STORM LAKE—Icy first-half shooting spoiled the Central College women's basketball team's hopes for a road win as Buena Vista University rolled 73-52 Monday night.
The Dutch (3-10 overall, 1-6 American Rivers) shot just 26.9% from the floor in the first two quarters and a dismal 3 of 11 from the free throw line. Central, which trailed at the break 30-18, improved to 33.3% shooting for the game but also got dominated on the glass 45-28.
"We got off to such a slow start offensively and never got into a rhythm until later in the second half," coach
Joe Steinkamp said. "We just started the game very choppy with a lot of missed opportunities."
Buena Vista (7-10 overall, 5-6 conference) shot 44.8%.
"I thought BV played well," Steinkamp said. "They were able to get some transition baskets and they played really hard."
However, the numbers for steadily improving sophomore guard
Kassidi Steel (sophomore, New Sharon, North Mahaska HS) continue to shine. She had a game-high 18 points and seven rebounds along with five assists and two steals with just two turnovers.
"Kassidi continues to play at a high level," Steinkamp said. "She had a great all-around game. She's looking to score more, which is really good, and she's getting to the line more."
Center
Allison Van Gorp (freshman, Pella, Pella Christian HS) added 15 points and six rebounds.
"They did a good job of limiting her touches, but she still found opportunities to score, especially in the second half," Steinkamp said. "They really made her work, though."
Central is back on the road for another long trip Wednesday to Lincoln, Nebraska, meeting Nebraska Wesleyan University in a women's-men's doubleheader at 6 p.m. The Prairie Wolves are 4-14 overall and 2-8 in the league.
With four games in eight days, the Dutch will need short memories, Steinkamp said.
"We're definitely disappointed with how we played but we don't have a lot of time to dwell on it," he said. "We'll get back late tonight, have a short practice tonight and hit the road again on Wednesday."
