INDIANOLA — An offensive slump in the second quarter was too much for the Central College women's basketball team to overcome in a 70-55 loss Wednesday at Simpson College.
           
The Dutch (7-9, 2-4 American Rivers Conference) were down just 20-17 after the first period against the Storm (8-7, 4-2 conference) but a 15-0 Simpson run extended the halftime lead to 39-24 as Central only tallied seen points in the second quarter. Both teams would score 31 points in the second half, not allowing Central to close the gap.
           
Bailey Reding (senior, Grundy Center)  was Central's top scorer as the forward came off the bench for 11 points and five rebounds. Emily Naughton (junior, Indianola had all 10 of her points in the second half, adding in four assists. CeCe Moore CeCe Moore (junior, Waterloo, West HS)re, Chariton) pocketed three steals and Moore had a pair of blocks.
           
Central returns home to host Wartburg College on Saturday at 2 p.m.