(Grand Rapids, MI) – Concordia women's basketball traveled to Aquinas for a rare Sunday afternoon game to continue conference play. The Cardinals entered the game 4-5 (2-3 WHAC) while the Saints came in 8-5 (4-2 WHAC). The contest was closely contested at halftime, but CUAA pulled away in the second half for a 61-40 win.
Julia Hirt led the team with 13 points, going 4-7 from behind the arc. Asaria Turman finished in double figures with 10 points. Zaria Mitchner finished third with 9 points. Samantha Dorn had a team-high 10 rebounds along with 6 points.
Julia Hirt hit a 3-pointer for Concordia's first basket. Zaria Mitchner and Ellie Kallner hit early jumpshots as both teams exchanged baskets. McKenna Dietsch tied the game 10-10 with a triple and Stephanie Abraham knocked down a go-ahead jumpshot. Asaria Turman added a late layup and CUAA led 14-12 after the first quarter.
Asaria Turman opened the second quarter with a pair of free throws. Aquinas tied the game with four straight points but Julia Hirt knocked down her second triple to regain the lead. Zaria Mitchner added two late free throws and Hirt added one more 3-pointer late in the quarter. CUAA held a 25-24 lead at halftime.
Aquinas retook the lead early in the third quarter but Stephanie Abraham tied the game with a tough jumpshot in the paint. Concordia began to take control of the game with a 10-0 run, started by layups from Samantha Dorn and Kierslynn Lawless. Asaria Turman converted three straight layups late in the quarter and Taylor Leatherman knocked a jumper. CUAA led 47-33 after the third quarter.
Zaria Mitchner drained two free throws and a 3-pointer to open scoring in the fourth quarter. Samantha Dorn scored a layup and Ellie Kallner made a quick steal and a basket as the Cardinals pulled farther away. Kierslynn Lawless converted a layup inside and Grace Sandlin knocked down a late triple. CUAA secured the 61-40 victory as time expired.
Concordia will play their next game on the road at UM-Dearborn on Saturday, December 11. Tip-off is at 1pm.
