Concordia routs Bethany College, 89-44
Concordia University cruised to an 89-44 women’s basketball win over Bethany College on Tuesday evening in Seward. The Bulldogs won their second straight to move to 2-1 on the young season. Bethany College fell to 1-3 with the loss.
The Bulldogs jumped out to a big lead early in the game and didn’t look back. Concordia took a 44-19 lead into halftime, and the Bulldog defense caused all sorts of problems for Bethany throughout the game. The visiting Swedes turned it over 35 times on the night. Concordia finished with 21 steals in the game. Freshman Myhiah Dotzler (Omaha, Neb.) had a game-high six steals, and Amber Kistler (Minatare, Neb.) added four steals for the Bulldogs.
“We needed a game like this for our confidence,” remarked Drew Olson, head coach of the Bulldogs. “I really liked our press tonight. Our girls have been playing a lot harder lately, and that was evident tonight.”
Offensively, Concordia was 32-of-64 from the field for an even 50 percent. The Bulldogs were 17-of-28 (60.7 percent) from the floor in the second half. Concordia was 9-of-21 (42.9 percent) from three point land but just 16-of-28 (57.1 percent) at the free throw line in the win. The Bulldogs held a 40-33 rebounding advantage.
Five players scored in double figures for Concordia in the lopsided win. Beth Kohmetscher (Deweese, Neb.) scored a game-high 13 points. The sophomore was 4-of-6 overall and 3-of-4 from deep for the Bulldogs. Kristin Miller (Jefferson City, Mo.) added 12 points and a game-high nine boards, and Kistler also chipped in with 12 points. Lori Laboda (Parker, Colo.) and Katie Herther (Sioux Falls, S.D.) added 10 points apiece in a balanced Bulldog offensive attack.
“It was exciting to start with a good win like this at home,” said Beth Kohmetscher. “This was a good opportunity to get together as a team. It was our first time running our press, and we worked hard throughout the game.”
Bethany College went just 13-of-44 (29.5 percent) from the field. The Swedes connected on just 4-of-18 (22.2 percent) shots in the opening half of play as Concordia built the big lead. Bethany was also 4-of-18 from three point land and 14-of-21 (66.7 percent) from the foul line on the night.
Cathy Wade scored a team-best 11 points for the Swedes.
“We still have a lot to work on,” noted Olson. “We need to take better care of the ball. We also need to be able to score better and defend better in the half court. We’ll keep working, and we’re happy to pick up this win tonight.”
Concordia hosts the Cattle Classic Tournament this weekend. The Bulldog women take on Sterling College on Friday at 8 pm and Kansas Wesleyan on Saturday at 2 pm at the Health, Human Performance and Athletic Center.