Box Score
Sioux City, Iowa – It was a disappointing night for the Cardinal Stritch University women’s basketball team, as fatigue played a large role in a 62-53 loss against Briar Cliff University. The Wolves struggled with rebounding and ball control, as well as converting on 24 Charger turnovers. Extended periods without any scoring by the Wolves took away any chance Stritch had for a comeback late in the game.
The Wolves fell behind early, as Briar Cliff led 13-5 lead with 13 minutes left in the first half. Stritch had trouble scoring, missing open shots and struggling to gain control on offense. Keeping the Wolves in the game was strong defense, as Beth Gilgenbach (Fond du Lac, Wis.) and Angela Gray (Milwaukee, Wis.) created multiple turnovers in the first half of the period.
Sparked by a three-pointer by Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.) the Wolves pulled within four, but Briar Cliff again pulled away as Brittney Daum (Gilberts, Ill.) acted as the only offensive threat for Stritch. The Chargers dominated under the boards, outrebounding Stritch 29-10, as Renet Skorusa (Lemont, Ill.), the Wolves’ top rebounder, left the game early after being called for two quick fouls. With just under two minutes left Stelloh hit two consecutive three-pointers to put within two points, 28-26. After an offensive foul by Briar Cliff, Stritch took control of the ball with 18 seconds left in the half. The Wolves took their time moving the ball up the court, but were able to tie the Chargers, 28-28 on a layup by Liz Neitzel (Lomira, Wis.).
The Chargers scored the first points of the second half, grabbing a quick four point lead as the Wolves once again struggled with ball control. Neither team could find much offense until the Chargers went on an 15-0 run to take an 18 point lead, 51-33. Stritch continued to struggle under the boards, as Skorusa got her fourth foul less than halfway through the period. The Wolves pulled within 11, fueled by an offensive board and put back by Skorusa and a three by Neitzel. Briar Cliff fought back, but Skorusa’s presence made a big difference under the basket and she brought the Wolves within seven on a three point play.
It was too little too late, however, as the Wolves couldn’t convert in the final minutes of the game and fell, 62-53. The biggest difference in the game was the rebounding, as Briar Cliff pulled down 61, compared to 37 by Stritch.
Liz Grider (Chaska, Minn.) led the Chargers with 19 points. Megan Salcedo (Omaha, Neb.) earned a double-double, netting 15 points while pulling down 12 rebounds, seven of which were offensive. Likeisha Dotson (Sioux City, Iowa) was also big under the boards, earning six offensive and nine total rebounds.
For the Wolves it was Stelloh that led the offense with 17 points. The CCAC Player of the Year also contributed eight rebounds. Neitzel and Daum netted 11 and 10 points, respectively in the match-up. Skorusa played less than 18 minutes due to foul trouble, but managed to lead Stritch with 10 rebounds.
The loss ends the season for the Wolves as well as putting an end to an 18 game win streak. Four senior starters close their careers after advancing to the Elite Eight for only the second time in Cardinal Stritch University’s history. Rich Panella’s No. 16 Wolves finish the 2009-10 season with an overall record of 30-3. They earned the title of CCAC regular season and tournament Champions.