Grace Gains Redemption On Concordia
CEDARVILLE, Ohio – Grace’s women’s basketball team was victorious 77-58 over Concordia in the NCCAA Midwest Region on Wednesday.
The Lady Lancers avenged a regular-season loss to the Cardinals thanks to a stout defensive performance.
The Cardinals shot just 32 percent from the floor, turning the ball over 23 times because of Grace’s pressure.
The win also moves Grace to 19-13 on the season, one win away from tying the program record for victories in a season (20).
The game was played in an empty arena at Cedarville University, the site of the region tournament. Fans were not allowed to attend due to the recent recommendation made by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Grace will not need to play another region game as Cedarville won the opening game in the tourney. Cedarville will enter the tournament as the Midwest Region representative, while Grace will enter as the host school.
The game started dramatically in Grace’s favor. The Lady Lancers exploded to an 18-4 lead after eight minutes of action. Kyannah Stull buried two 3-pointers, and Maddie Ryman and Vironnica Drake also made triples during Grace’s burst.
Concordia found itself in a 22-9 hole after the first quarter, and the Cardinals struggled to respond.
Grace led by as many as 15 in the second quarter, maintaining a healthy 38-26 lead at halftime.
Stull led all players with 12 points at the break, and Ryman (11 points) and Drake (10) were close behind.
In the third quarter, the Lady Lancers continued to flex their defensive strength. Grace held Concordia to just three points for the final 5:43 of the period, and the Lady Lancers pulled ahead by 20.
The final quarter was a continuation of the first three periods. Concordia did not have enough energy to produce a meaningful rally, and the Lady Lancers coasted to a 19-point win.
Drake finished with a game-high 23 points to go along with five rebounds and four steals.
Kaylie Warble amassed a solid showing, tallying 9 points, 16 rebounds (career high) and 4 assists.
Stull hit five 3-pointers for her 17 points, and Ryman added 15 points, 3 assists and 3 boards.
Brooke Treadway had seven points and six boards, Kamryn Hostetler scored six, and Lexi Minix added two steals and two assists.
The women’s NCCAA bracket will be announced this weekend. Follow along with tournament updates at www.gclancers.com/NCCAA.