WAVERLY, Iowa – The Concordia Wisconsin women's basketball team opened play at the Wartburg Holiday Tournament on Monday against the Storm of Simpson College. A late rally by Simpson proved to be the difference as the Storm secured a 71-68 victory, sending the Falcons to 2-8 on the season.
Simpson struck first, jumping out to an early 8-2 lead in the opening three minutes of play.
The Falcons answered quickly, tying the game three minutes later when junior Andrea Butterbrodt (Green Bay, Wis.) completed a three-point play to knot the score at 10-10.
A three-pointer from sophomore Kristin Wentling (Arlington Heights, Ill.) gave Concordia its first lead of the night at 17-16, but Simpson connected on the final shot of the quarter to take an 18-17 edge after one.
Concordia regained momentum to open the second quarter as junior Gracie McNabb (Grafton, Wis.) knocked down a three-pointer and freshman Amya Pluess (Burlington, Wis.) finished a fast-break layup to push the Falcons' lead to four.
The second quarter featured back-and-forth action, with Simpson reclaiming a three-point advantage on a layup with 4:24 remaining in the half. Concordia's defense responded, closing the half on a 10-3 run. Freshman Isabela Gunderson (Waukesha, Wis.) scored six points during the surge, while Butterbrodt added four free throws to give the Falcons a 37-33 lead at the break.
The Blue and White controlled play for much of the third quarter, extending their lead to 54-40 on a free throw from Butterbrodt with 3:46 left in the period. Simpson closed the quarter strong, however, using a 9-2 run to cut the deficit to 56-49 entering the fourth.
Concordia rebuilt its advantage early in the final frame, going up 59-49 on a layup from junior Jayden Ross (Baraboo, Wis.). Simpson responded with a decisive 14-2 run over the next four minutes to regain the lead at the free-throw line.
A timely three-pointer from Isabela Gunderson briefly put the Falcons back in front at 64-63, but it marked Concordia's final lead of the night. Simpson answered with a three-pointer and converted five free throws down the stretch.
The Falcons trimmed the deficit to one possession on a Wentling layup, but a late three-point attempt to force overtime fell short.
Butterbrodt led Concordia with 20 points and six rebounds. Gunderson tied a career high in points and added two blocks. Concordia held a 29-27 advantage on the glass.
The Falcons close the book on 2025 on Tuesday with a matchup against host Wartburg.
