PELLA— A strong defensive effort leading to 16 steals and six blocks led the Central College women's basketball team to a 70-57 win against Buena Vista University.
"I thought we shared the ball really well," said coach
Justin Weiland. "It took us a little bit to get going, which is normal after having a four-day break, but we hung in there and started to get easier buckets."
The Dutch (6-3, 1-1 American Rivers) held Buena Vista to 38.5% shooting from the field, and 25% from three-point land. In the second quarter the Beavers (4-4, 0-1 American Rivers) scored four points and were held to 2-14 shooting.
"We ramped up our defense in the second quarter and we were making them work to get to their spots, making them uncomfortable, and contesting everything."
Leading Central in scoring was
Samantha Scott (senior, Davenport, North Scott HS) with 18 points on 6-11 shooting from three. She added two rebounds and two steals.
"Scott continues to shoot really well, and it will help us out," Weiland said.
Abby Johnson (senior, Ankeny) scored 17 points while shooting 7-14 from the field while also grabbing six rebounds including three offensive rebounds and two steals.
Hannah Dau (senior, Paullina, South O'Brien) scored 13 points on 50% shooting while also adding a steal.
"Dau was resilient today," Weiland said. "After she missed her first couple shots, I told her to keep shooting and after that she hit three shots in a row to help us and that was nice to see."
Jasmyn Williams (junior, Denver, Colo., Arvada West HS) led the team with nine assists while also adding five steals.
Emily Naughton (sophomore, Indianola) scored three points while also dishing out five assists and adding two steals and three blocks.
As a team Central shot 36% from the field, 29.7% from three-point range and 7-10 from the free throw line.
The Dutch have another home conference game Saturday at 2 p.m. against No. 2 ranked Wartburg College.
