(Lima, OH) – Concordia women's basketball began WHAC conference play on Wednesday evening, traveling to the University of Northwestern Ohio. The Cardinals found themselves receiving votes in the NAIA Coaches' Poll that was released as the Cardinals were on their way to UNOH. The Cardinals entered 6-3 overall on the year while the Racers came in 4-2. Both teams traded runs throughout the game, but CUAA maintained their lead and secured an 89-73 victory.
J'May Simmons and Taylor Leatherman tied for the team lead with 15 points. Allyson Hunt was second with 12 points on a perfect 4-4 from three. Tris'styn Williams had 10 points and a team-high 6 rebounds. Paige Johnson recorded a career high 7 assists leading the team to a season best 22.
A three pointer from J'May Simmons gave Concordia their first basket of the game. Simmons added another two triples early in the game to give the Cardinals a 10-4 lead. A layup from Alize Tripp along with two baskets from Asaria Turman and a Paige Johnson 3-pointer put CUAA up 19-10. A pair of layups from Katie Snow helped keep the Concordia offense moving and the team led 28-21 after the first quarter.
Averi Bebble made a layup after a Katie Snow steal to start Cardinal scoring in the second period. J'May Simmons added a layup and Tris'styn Williams used a solid post move to score. Paige Johnson knocked down a 3-pointer and Asaria Turman scored a power basket just before halftime, putting CUAA up 43-34.
Tris'styn Williams hit a jumper to open the third quarter. Averi Bebble and Allyson Hunt drained triples as the Cardinals continued to move the ball effectively. Hunt added a second triple, but the Racers used a 7-0 run to cut the lead to 57-53. Paige Johnson countered with a left-handed layup and kicked off a 12-5 run to end the quarter. CUAA led 69-56 after three quarters of play.
Allyson Hunt hit two more three-pointers to start off Concordia's fourth quarter scoring. Taylor Leatherman added a pair of free throws and a triple as the Cardinals continued to pull away. CUAA emptied their bench for the final 2 minutes of the game and the team claimed the 89-73 win.
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Concordia moves to 7-3 overall with the win. The team will return home on Saturday, January 30 with a rivalry game against Siena Heights. Tip-off is at 1pm.
