V-Hawk women come up short against Bellevue, losing 63-72

By Katie Frohmader, Athletics Communications Intern

LA CROSSE, Wis. – The Viterbo Women's Basketball team (4-3) was back in action against Bellevue University (9-5) Friday night at R.W. Beggs Senior Gymnasium. The V-Hawks battled hard but ultimately came up short against the Bruins, 63-72.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair as neither team led by more than six points. After the first quarter, the V-Hawks outscored the Bruins 20-17. The second quarter saw similar action. Down 31-32, Allie Wojtysiak (So. - Cloquet, Minn.) drained a three-pointer to go up by two with 1:47 left in the second quarter. The V-Hawks were able to maintain their lead and finished the first half up 34-32.

The Bruins came out strong in the second half, going on a 14-4 run to lead the V-Hawks 46-38 with 6:48 left in the third quarter. The V-Hawks were able to cut the lead to eight points in the fourth quarter after a Wojtysiak layup made it 61-69 with 1:55 left in the game. The Bruins managed to stay in front the rest of the way and bested the V-Hawks 72-63.

Kacie Gross (Jr. - Helena, Mont.) had a strong all-around game for V-Hawks with 10 points, five rebounds, and an assist. Sophie Leinfelder (So. - La Crosse, Wis.) and Ambree Schlosser (Sr. - Eau Galle, Wis.) added nine points each. The Bruins shot 50.9% from the field and 40% from three compared to the V-Hawks 35.5% from the field and 28% from behind the arc.

The Viterbo Women's Basketball team (4-4) will remain home on Saturday to face #24 Dakota State University (13-3). Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 pm. Follow the action on our website or by following us on social media.