SANTEE, Calif. – The Northwestern College women’s basketball team (8-0, 3-0, GPAC) traveled to the San Diego area to take on the Hawks of San Diego Christian (3-5, 1-1 GSAC) and used a strong defensive effort to earn a 82-51 victory.
The opening frame was a bit shaky for the Raiders offensively, shooting only 38% from the field and 20% from behind the arc. The Hawks nearly matched the Raiders in shooting percentage with 36% from the field, but six quarter turnovers gave Northwestern a few extra possessions giving them a 15-10 lead at the end of one. Senior Taylor VanderVelde (Sioux Falls, S.D./Washington) paced the Raider attack with eight quarter points.
The second quarter saw more defensive pressure from Northwestern that keyed transition opportunities. A combined nine steals from multiple Raider defenders allowed the Raider’s offense to get out in the open court and stretch out the lead to 37-18 at the halfway point.
After the break the onslaught continued as the Raiders forced five more turnovers and held the Hawks to just over 30% from the field. Molly Schany (So., Emmetsburg, Iowa/Emmestburg) made her presence felt with 12 third quarter points on a perfect 5-5 from the field.
With a large lead going into the final frame the solid defensive effort continued into the fourth quarter and all 15 Raiders saw game action during the quarter finishing off the 82-51 win.
VanderVelde finished the game with a new career high of 20 points on an efficient 6-8 from the floor. Schany also had an efficient night going 7-9 for 16 points, she also tallied six rebounds to tie for the team lead on the night with Emilee Danner (Jr., Westside, Iowa/Ar-We-Va), who finished with seven points. Junior Hannah Nerem (Edgerton, Minn./Southwest Minnesota Christian) came off the bench to contribute double digits points with 10. Jada Cunningham (Sr., Sioux Falls, S.D./Washington) and Maddie Jones (Jr., Twin Lakes, Iowa/South Central Calhoun) both finished with five assists.
The Raiders defense forced 28 turnovers and held the Hawks under 40% for from the field. The Northwestern offense tallied 20 assists on 29 made field goals for the day, they also shot over 44%.
Up Next: The Raiders continue their time in California, playing at Westcliff University in Irvine, Calif. at 3:00 p.m. (CDT).
