Defensive prowess leads the way as GPAC win streak remains intact

By Jacob Knabel on Jan. 11, 2023 in Women's Basketball

SEWARD, Neb. – The Concordia University Women’s Basketball team jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead, then experienced a first quarter lull before putting together a second quarter that gave it control on Wednesday (Jan. 11). The Bulldogs managed to limit visiting College of Saint Mary to 32.2 percent shooting in the 74-54 blowout inside Friedrich Arena. Hailey Kleinschmit just missed a double-double off the bench and Concordia pushed its series win streak over the Flames to 21.

Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad has won six straight GPAC games while improving to 8-4 in league play (10-6 overall). That run has vaulted the Bulldogs up to No. 4 in the conference standings.

“It was good to see Hailey play really well,” Olson said. “She gave us some good minutes and Des(tiny Shepherd) and Reece (Snodgrass) are coming along. Getting those younger players more minutes and more experience is a great thing. We’ll regroup tomorrow and figure out how we’re going to attack Jamestown.”

Defensive tenacity remains the hallmark of a Concordia squad that paces the GPAC in turnovers forced per game. That strength carried the day as the Bulldogs went only 6-for-28 from 3-point range. Concordia made up for it by unleashing its superior depth – 13 players saw action and 11 registered in the scoring column. There were different stretches that saw the likes of Sadie Powell, Taysha Rushton and Abby Krieser take turns in extending the margin. Later in the game, Kleinschmit took advantage of her playing time and notched team highs for points (12) and rebounds (nine).

College of Saint Mary (4-13, 1-10 GPAC) was unable to keep up with its own offensive attack that entered the night ranked last in the GPAC in scoring average (54.5). The visitors’ minus-nine turnover margin made a comeback improbable. Concordia mounted a lead as large as 28 (59-31) and its lead never dipped below 16 points throughout the second half. Early on, the Bulldogs ruled the boards before eventually settling for a 42-40 rebound advantage.

Kleinschmit finished nicely around the basket in piling up her team high point total. Powell and Kendal Brigham also reached double figures with 10 points apiece and Rushton (nine), Krieser (eight) and Kristin Vieselmeyer (seven) trailed closely behind. Rushton also dished out five assists and plucked two steals. Off the bench, Mackenzie Koepke chipped in with four points and six rebounds and the York High School product Shepherd posted five points and four steals. As part of the 15-theft performance as a team, Abby Heemstra collected three steals and Mackenzie Toomey recorded two.

Two CSM players scored in double figures: Kenzi Hoit (12) and Madelyn Turner (11). The Flames’ one GPAC win this season came at Hastings back on Nov. 22.

Up next will be a trip to North Dakota where the Bulldogs will take on Jamestown (12-5, 7-4 GPAC) at 2 p.m. CT on Saturday. Concordia will attempt to avenge its 66-49 home loss to the Jimmies on Nov. 22. CUNE alum and Jamestown Head Coach Thad Sankey’s squad is receiving votes in the NAIA coaches’ poll released this week.