Riverside, California — Dordt took control of Monday’s game early in the second half and closed out their series in California with a 71-49 win over La Sierra.
La Sierra took an early 10-2 lead that forced Dordt to take a timeout midway through the first quarter. The Defenders inched their way back into the game in the following minutes as Macey Nielson hit a three to tie the game at 15.
Dordt then tried to make a run late in the half, extending their lead to six points on a fast break opportunity by Mya Chmielewski. However, La Sierra closed the first half on a 5-0 run that included a late three for Ariana Quintana.
The Defenders got down early in the third quarter but were able to hold a narrow lead through the first five minutes. La Sierra took a 43-42 lead at one point before Macey Nielson hit a three followed by back-to-back threes from Bailey Beckman. The 11-0 scoring run gave Dordt a 53-43 lead going into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter saw the Dordt defense step up and turn stops into points. A steal by Ashtyn Veerbeek that turned into a Beckman three proved to put a seal on the game as Dordt went up 60-45. The Defenders extended their lead to as much as 21 late in the game on a Veerbeek layup. The win completed the nonconference season for the Defenders, who will next play GPAC opponent Mount Marty.
Ashtyn Veerbeek led Dordt in scoring with 22 points on 10-15 shooting
Bailey Beckman scored 17 points
Karly Gustafson was the leading rebounder with nine
The Defenders shot 50.9% from the field and La Sierra shot 41.2%
Dordt finished with 12 steals and forced 14 turnovers
The Defenders will take the court again in 2022 as they will face Mount Marty on Saturday, January 1. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:00 PM in Yankton, South Dakota.
