Sioux Center, Iowa — The Dordt Defender women’s basketball team fell to the 25th-ranked Concordia Bulldogs in a close matchup Wednesday night, 77-71.
Concordia got out to a fast start, opening the game on a 6-0 run. The Defenders worked their way back into the game as Mya Chmielewski’s three point shot cut the deficit to one nearly six minutes into the game. Concordia increased their lead once again in the later points of the quarter, but Dordt came back within five in the final minute of the first with a basket from Erika Feenstra.
The score fluctuated throughout the second quarter, but Concordia never gave up the lead in the first half. Dordt gained momentum in the last minute of the half, though, as Hilary Albrecht and Siennah Stamness each made a three-pointer to make the score 41-36 at halftime.
Dordt took their first lead of the game in the third quarter with a three from Siennah Stamness to go up 57-55. The lead grew to as much as five as Ashtyn Veerbeek’s free throw made the score 60-55 with 1:31, one of her 19 points in the contest. Concordia answered by going on a 5-0 run to end the quarter, tying the game at 62.
The fourth quarter saw the Bulldogs take back the lead, as Taylor Farrell and Taysha Ruston each scored, and Concordia used a strong defensive effort for the first few minutes. With five minutes remaining, Erika Feenstra scored off of the turnover to bring the Defenders within two points, but Concordia maintained the lead for the rest of the contest, winning Wednesday’s GPAC matchup 77-71.
Ashtyn Veerbeek had a double-double with 19 points and 19 rebounds. Erika Feenstra scored 15 points. Karly Gustafson scored 12 points and had 4 assists. Taylor Cockerill was the leading scorer for Concordia with 26 points
Dordt is now 12-10 and Concordia is 15-7
Dordt will host their final home game on Saturday, February 6 vs. College of Saint Mary. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 pm in De Witt Gymnasium
