(Ann Arbor, MI) Concordia won an exhilarating game over Spring Arbor on Wednesday thanks to a Katie Snow steal and go ahead score in the waning seconds of the 57-55 win. On Saturday the Cardinals opened up WHAC play by hosting the Gray Wolves from Lourdes University. Concordia dominated the Gray Wolves defensively on their way to a 31 point win over Lourdes.
After shooting 10.5% from deep against Spring Arbor, the Cardinals reigned it in and made 38.5% of their threes on Saturday. Twelve different Cardinals scored in the blowout win, with J'may Simmons leading the team with 12 and Katie Snow not far behind with 11. Concordia forced 25 turnovers on defense and was able to score 29 points off of the Gray Wolves' mistakes which would be the theme of the game.
The game opened with both sides forcing errors on defense, but the Gray Wolves making shots from behind the arc and the Cardinals finding shots inside with Tris'styn Williams and J'may Simmons. After the Cardinals had a rough night against Spring Arbor from deep, Asaria Turman and Aly Lenz each hit a three to match the team total from earlier that week. The Cardinal full court press and half court defense caused several turnovers and shot clock violations which allowed Concordia to grow their lead to 15 by the end of the first.
Concordia augmented their lead in the second quarter with more solid defense and finding their rhythm offensively. Shelbea James hit a three and the Cardinal defense seemed to stifle all of Lourdes' efforts. Lourdes started to play a zone defensively, but the Cards did well in finding the soft spots of the zone to exploit. The Cardinal advantage remained at 15 going into the second half.
The Cardinal defense was just as active in the second half creating more havoc for the Gray Wolves. The Concordia offense was able to turn it on as well with Aly Lenz making a transition lay in and Simmons sinking a wide open triple. Also of note, Paige Johnson hit her first shot from behind the arc of the season, snapping an early season drought for the point guard. Madison Birchmeier and Simmons also hit a triple each to get the lead over 20 for Concordia.
Concordia's defense did not relent and continued to force errors from the Gray Wolves. Jade Finfera scored a quick 5 points early in the quarter to further increase CUAA's advantage. Turman knocked down her second shot from deep on the night as the Cardinals began to get more of their bench players valuable minutes. Concordia would go on to win by a wide margin, 73-42.
Next up for Concordia will be an exhibition against Oakland University. Tip off will be at 7:00 pm in Rochester Hill, on Monday November 11th.
