Women’s basketball triumphs over Briar Cliff in GPAC semifinal

Photo Description: Junior Taysha Rushton (4) considers her options as she attempts to find a way to the basket.

Photo Credit: Courtney Wright (photo from previous game)

Maddy Peters, Sports Editor

The No. 7 Concordia women’s basketball team hosted the Briar Cliff University Chargers for the Great Plains Athletic Conference semifinals Saturday afternoon, winning 87-74.

In a split season with Briar Cliff and a chance for the GPAC championship on the line, both teams came in their best in a hope to overcome the other.

The game started off with a familiar scene for the season as Briar Cliff took an early lead. As the first quarter went on, the Bulldogs caught up and even surpassed the Chargers promising a much more competitive game.

That lead would stay with Concordia for the rest of the game and even expanded to double digits through the second and third quarters.

Briar Cliff managed a second wind in the fourth quarter, but was staved off and destroyed by junior Taysha Rushton who took a step-back three with 1:10 left in the game to signify the win for Concordia.

Rushton was the top scorer of the day with 20. Fellow junior Kendal Brigham followed close behind with 17. Another pair of juniors, Sadie Powell and Abby Heemstra both scored 12 points to round out the double digit scorers. Rushton was also the leader in rebounds with nine while junior Abby Krieser led the team in assists with seven.

Concordia Nebraska moves on to the GPAC championship against No. 1 Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa on March 5. Tip off is scheduled for 7 p.m.