Long-Range Shooting Lifts Dakota Wesleyan Over Grace
Posted
Josh Neuhart-
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Grace College’s women’s basketball team was unable to slow down the long-range attack of No. 8 Dakota Wesleyan on Wednesday. The Tigers (12-2) hit 15 three-pointers en route to an 83-58 victory to close out the Surf ’N Hoop Classic in Hawaii. The Lady Lancers (8-8) were led by 14 points with a trio of treys from Kelsie Peterson. Haley Richardson also tallied 12 points with three boards. Dakota Wesleyan, the preseason No. 1 ranked team in the NAIA, began its three-point assault in earnest right away. The Tigers opened the game’s scoring with a triple and hit five treys overall in the first quarter. The Lady Lancers’ Vironnica Drake and Peterson each hit a three-pointer in the first quarter, but Grace still trailed by seven at the end of the frame. The Lady Lancers remained close in the second quarter before a late surge lifted DWU to a 44-28 lead at halftime. The Tigers ended the half on a 12-1 run over the final 4:53. Grace was only outscored by nine in the second half, but the damage was already done. The Tigers led by as many as 27 points and coasted to the victory. Peterson played a big role in the second half, scoring nine of her 14 points after halftime. Grace also forced DWU into 13 turnovers in the second half, but the Tigers drilled 8 of 12 from beyond the arc to help their cause. Brooke Sugg made 4 of 8 attempts from the floor for nine points, and Darian Patton added six points, four assists and four rebounds. Brooke Treadway finished with four points and two boards off the bench, and Pam Miller chipped in three points and four rebounds. Erica Herrold led the Tigers with a game-high 25 points to go along with five rebounds, while Ashley Bray chipped in with 17 points and eight boards in the win. The Lady Lancers will be off from game action until after the New Year. Grace will travel to St. Francis on Jan. 4 for a doubleheader with the men’s basketball team. Grace will then host a doubleheader on Jan. 7 against Goshen.
