nine times. Prior to Olson’s hiring, Todd Voss steered Concordia to a GPAC postseason championship in 2005.
· A couple of Bulldogs were honored on Tuesday by College Sports Communicators (formerly titled College Sports Information Directors of America). CSC named Kendal Brigham and Sadie Powell to its 2022-23 Academic All-District® Team. The honor requires at least a 3.5 cumulative grade-point average while factoring in both academic and athletic success. Brigham and Powell have also both been tabbed NAIA Scholar-Athletes. Brigham is studying Secondary Education while Powell is majoring in Biology.
The opponents
Briar Cliff managed to escape the GPAC quarterfinals by getting past rival Morningside in overtime. The Chargers were paced by their brightest star in Konnor Sudmann, who posted 19 points and five rebounds. Briar Cliff was able to send the game to overtime via a couple of blocked shots in the final seconds. Head Coach Brian Ortmeier’s squad now stands at 11-2 at home this season and has bumped up to No. 18 in the latest NAIA coaches’ poll. No matter the result on Saturday, the Chargers are a lock to reach the national tournament while following the lead of a veteran starting five. Sudmann, Madelyn Deitchler and Peyton Wingert (Midland transfer) were each named either first or second team all-conference last season. The team’s two other starters, Kennedy Benne and Payton Slaughter, garnered honorable mention recognition. On Saturday, Briar Cliff will be attempting to defeat Concordia for the third time this season. The Chargers won the two regular season meetings, triumphing by scores of 87-76 in Sioux City and 56-51 in Seward.
Probable starters
Concordia (19-10, 14-8 GPAC)
G – Abby Krieser (9.9)
G – Taysha Rushton (14.1)
G – Mackenzie Toomey (6.4)
F – Abby Heemstra (5.1)
F – Sadie Powell (9.8)
Head Coach: Drew Olson (442-131, 17th season at CUNE)
Briar Cliff (22-7, 17-5 GPAC)
G – Kennedy Benne (11.5)
G – Payton Slaughter (9.8)
G – Konnor Sudmann (17.9)
F – Peyton Wingert (7.9)
C – Madelyn Deitchler (13.4)
Head Coach: Brian Ortmeier (1st season)
2023 GPAC Women’s Basketball Tournament
Quarterfinals – Tuesday, Feb. 21
(1) Dordt def. (8) Doane, 80-64
(4) Dakota Wesleyan def. (5) Northwestern, 69-62
(6) Concordia def. (3) Jamestown, 73-67
(2) Briar Cliff def. (7) Morningside, 85-82 (OT)
Semifinals – Saturday, Feb. 25
(4) Dakota Wesleyan at (1) Dordt, 3 p.m.
(6) Concordia at (2) Briar Cliff, 3 p.m.
Championship – Tuesday, Feb. 28
Highest remaining seed hosts, time TBA
Slugfest goes to Briar Cliff in GPAC semifinal clash
February 25, 2023
SIOUX CITY, Iowa – Stylistically, the matchup played out similar to the one between the Concordia University Women’s Basketball team and Briar Cliff that occurred on Feb. 15. In Saturday (Feb. 25)’s GPAC semifinal clash, the Bulldogs tried to grind out a come-from-behind win on the road, but an early hole and offensive struggles resulted in a 66-57 defeat at the hands of the second-seeded Chargers. Concordia shot 31.7 percent from the floor in its second trip this season to the Newman Flanagan Center in Sioux City, Iowa.
Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad already felt that it was comfortably in the national tournament field, but a trip to the GPAC tournament final would have been a real feather in its cap. Instead, the Bulldogs (19-11) will now wait for their national tournament draw.
“We came out a little timid in the first quarter and got knocked around a little bit,” Olson said. “We finally started to fight back in the second quarter and had some nice runs – a good spurt in the third quarter and a good spurt in the fourth quarter. At the end of the day, we were not good enough to win on the road. We didn’t do a lot of the little things and didn’t capitalize on some plays we would normally make. There were some adjustments I should have made going into the game.”
The Bulldogs never held a lead the entire afternoon and stared down an 18-3 deficit out of the gates. Considering the rough start and its cold shooting (19-for-60 for the game), Concordia felt fortunate to find itself within two (53-51) in the middle of the fourth quarter. The Bulldogs’ 8-2 run to begin the final period included a trey apiece from Kendal Brigham and Abby Krieser. Concordia then made only two field goals over the closing six minutes.
On the other side, star Konnor Sudmann stuck the dagger in with a basket at the 4:12 mark and then a triple at the 3:16 mark. Those scores pushed the Charger lead back to eight (61-53). Sudmann finished with 15 points, second most in the game to teammate Kennedy Benne (18). Briar Cliff made up for its own pedestrian shooting from the floor (38.5 percent) by draining 20-of-24 (.833) free throws. As is customary for Briar Cliff, it played its starters for the vast majority of the contest (each one played at least 33 minutes).
Four Bulldogs scored in double figures: Krieser (12), Brigham (11), Sadie Powell (11) and Abby Heemstra (10). Heemstra and Powell pulled down seven rebounds apiece while Krieser and Powell both swiped four steals. It was a turnover-heavy contest as Briar Cliff committed 22 of them and Concordia gave it away 20 times. Bulldog leading scorer Taysha Rushton was unable to get on track and went 0-for-11 from the floor.
At their best, the Bulldogs are capable of making a run at the national tournament. The 73-67 win at No. 19 Jamestown in the GPAC quarterfinals was a show of what Concordia is capable of when it’s going well. During the journey to this point, the Bulldogs started out 1-3 in GPAC play and then entered the final week of the regular season with a shot at placing as high as second in the conference standings.
Said Olson, “It’s a mentality thing. We’ve learned a lot of lessons along the way. I think we’ll be ready to go for the national tournament. We have to do a good job game planning and executing.”
National tournament qualifiers and the complete bracket will be announced by the NAIA via a selection show at 6 p.m. CT on Thursday, March 2. Concordia is expecting to make the program’s 22nd all-time national tournament appearance and 12th in a row.
Rushton named to GPAC's first team, Krieser, Powell land on second team
March 1, 2023
2022-23 GPAC Women’s Basketball All-Conference Teams
First Team: Taysha Rushton
Second Team: Abby Krieser; Sadie Powell
Honorable Mention: Kendal Brigham; Mackenzie Toomey
SEWARD, Neb. – A group of five Bulldogs from the Concordia University Women’s Basketball team have been recognized as 2022-23 all-conference performers, as announced by the GPAC on Wednesday (March 1). Star guard Taysha Rushton reeled in the third First Team All-GPAC award of her career while Abby Krieser and Sadie Powell were named to the second team. In addition, Kendal Brigham and Mackenzie Toomey picked up Honorable Mention All-GPAC accolades. With the national tournament up next, Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad owns a 19-11 overall record.
An impact player immediately upon her arrival in Seward, Rushton again ranks among the top guards in the GPAC. On the season, the Midland, Texas, native is averaging 13.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Her career best shooting percentages stand at 41.9 percent from the field, 40.2 percent from 3-point range and 77.9 percent from the foul line. Named the MVP of the Concordia Invitational Tournament, Rushton produced a season high 29 points in the win at Midland. In 90 career games, Rushton has totaled 1,368 points (15th most in program history), 261 rebounds, 248 assists and 147 steals. She’s drained 211 3-point field goals as a Bulldog.
In her first season as a starter, the Lincoln North Star High School product Krieser has taken off while standing out as one of the league’s best backcourt defenders. In 30 games (29 starts), Krieser is averaging 10.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game. She is shooting 49.8 percent from the field, 36.0 percent from 3-point range and 81.3 percent from the foul line. Krieser’s career high of 23 points (5-for-7 beyond the arc) came in the win at Doane. Both Krieser and Rushton are major reasons why Concordia leads the GPAC in turnovers forced per game.
Powell has moved up to the GPAC’s second team after being named honorable mention last season. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native has started all 30 games this season and is averaging 9.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. She’s shooting 40.4 percent from the field, 34.5 percent from 3-point range and 78.0 percent from the foul line. Powell’s highest point total this season has been 18 in three separate games. She’s totaled 647 points and 321 rebounds in 84 career collegiate games.
Currently in her third year in the program, Brigham has stepped up her game and has played an average of 24.4 minutes per game off the bench this season. The Wahoo, Neb., native is averaging 9.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.0 steal per game. She’s shooting 44.8 percent from the floor, 42.1 percent from 3-point range and 74.6 percent from the free throw line. Brigham posted a season high 17 points in the game at Texas Wesleyan.
Another of the team’s class of third-year players, Toomey has earned honorable mention status for the second year in a row. The Lincoln Southeast High School alum has played in all 30 games (29 starts) this season and has averaged 6.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.8 steals per game. She’s shooting 34.6 percent from the floor and 68.3 percent from the foul line. Her season high of 17 points came in the home win over Midland.
National tournament streak extended to 12, Bulldogs sent back to Kentucky
March 2, 2023
2023 WBB National Tournament Press Guide
Tournament Bracket | 2023 National Qualifiers
SEWARD, Neb. – For the second year in a row, the Concordia University Women’s Basketball program will venture to Kentucky for the first round of the NAIA Basketball National Championship Tournament. As announced on Thursday (March 2), the Bulldogs will enter the 2023 tourney as a No. 8 seed and will face No. 9 seed Columbia College (Mo.) in the first round on March 7. The host of Concordia’s four-team pod is No. 1 seed Thomas More University (Ky.). As a program, the Bulldogs have qualified for the 12th-straight year and for the 22nd time in history.
Thomas More Pod
--Site: Connor Convocation Center (Crestview Hills, Ky.)
Tuesday, March 7
4:30 p.m. CT / 5:30 p.m. ET – (1) Thomas More vs. (16) Point
6:30 p.m. CT / 7:30 p.m. ET – (8) Concordia vs. (9) Columbia
Wednesday, March 8
5 p.m. CT / 6 p.m. ET – Game 1 Winners
The 2022 national tournament saw Concordia qualify as a No. 9 seed while being sent to Bowling Green, Ky. The Bulldogs exited with a 62-58 first round defeat at the hands of Benedictine College (Kan.). Beginning in 2021, the NAIA basketball tournaments shifted the first two rounds to campus/host sites around the country. The 16 teams that emerge from the first two rounds advance to play at the final site, the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa. Concordia reached Sioux City under this format in 2021 when it made its way to the NAIA national quarterfinals.
Head Coach Drew Olson will make his 15th appearance on the national stage as the leader of the program. The Bulldogs hope to be better equipped than a year ago. Concordia will lean upon the likes of five All-GPAC players: Taysha Rushton (first team), Abby Krieser (second team), Sadie Powell (second team), Kendal Brigham (honorable mention) and Mackenzie Toomey (honorable mention).
As Olson said after a recent game, “I think we’ve learned a lot of things about each other and how much they love playing together. It’s a really competitive group that’s built up a lot of confidence with some of the wins we’ve had. It makes a big difference when you trust each other, care about each other and love to win.”
A year ago, the Bulldogs got a major boost from having played the No. 1 strength of schedule in the NAIA. Concordia will enter the 2023 national tournament with an SOS ranked No. 11. It landed at No. 37 in the final 2022-23 NAIA RPI. To their credit, the Bulldogs earned three wins over top 50 RPI opponents: No. 31 Dakota State (S.D.), No. 35 Dakota Wesleyan, No. 35 Jamestown. It also twice defeated No. 59 Morningside and won at No. 60 Northwestern.
Season Summary
Led by a strong group of second- and third-year players, the Bulldogs have taken a step forward from a year ago when they went 16-14 overall and exited the national tournament in the first round. Concordia started GPAC play at 1-3 and then recovered nicely in going 11-2 over its next 13 GPAC contests. The surge gave Olson’s squad a shot at placing as high as second in the league, entering the final week of the regular season. The Bulldogs wound up settling for a tie for fifth in a conference that earned seven bids to the national tournament.
Going by the NAIA coaches’ poll at the time the games were played, the Concordia has won three times on the road against top 25 foes, defeating No. 25 Morningside (Nov. 30), No. 15 Northwestern (Jan. 21) and No. 19 Jamestown (Feb. 21). Contributions were made up and down the roster in the GPAC quarterfinal victory at Jamestown, which saw five Bulldogs score in double figures. In addition, the Bulldogs once again dominated the Concordia Invitational Tournament, winning by scores of 100-49 over Concordia Wisconsin and 85-33 over Concordia Chicago in front of a packed Friedrich Arena crowd. The team’s GPAC postseason run ended with a 66-57 loss at No. 18 Briar Cliff.
Individually, Taysha Rushton has enjoyed another strong season. Her shooting percentages have gone up across the board as she leads the team in scoring at 13.6 points per game. She’s shooting 40.2 percent from 3-point range and has moved her career point total to 1,368 (15th most in program history). The next three highest scorers on the team sport remarkably similar averages: Abby Krieser (10.0), Kendal Brigham (9.9) and Sadie Powell (9.9). Krieser has taken her offensive game to new heights while serving as one of the top backcourt defenders in the GPAC.
Defensive tenacity has been a constant for Concordia, even when it hasn’t shot the ball well. Currently, the Bulldogs sport GPAC rankings of first in field goal percentage defense (.380), first in turnovers forced per game (19.6), fourth in defensive efficiency (.843) and sixth in scoring defense (63.5). There are five Concordia players averaging at least 1.0 steal per game: Krieser (2.0), Mackenzie Toomey (1.8), Rushton (1.6), Powell (1.4) and Brigham (1.0). Unfamiliar foes will have to deal with the Bulldogs’ patented full-court pressure.
One more win would give the Bulldogs 20 for the season, a mark Drew Olson has hit in 13 of his first 16 seasons as head coach at his alma mater. Last week’s win at Jamestown marked No. 442 in the career of Olson. He’s begun to sneak up on former Bulldog men’s basketball head coach Grant Schmidt for the most wins ever by a Concordia basketball coach (or for any sport at Concordia). Schmidt compiled a record of 445-276 over his 23-year tenure. Olson played for Schmidt during the 2000-01 through 2002-03 seasons. Counting Olson’s three seasons as a Bulldog student-athlete, he’s been involved in 504 victories (62 wins as a player).
This will be the last dance for fifth-year player Mackenzie Koepke, who missed all of last season due to injury. Koepke was part of the 2018-19 NAIA Division II national championship team. Koepke has come off the bench to play in 26 games this season (one start). In 128 career games, Koepke has totaled 858 points, 466 rebounds, 200 steals, 123 assists and 95 blocked shots. She’s one of seven players in program history to knock down at least 200 career 3-point field goals.
National Tournament Facts
· In its first 21 appearances at the national championships, Concordia has posted a record of 37-19 with seven journeys to at least the national semifinals (three national championship game appearances). The Bulldogs are 14-7 in first-round games. All of the program’s national tournament berths have come since 1992 – the same year the NAIA split into two divisions for basketball. The 2019-20 season marked the final one featuring two divisions. The 2019-20 squad had garnered the No. 1 overall seed in a tournament that was shut down in the middle of the first round due to COVID-19.
· Eight of the 14 players on Concordia’s national tournament roster have prior national tournament experience. That list includes Kendal Brigham, Taylor Farrell, Abby Heemstra, Mackenzie Koepke, Sadie Powell, Taysha Rushton, Hanna Spearman and Mackenzie Toomey. Koepke played in each of the national tournaments from 2019 through 2021 and is the lone player on the roster that was part of the 2018-19 national championship team. Koepke has totaled 61 career points in national tournament games. The only fourth-year senior on the roster, Farrell had her shining moment on the national stage in 2021 when she totaled 14 points on 3-for-4 3-point shooting in a 71-54 win over Loyola University of New Orleans. Rushton also played an instrumental role in that 2021 run to the national quarterfinals and has appeared in four games at the national tournament. She’s averaged 14.8 points in those contests with a high of 27 in the 73-67 win over fourth-ranked Marian University (Ind.).
· Head Coach Drew Olson has been at the controls for each of Concordia’s past 15 national tournament appearances (including 2023). His record at the national tournament now stands at 26-12 with five trips to the final four, including three national championship game appearances (2015, 2018, 2019). The program raised its first-ever national championship banner in March 2019 when it defeated No. 2 Southeastern University (Fla.), 67-59. Olson has won more national tournament games than any coach in school history (men’s or women’s programs).
· During the 2022-23 season to date, the Bulldogs have played 17 games against teams that are included in the national tournament bracket. Concordia has defeated fellow national qualifiers in Dakota State, Dakota Wesleyan, Jamestown, Morningside (twice) and Northwestern.
Olson became the program’s fifth coach to lead Concordia to the national tournament when he made his first appearance in 2008. Past coaches to take the Bulldogs to nationals were Todd Voss (three), Mark Lemke (two), Micah Parker (one) and Carl Everts (one). Voss guided two squads that reached the national semifinals.
2023 First/Second Round Preview: Bulldogs to return to Kentucky
March 4, 2023
2023 WBB National Tournament Press Guide
SEWARD, Neb. – It’s back to The Bluegrass State for Concordia University Women’s Basketball. The Bulldogs learned of their national tournament draw on Thursday (March 2) when the NAIA revealed the 64-team bracket. The journey will lead the Bulldogs to Crestview Hills, Ky., home to Thomas More University. In first-round action, eighth-seeded Concordia will take on ninth-seeded Columbia College (Mo.) at 6:30 p.m. CT (7:30 p.m. ET) on Tuesday, March 7. Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad earned at-large bid while going 19-11 and reaching the GPAC tournament semifinals. This will mark the program’s 22nd all-time national tournament appearance.
First/Second Round Info (March 7-8)
-Host: Thomas More University
-Site: Connor Convocation Center (Crestview Hills, Ky.)
-Tickets: https://thomasmoresaints.com/sports/2022/8/31/hometown-ticketing.aspx
-Live Streaming Link: https://team1sports.com/thomasmore/
-Live Stats: Presto Stats
Game Schedule
2023 NAIA Women’s Basketball National Championship Bracket (PDF)
Tuesday, March 7: (1) Thomas More (26-3) vs. (16) Point (23-8), 4:30 p.m. CT / 5:30 p.m. ET
Tuesday, March 7: (8) Concordia (19-11) vs. (9) Columbia (26-4), 6:30 p.m. CT / 7:30 p.m. ET
Wednesday, March 8: First round winners, 5 p.m. CT / 6 p.m. ET
(winner advances to the final site)
By the numbers
· In its first 21 appearances at the national championships, Concordia has posted a record of 37-19 with seven journeys to at least the national semifinals (three national championship game appearances). The Bulldogs are 14-7 in first-round games. All of the program’s national tournament berths have come since 1992 – the same year the NAIA split into two divisions for basketball. The 2019-20 season marked the final one featuring two divisions. The 2019-20 squad had garnered the No. 1 overall seed in a tournament that was shut down in the middle of the first round due to COVID-19.
· Head Coach Drew Olson has been at the controls for each of Concordia’s past 15 national tournament appearances (including 2023). His record at the national tournament now stands at 26-12 with five trips to the final four, including three national championship game appearances (2015, 2018, 2019). The program raised its first-ever national championship banner in March 2019 when it defeated No. 2 Southeastern University (Fla.), 67-59. Olson has won more national tournament games than any coach in school history (men’s or women’s programs).
· There have been bumps in the road (1-3 start to GPAC play), but the Bulldogs found an identity as a stout defensive team that paces the GPAC in both turnovers forced per game (19.6) and field goal percentage defense (.380). Those statistics come against a schedule that ranks as the 11th toughest in the NAIA. Offensively, Concordia has struggled at times, but it does sport NAIA national rankings of seventh in free throw percentage (.767) and 21st in 3-point field goal percentage (.344). During the 2022-23 season to date, the Bulldogs have played 17 games against teams that are included in the national tournament bracket. Concordia has defeated fellow national qualifiers in Dakota State, Dakota Wesleyan, Jamestown, Morningside (twice) and Northwestern.
· Eight of the 14 players on Concordia’s national tournament roster have prior national tournament experience. That list includes Kendal Brigham, Taylor Farrell, Abby Heemstra, Mackenzie Koepke, Sadie Powell, Taysha Rushton, Hanna Spearman and Mackenzie Toomey. Koepke played in each of the national tournaments from 2019 through 2021 and is the lone player on the roster that was part of the 2018-19 national championship team. Koepke has totaled 61 career points in national tournament games. The only fourth-year senior on the roster, Farrell had her shining moment on the national stage in 2021 when she totaled 14 points on 3-for-4 3-point shooting in a 71-54 win over Loyola University of New Orleans. Rushton also played an instrumental role in that 2021 run to the national quarterfinals and has appeared in four games at the national tournament. She’s averaged 14.8 points in those contests with a high of 27 in the 73-67 win over fourth-ranked Marian University (Ind.) in 2021.
· Rushton is now a three-time First Team All-GPAC honoree. On the season, the Midland, Texas, native is averaging 13.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Her career best shooting percentages stand at 41.9 percent from the field, 40.2 percent from 3-point range and 77.9 percent from the foul line. Named the MVP of the Concordia Invitational Tournament, Rushton produced a season high 29 points in the win at Midland. In 90 career games, Rushton has totaled 1,368 points (15th most in program history), 261 rebounds, 248 assists and 147 steals. She’s drained 211 3-point field goals as a Bulldog. Other All-GPAC award winners were Abby Krieser (second team), Sadie Powell (second team), Kendal Brigham (honorable mention) and Mackenzie Toomey (honorable mention).
· One more win would give the Bulldogs 20 for the season, a mark Drew Olson has hit in 13 of his first 16 seasons as head coach at his alma mater. The GPAC quarterfinal win at then 19th-ranked Jamestown marked No. 442 in the career of Olson. He’s begun to sneak up on former Bulldog men’s basketball head coach Grant Schmidt for the most wins ever by a Concordia basketball coach (or for any sport at Concordia). Schmidt compiled a record of 445-276 over his 23-year tenure. Olson played for Schmidt during the 2000-01 through 2002-03 seasons. Counting Olson’s three seasons as a Bulldog student-athlete, he’s been involved in 504 victories (62 wins as a player).
Thomas More site breakdown
(1) Thomas More University
Overall Record: 26-3
Location: Crestview Hills, Kentucky
Conference: Mid-South Conference
Head Coach: Jeff Hans
RPI: 5th
SOS: 22nd
O-PPG: 76.7
D-PPG: 56.4
All-Conference: Zoie Barth (first team); Courtney Hurst (first team); Emily Simon (first team); Alex Smith (honorable mention).
(8) Concordia University
Overall Record: 19-11
Location: Seward, Nebraska
Conference: Great Plains Athletic Conference
Head Coach: Drew Olson
RPI: 37th
SOS: 11th
O-PPG: 73.3
D-PPG: 63.5
All-Conference: Taysha Rushton (first team); Abby Krieser (second team); Sadie Powell (second team); Kendal Brigham (honorable mention); Mackenzie Toomey (honorable mention).
(9) Columbia College
Overall Record: 26-4
Location: Columbia, Missouri
Conference: American Midwest Conference
Head Coach: James Arnold
RPI: 20th
SOS: 136th
O-PPG: 75.5
D-PPG: 55.5
All-Conference: Mallory Shetley (first team); DeLaney Horstman (second team); Abby Backes (third team); Mackenzie Hess (third team); Lexi Miller (freshman team).
(16) Point University
Overall Record: 23-8
Location: West Point, Georgia
Conference: Appalachian Athletic Conference
Head Coach: Tory Worley
RPI: 49th
SOS: 131st
O-PPG: 65.5
D-PPG: 57.5
All-Conference: Mataea Boyd (first team); Marta Gimenez (Point); Mirial Cannon (second team); Ky’leo Worriels (second team).
Final site
The hopeful destination for the Bulldogs remains the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa. The final 16 teams left standing will advance to that location for action from March 13-18. Sioux City first became the women’s basketball national championship host for division II in 1998. It was awarded as the host location for the NAIA’s one and only division beginning in 2021. Additional information about the NAIA Women’s Basketball National Championship can be found via the NAIA website HERE.
Rushton rattles off 26, shows the way to NAIA round of 32
March 7, 2023
CRESTVIEWHILLS, Ky. – Three-time First Team All-GPAC guard Taysha Rushton played like she was on a mission in the first round of the 2023 NAIA Women’s Basketball National Championship. Rushton racked up 26 points in spearheading eighth-seeded Concordia’s 77-50 win over No. 9 seed Columbia College in Crestview Hills, Ky., on Tuesday (March 7). While Rushton shouldered a large offensive load, the collective effort of the Bulldogs defensively was tremendous in holding the Cougars to 29.0 percent shooting.
Concordia is in the midst of the program’s 22nd all-time appearance at the national tournament. Head Coach Drew Olson improved his own national tournament record to 27-12 while the 2022-23 Bulldogs have bumped their overall mark to 20-11.
“Our team had a lot of confidence early on,” Olson said. “It helps when you hit a couple shots early and build a lead. I loved how well we played defensively. We adjusted throughout the game at times and did an awesome job taking away everything they wanted to do. We caused them problems with the press and got them out of rhythm. It was good to see a lot of people for us get involved.”
Rushton buried a trey in the opening minute on Tuesday and Concordia never trailed all night while stepping on the throttle. It was a reasonably close game at the half (38-29) before the Bulldogs turned on the jets in the third quarter. Abby Krieser kickstarted a 13-3 run with a pair of buckets and Mackenzie Koepke rained in one of her three triples as part of the spurt. Concordia led 51-32 at that juncture and eventually grew the lead to as many as 30 points in the rout.
Rushton scored in just about every way possible – off the dribble, spotting up from three and pulling up in the face of defenders. The 26 points were one shy of a national tournament personal best for the Midland, Texas, native. In a fine outing of her own, freshman. Kristin Vieselmeyer came through with 12 points and five rebounds in her first career national tourney game. Kopeke (3-for-4 from 3-point range) finished with nine points and four rebounds while Krieser chipped in with eight points, four rebounds and three assists. All 12 Bulldogs who made the trip saw the court with 11 of them registering in the scoring column.
Said Olson of Rushton, “Taysha played really well. She made some shots early and had really good rhythm throughout the game. She’s a big-time player and she’s always going to respond really well.”
Concordia did its damage (44.8 percent shooting and only eight turnovers) against a Columbia side that won the American Midwest Conference title and entered the contest riding a 14-game winning streak. First team all-conference performer Mallory Shetley was limited to five points on 2-for-6 shooting. The only Cougar to reach double figures was Allison Stiers with 13. Columbia (26-5) couldn’t overcome a 27-2 disadvantage on points off turnovers while making the program’s 19th national tournament appearance.
Next up, the Bulldogs will have the challenge of taking on top-seeded and defending NAIA national champion Thomas More University (27-3) on its home court, the Connor Convocation Center in Crestview Hills. The matchup is set to tip off at 6 p.m. ET (5 p.m. CT) on Wednesday. The winner will earn a spot in the national round of 16 and will book a trip to the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa. Concordia met up with the Saints last season in Hawaii where Thomas More came away with an 84-67 victory.
Said Olson of the matchup, “They’re really well-coached and they do a lot of things offensively with good action that’s hard to guard. They won the national title last year so they have that experience. They’re a different team than last year, and we’re a different team. I’m excited to see us go at them because I think it’s going to be a really fun matchup.”
Live coverage on Wednesday will be available via the following links: streaming (pay-per-view) | stats.
Nationals run ends at Thomas More in round of 32
March 8, 2023
CRESTVIEWHILLS, Ky. – The defending national champions looked like it in the NAIA Women’s Basketball National Championship round of 32. A Bulldog defensive effort that stifled Columbia College (Mo.) on Tuesday struggled to contain the firepower of the bracket’s top seed Thomas More University, which shot 58.2 percent on its homecourt in Crestview Hills, Ky. The 98-69 victory for the Saints on Wednesday (March 8) meant the end of the line for the Concordia University Women’s Basketball team.
Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad concluded the 2022-23 campaign at 20-12 overall with a national tournament win over Columbia as part of the program’s 22nd all-time appearance on the national stage.
“I felt really good about how we were playing,” Olson said. “I know Thomas More is a good team, but I love our team. They were just way too good today. I’ve never seen a team shoot the way they did. We had a few lapses where we didn’t close out properly but my goodness, there were so many times they hit incredible shots. We played well but it wasn’t good enough because they’re that good. When they play like that, nobody’s beating them.”
The 77-50 blowout win over Columbia ignited hopes that the Bulldogs could return to the national tournament final site in Sioux City, where they appeared as recently as 2021. But Concordia never managed to slow down Thomas More’s perimeter shooting. Behind Zoie Barth’s 4-for-5 performance from long range, the Saints knocked down 10 treys in the first half and another eight in the second half. Prior to Wednesday, the Bulldogs had not allowed more than 80 points in any game this season.
The 10-0 run to end the first half proved to be a backbreaker. Thomas More (28-3) enjoyed a 48-30 halftime lead and then pushed the advantage to 25 (69-44) midway through the third quarter. The Saints piled up at least 20 points in every period and got a game high 22 points from Barth in addition to 16 for Courtney Hurst and 14 for Rylee Turner. Thomas More’s precision shooting even carried over to the foul line where it went 16-for-17.
Concordia exhibited its fight when it put together a 9-0 run late in the third quarter. That offensive rhythm carried over into the first few minutes of the fourth quarter when Mackenzie Koepke, Kendal Brigham and Sadie Powell each splashed home a trey. There was a glimmer of hope with the deficit slashed to 16 (75-59) with nearly eight minutes to play. An ensuing flurry for the Saints provided an exclamation point.
Coming off a 26-point outing in the first round, Taysha Rushton followed that performance up with 14 points, seven rebounds and three assists in round two. Rushton immediately gave the Bulldogs the lead with a 3-pointer in the opening minute of the contest. She was joined in double figures by Sadie Powell (11) and Mackenzie Toomey (11) while Brigham added nine points off the bench. Fifth-year player Mackenzie Koepke chipped in with five points and four rebounds as she played in a national tournament for the fourth and final time in her career. This was also the last game in Bulldog Blue for senior Taylor Farrell.
Said Olson of Farrell and Koepke, “They mean a lot to the program. It’s incredible what both have gone through over the last year or two. They stayed committed. I couldn’t ask them to do more than what they did. It was awesome.”
Led by an influential bunch of third-year players, Concordia made strides in 2022-23 while advancing a round farther at the national tournament than it had the previous year. Rushton earned the third First Team All-GPAC honor of her career and surpassed 1,000 career points. Meanwhile, Brigham, Powell and Toomey each expanded their games and second-year performers Abby Heemstra and Abby Krieser were counted on to play increased roles, among others. Krieser thrived in the backcourt as a do-it-all guard. Watch out for freshmen Megan Belt and Kristin Vieslemeyer in future years. The returning Bulldogs will expect a lot of themselves in 2023-24.
“I loved this season,” Olson said in summing it up. “They did such a great job of continuing to fight and be together. They bought into our team values of staying committed, being resilient, being selfless, trusting each other and trusting us coaches. They love each other and you could see it on the court with how hard they played for each other. It was tough to end the season because we loved being together. Our toughness was without question. We were tested throughout the year and our players continued to respond.”
Eleven Bulldogs honored as women's basketball NAIA Scholar-Athletes
March 9, 2023
2022-23 NAIA Women’s Basketball Scholar-Athletes
SEWARD, Neb. – A group of 11 Bulldogs from the Concordia University Women’s Basketball program have been honored as 2022-23 Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athletes, as announced on Thursday (March 9). The program increased its number of Scholar-Athletes from last year’s 10. Six of the honorees are repeat award winners.
The 2022-23 list of women’s basketball honorees features 873 total student-athletes. In order to be nominated by an institution’s head coach or sports information director, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, must appear on the eligibility certificate for the sport and have attended one full year at said institution.
The full list of Scholar-Athletes from the women’s basketball program can be found below. The repeat NAIA Scholar-Athlete award winners are Kendal Brigham, Brynna Bruxellas, Carolyn Esh, Elayne Poppe, Sadie Powell and Hanna Spearman. Brigham and Powell were also recognized as Academic All-District selections by College Sports Communicators.
Concordia University ranks as the NAIA’s all-time leader in number of Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes with 2,121 entering the 2022-23 academic year. The school record for number of Scholar-Athletes in one academic year is 226 achieved in 2019-20. Concordia has been a regular national leader for both Scholar-Athletes and Scholar-Teams.
2022-23 Women’s Basketball NAIA Scholar-Athletes
· Kendal Brigham (Wahoo, Neb.)
· Brynna Bruxellas (Falls City, Neb.)
· Carolyn Esh (Loveland, Colo.)
· Abby Heemstra (Rock Valley, Iowa)
· Maggi Hughes (Sabetha, Kan.)
· Hailey Kleinschmit (Norfolk, Neb.)
· Elayne Poppe (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Sadie Powell (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)
· Reece Snodgrass (West Point, Neb.)
· Hanna Spearman (Gretna, Neb.)
· Koryn Vangilder (Saint Peters, Mo.)
Season-In-Review: Bulldogs make strides while ramping up the pressure
March 17, 2023
When at its best, the 2022-23 Bulldogs mirrored vintage Concordia Women’s Basketball teams of recent years that have made deep postseason runs. The full-court press ramped up enough to put the Bulldogs atop the GPAC in terms of average turnovers forced per game. In the backcourt, Abby Krieser and Taysha Rushton made it a chore at times to advance the ball past half court. Things clicked when the Bulldogs won at No. 19 Jamestown in the GPAC tournament and then dominated Columbia College (Mo.) in the first round of the national tournament.
The final record of 20-12 fails to tell the complete story for a squad that was challenged with the NAIA’s 11th most difficult schedule. Concordia was also done no favors in being paired with defending national champion Thomas More University (Ky.) in the national round of 32. When it came to an end, Head Coach Drew Olson could feel satisfied with the progress made from October through March.
“We had an incredible schedule again,” Olson said. “All 12 of the losses were to teams in the field of 64 at the national tournament. Seven of the losses were to teams that made it into the round of 16. We did a great job throughout the season to get to 20 wins. We had some awesome wins. The one at Jamestown is probably the one that resonates the most because it’s most recent and for what we went through to accomplish it. There was a lot of great growth from our team. It was so fun to see our team mature and come together and become the team that we were. They had so much fight in every game. It was so fun to be part of that journey with them.”
Coming off a 16-14 campaign that ended with a national tournament first round loss in 2021-22, the Bulldogs made strides forward over the year that followed. There seemed to be a closer connection between teammates and the growth of the class of third-year players was evident. That group featured leading scorer Taysha Rushton in addition to Kendal Brigham, Sadie Powell and Mackenzie Toomey. They set the tone for a scrappy bunch that developed into one of the GPAC’s stingiest defensive outfits. After a 1-3 start to conference play, Concordia went 11-2 over its next 13 league contests.
The emergence of several Bulldogs helped lighten some of the offensive burden on Rushton, who enjoyed her best collegiate season yet from a percentage standpoint. She poured in 26 points in the victory over Columbia and turned in season percentages of 42.5 from the floor and 41.1 from beyond the arc. Early in the campaign, she went past 1,000 career points. After Rushton, it was all about balance in terms of scoring. Rushton averaged 14.0 points per game followed by Krieser (9.8), Brigham (9.7) and Powell (9.7).
Each of those players will be back in 2023-24. Similar growth over the next calendar year figures to make for a dangerous group next March. The trip to Crestview Hills, Ky., for the first two rounds of this year’s national tournament will serve the program well going forward.
“It was an awesome experience for our team,” Olson said. “I was so excited for them to get the win in the first round. I thought we played awesome basketball against Columbia. It just showed the type of team that we are. The second day we ran into a team that played phenomenal. They’re the defending national champions and when they play the way they did, nobody can beat them. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a team shoot that well. It definitely does not take away from the season we had and the team that we became.”
It was a rare year without much on the roster in the form of seniors. The eldest members of the program this season were fifth-year player Mackenzie Koepke and fourth-year senior Taylor Farrell. Both faced adversity in their careers – and both remained committed to the program. Koepke played for the 2018-19 national championship team and ultimately returned in 2022-23 after missing the entire 2021-22 season due to injury. As for Farrell, she too has been challenged by injuries. On top of it, “Willy” lost her brother to tragedy.
Fittingly, Koepke and Willy walked off the court with their arms around one another at the immediate conclusion of the loss to Thomas More. It was symbolic of not only their friendship but also the bonds built within the team as a whole.
Said Olson of Koepke and Willy, “They’re just incredible people. I’m so thankful they decided to play this year. Nobody would have said anything if they decided not to, but they decided to stay committed. Both of them have been so resilient through injuries and with what Willy and her family went through with the loss of her brother. It just shows the toughness they have. I think they did so much for our team and cared for each other. I just love them so much and am sad to see them go, but I’m very thankful for the time we had together because they’re incredible people.”
There were plenty of other key contributors beyond the five Bulldogs who earned All-GPAC awards. As freshmen, Megan Belt and Kristin Vieselmeyer found their way into the rotation from the very start. Unfortunately, Belt suffered an injury at CIT and missed the stretch run of the season. The group of sophomores was led by Krieser, in addition to starter Abby Heemstra and Hailey Kleinschmit. A Lincoln North Star alum, Krieser is a rising star who appears poised to reach an even higher level as a junior.
The wins over Jamestown and Columbia were major highlights of the season. So too was the Concordia Invitational Tournament, which had been put on hold in 2021 and 2022. The event returned in 2023 with near capacity crowds inside Friedrich Arena. The Bulldogs were thoroughly dominant in winning by scores of 100-49 over Concordia Wisconsin and 85-33 over Concordia Chicago. In adding to the atmosphere, Olson even donned the mascot costume and led the student body in performing the “Interlude Dance.”
Trips to Texas and then out to Kentucky brought the team closer together. This wasn’t a 30-win season like Concordia has put together six times in Olson’s tenure, but the rewards were just as enriching because of the people involved. As Olson said in the aftermath of the season-ending defeat, “They love each other and you could see it on the court with how hard they played for each other. It was tough to end the season because we loved being together. Our toughness was without question. We were tested throughout the year and our players continued to respond.”
Olson added, “I’m looking forward to being with my family and spending a lot more time with my kids and (my wife) M’Leigh. We’re excited about next year. I know we’re going to be a really good team and we’re going to keep taking steps forward.”
Rushton earns second career All-America award
March 21, 2023
2022-23 NAIA Women’s Basketball All-Americans
SEWARD, Neb. – For the second-straight March, Concordia University Women’s Basketball standout Taysha Rushton has been selected as an All-American. Rushton made the list of 2022-23 NAIA Honorable Mention All-Americans announced on Tuesday (March 21) by the NAIA. The Bulldog Women’s Basketball program has had a player earn some form of All-America accolades in 16 of Drew Olson’s 17 seasons as head coach. According to available records, Rushton is the program’s 13th player to garner multiple All-America awards.
Other multiple-time All-America honorees coached by Olson have included Taylor Cockerill, Kristen Conahan, Philly Lammers, Bailey Morris, Tracy Peitz, Katie Rich, Whitney Stichka, Melissa Tinkham and Quinn Wragge.
The Midland, Texas, native Rushton is also a three-time First Team All-GPAC honoree and has led Concordia to national tournament appearances in each of her first three seasons. In those three seasons, Rushton has played in 92 games and has accumulated 1,408 points, 275 rebounds, 253 assists and 150 steals. Rushton will enter year four ranked No. 14 on the program’s all-time scoring list. Her 217 3-point field goals are the fifth most in school history behind only Kristen Conahan (323), Melissa Tinkham (266), Andrea Janssen (247) and Brenleigh Daum (232). In perhaps Rushton’s best performance this past season, she rattled off 26 points and seven rebounds in the NAIA national tournament first round win over Columbia College (Mo.).
Said Olson after the win over Columbia, “She’s a big-time player and she’s always going to respond really well.” Over her three seasons as a Bulldog, Rushton has posted respective scoring averages of 14.4 in 2020-21, 17.7 in 2021-22 and 14.0 in 2022-23. Her efficiency increased this past season as she shot 42.5 percent from the floor, 41.1 percent from 3-point range and 78.5 percent from the foul line.
Concordia women’s basketball all-time All-Americans
Grace Barry (2020-2nd)
Lynda Beck (1992-1st)
Taylor Cockerill (2019-HM; 2021-WBCA 1st, NAIA-HM)
Kristen Conahan (2012-2nd; 2013-1st)
Sarah Harrison (2003-1st; HM-2005)
Mary Janovich (2017-HM)
Trish Kindle (1993-2nd; 1994-HM)
Amber Kistler (2012-1st)
Hayle Kobza (2000-HM; 2001-HM)
Philly Lammers (2017-2nd; 2018-1st; 2019-1st; 2020-1st)
Bailey Morris (2014-1st; *2015-1st)
Teresa Noffke (1989-HM)
Allison Nyland (1996-HM)
Tracy Peitz (2014-3rd; 2015-2nd)
Shelly Poppe (1987-3rd)
Elizabeth Rhoden (2003-2nd)
Katie Rich (2011-HM; 2013-HM)
Taysha Rushton (2022-HM; 2023-HM)
Kari Saving (2005-2nd)
Stacy Scheer (2010-HM)
Stephanie Schilke (1998-2nd)
Whitney Stichka (2007-HM; 2008-2nd; 2009-1st)
Melissa Tinkham (2008-HM; 2009-HM)
Rachel Witzel (1997-3rd)
Quinn Wragge (2017-HM; 2018-3rd)
*National player of the year
Four Bulldogs named to World-Herald's All-Midlands Team
April 11, 2023
SEWARD, Neb. – A group or four Bulldogs from the Concordia University Women’s Basketball program have been honored by the Omaha World-Herald. On April 8, the Omaha news outlet announced Taysha Rushton and Sadie Powell as honorees on the five-member 2022-23 NAIA/NCAA Division III All-Midlands Women’s Basketball Team. Meanwhile, Kendal Brigham and Abby Krieser garnered All-Midlands Honorable Mention distinction. All four Bulldogs were also named all-conference award winners this past season.
The Omaha World-Herald chooses its All-Midlands team out of the pool of women’s basketball student-athletes that play at NAIA or NCAA Division III Nebraska colleges and universities. The complete team can be viewed at bottom.
2022-23 Concordia All-Midlands Team Honorees
Taysha Rushton
--2022-23: 14.0 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.6 spg, .425 fg%, .411 3-pt fg%, .785 ft%
Sadie Powell
--2022-23: 9.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.3 spg, .406 fg%, .348 3-pt fg%, .780 ft%
Kendal Brigham – Honorable Mention
--2022-23: 9.7 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.0 spg, .440 fg%, .420 3-pt fg%, .723 ft%
Abby Krieser – Honorable Mention
--2022-23: 9.8 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.9 spg, .490 fg%, .340 3-pt fg%, .816 ft%
2022-23 NAIA/NCAA DIII All-Midlands Women’s Basketball Team
* G Mak Hatcliff, Doane, So. 5-7 21.6
G Taysha Rushton, Concordia So. 5-5 14.0
F Sadie Powell, Concordia So. 6-0 9.7
G Macy Holtz, Doane, So. 5-7 13.8
F Asha Scott, Bellevue, Sr. 5-8 12.1
Honorable mention: Bellevue: Laura Jurek, Faith Ross. Concordia: Kendal Brigham, Abby Krieser. Doane: Megan Chambers. Hastings: Mariyah Avila, Allie Bauer. Midland: Erin Prusa. Peru State: Maddy Duncan, Sam Stewart. Saint Mary: Madelyn Turner. York: Arcadya Conway, Imani Honey.
*Honorary Captain