MEQUON, Wis. – The Concordia Wisconsin women's basketball team earned a crucial conference victory on Wednesday night, staying in the hunt for the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) Tournament. The Falcons soared past Illinois Tech, 59–28, improving to 7-15 overall and 8-8 in NACC play.
Concordia never trailed in the contest. Freshman Isabela Gunderson (Waukesha, Wis.) opened the scoring with a layup, and after Illinois Tech briefly tied the game, junior Andrea Butterbrodt (Green Bay, Wis.) gave the Falcons the lead for good with a layup of her own.
A three-pointer from sophomore Kristin Wentling (Arlington Heights, Ill.) pushed the advantage to 17-6 late in the first quarter before the Scarlet Hawks closed the period with back-to-back layups to make it 17-8 after 10 minutes.
The Falcons took control in the second quarter, unleashing a 15-0 run over the first eight minutes. Butterbrodt scored eight points during the surge, while Gunderson knocked down two three-pointers. Concordia carried a commanding 32-13 lead into halftime.
Illinois Tech scored first in the third quarter, but CUW answered with a 12-0 run across the next six minutes. Sophomore Hannah Moesch (Muskego, Wis.) capped the frame with a three-pointer, giving the Falcons a 47-20 advantage heading into the fourth.
The final quarter featured a defensive battle early, with junior Jayden Ross (Baraboo, Wis.) scoring the first points of the period on a jumper with 5:41 remaining. Concordia's lead swelled to a game-high 33 points in the final minute, as freshman Addison Pertell (Sublette, Ill.) and freshman Payton Cordova (Colorado Springs, Colo.) each converted layups. Cordova's basket marked her first collegiate points.
The Falcons showcased a balanced offensive effort with 11 different scorers. Gunderson led all players with 16 points and added two blocks. Butterbrodt recorded 12 points and a game-high six rebounds as Concordia won the battle on the glass, 30-23.
Concordia returns to action Saturday for a pivotal matchup against Lakeland on Senior Day. The Falcons and Muskies enter the contest tied for the final NACC Tournament spot at 8-8 in conference play. CUW will honor seniors Darya Gunderman, Blayne Gacke, and Kaitlyn Carothers on Saturday.
