DUBUQUE — Coming off an 18-day layoff, the Central College women's basketball first quarter lead didn't hold up in a 65-53 loss at the University of Dubuque Saturday.

Central is now 1-4 on the season and 1-1 in the conference standings with the inclusion of Wednesday's forfeit from Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Hitting 7 of their first 13 shots was enough to give Central the 16-10 lead after the first period but an increasingly swarming Spartan defense caused trouble.

"It was one of the best first quarters we've had this year," coach Joe Steinkamp said. "They turned up the defensive pressure in the second quarter and it got us out of our offensive rhythm."

Dubuque turned 24 turnovers by Central into 24 points.

"The 24 turnovers was the key stat of the game," Steinkamp said. "We thought we defended them well in the half court and took away a lot of their easy actions. They just got so many easy opportunities in transition."

Freshman forward Allison Van Gorp (Pella, Pella Christian HS) had a double-double for Central with 24 points and 10 rebounds.

"She was incredible," Steinkamp said. "Dubuque is one of the most physical teams in the league so to do it against them is pretty impressive. They had no answer for her."

Alayna Akiona (freshman, guard, Honolulu, Hawaii, Kalani HS) added 13 points, hitting a pair of threes and going 3-for-3 from the charity stripe.

"Alayna had her biggest game," Steinkamp said. "She scored off the bounce, she hit a couple of threes and she drove it to the rim well."

Kassidi Steel (sophomore, guard, New Sharon, North Mahaska HS) had 10 rebounds and four assists while Danae Greig (junior, Albany, West Albany HS) also had four assists.

After having its first two home games called off, the Dutch are slated to host Concordia University – Chicago (Ill.) at 5:30 on Tuesday night.

"We're excited to be able to play a home game," Steinkamp said. "The result here wasn't what we were looking for tonight but we have some people starting to play at a higher level."