Milwaukee, Wis. – After a rough first half that gave the Cardinal Stritch University women’s basketball team only a two point lead at half time, it took a big offensive pick-up to carry the Wolves over Calumet College of St. Joseph. Strong defense and an offense fueled by Liz Neitzel (Lomira, Wis.) gave Stritch what they needed to capture the 71-61 win.
In the first half the Wolves jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead after baskets by Renet Skorusa (Lemont, Ill.) and Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.). The Crimson Wave responded immediately, trading hoops with the Wolves for the first seven minutes. CCSJ grabbed their first lead of the game with 12:45 left in the first period and extended it to four points on a basket by Lisa Upshaw (East Chicago, Ind.).
Jessica Kromray (West Bend, Wis.) entered the game and made an immediate impact, hitting a trey that put the Wolves back on top by one. But Stritch continued to struggle, lacking an offensive spark without Stelloh or Brittney Daum (Gilberts, Ill.), who both found themselves in foul trouble. After the fourth tie of the game, Neitzel hit a three with around a minute left to play that gave the Wolves a two point advantage at the end of the half.
The Wolves found whatever had been missing in the first half during their trip to the locker room and came out on fire in the second period. The Crimson Wave was unable to score for eight minutes, allowing a 19-0 run that gave Stritch a 22 point lead. CCSJ stuck around just close enough for Coach Panella to leave his seniors on the court, three of which had four fouls. With less than two minutes left in the game, up 68-54, the reserve players entered the game.
Calumet St. Joseph wasn’t giving up and used the substitutions to their advantage. They netted five quick points, capitalizing on a foul and a turnover to pull within seven. Unwilling to chance the championship, the starters, minus Stelloh who had fouled out, reentered the game and closed it out, 71-61.
Jackie Feldpausch (Grandledge, Mich.) led the way for the Crimson Wave, recording a double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds. Upshaw contributed 10 points and nine rebounds for CCSJ in the losing effort.
Neitzel netted a game-high 28 points for Stritch, while Skorusa added 12 points and eight rebounds. Stelloh earned eight points and eight rebounds in the win.
Stritch improves to 28-2 with the win. It also earned them the title of CCAC Conference Champions and a guaranteed spot in the NAIA National Tournament.