(Winona Lake, IN) – After over two months off due to COVID-19 restrictions, Concordia women's basketball returned to action with a neutral-site match against Grace Christian. The Cardinals came in receiving votes in the national poll with a 3-1 overall record. After a closely contested first half, CUAA began to pull away in the second and cruised to a 90-57 victory.
Katie Snow led all scorers with 21 points and recorded three steals to become the all-time steal leader in Cardinal history. Snow now has recorded 265 career steals. Alize Tripp finished in double figures with 12 points. J'May Simmons led the team in rebounds with 11 while also chipping in 7 points.
Grace Christian jumped out to an early 7-0 lead until Katie Snow ended the run with a pair of free throws. The Tigers went up by double digits with a 13-3 advantage at the 5:55 mark, but Alize Tripp began an 8-0 Cardinal run with a jumper. A 3-pointer from J'May Simmons pulled CUAA within a point and Paige Johnson eventually put Concordia up 18-17 with a basket. Katie Snow used a basket and a free throw to give the Cardinals a 21-17 lead after one quarter of play.
Asaria Turman opened scoring in the second quarter with a free throw. Stephanie Abraham and Taylor Leatherman scored to extend Concordia's lead to 26-19. Grace Christian used a 5-0 run to pull within 2 points and the game remained close until a Katie Snow basket. Samantha Dorn began a 10-0 run to close the half for the Cardinals with Alize Tripp adding a pair of triples and a jumper. CUAA led 40-28 after the midway point.
Paige Johnson hit a jumper to open scoring in the third quarter. Averi Bebble knocked down a three pointer and Allyson Hunt drained a pair of triples as the Cardinals began to pull away. Concordia consistently converted on offense and doubled the Tigers up 26-13 in the quarter, taking a 66-41 lead.
Katie Snow drove for a layup to start the fourth quarter. Tris'styn Williams added a floater, Taylor Leatherman drilled a triple, and Asaria Turman made multiple offensive rebounds on the way to a putback. The Cardinals were able to open their bench with Izzy Viau notching a basket and Katherine Schulz driving for a long layup. Brinna Melling and Mackenzie Howe showed their range from behind the arc with triples and CUAA claimed the 90-57 win.
Concordia improves to 4-1 overall with the win. The team will play their next match on Sunday, January 17 at Marian. The game is set to begin at 4:30pm.
