V-Hawks Drop to Bellevue

LA CROSSE, Wis. - The Viterbo University Women's Basketball team took on the Bellevue University Bruins at home on Saturday. The V-Hawks fell to the Bruins 65-80 bringing their overall record to 5-14 (2-5 NSAA) while Bellevue rises to 12-8 (6-1 NSAA).

Bellevue got off to a head start before Gina Steffrud made the first shot of the game for the V-Hawks at the 8:03 mark trailing 2-6. Julia Salmon landed a three-pointer bringing the V-Hawks within three points of the Bruins, 11-13. Bellevue quickly stretched their lead to 13-21 with a three by Delaney VanBlaricon with three minutes left in quarter one. Viterbo answered back, scoring the next eight points and ending quarter one tied at 21-21. Bellevue came out hot in quarter two gaining the lead, 28-21 with a jumper by Taylor Dement forcing a Viterbo timeout. A three-pointer by Ellie Hoesley brought the V-Hawks closer, to the Bruins, 27-31. The teams traded points before a three-pointer by Salmen and a couple free-throws by Tyreesha Blaylock gave Viterbo the lead, 34-33. The V-Hawks quickly lost their lead and Belleuve ended the half with two free-throws by Kaziah Terrell, 37-43.

Faith Ross of Bellevue scored the first points of quarter three at the 7:52 mark. The Bruins stretched their lead 56-38 before Kaitlyn Kennedy contributed a three-pointer for the V-Hawks. The Bruins dominated quarter three allowing Viterbo only three more points before ending the quarter 44-61. Bellevue scored the first seven points of quarter four bringing the score to 44-68. Sophie Leinfelder added a three for the V-Hawks at the 5:42 mark with Bellevue up 51-70. The teams traded points with Kennedy and Emma Wagner each landing two free-throws, 57-78. A jumper by Nicole Johnson ended the game with Bellevue winning 65-80.

The V-Hawks outshot the Bruins from the free-throw line (88.2%-82.4%) but were beat from the field (33.9%-50%).

Salmen led Viterbo with 13 points. Kennedy added 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals. Emma Wagner contributed 11 points for the V-Hawks.

Ashtyn Arnold led the Bruins with 27 points. Ross contributed 9 points, 4 assists, and 9 rebounds.

The V-Hawks will travel to Bellevue University on Friday, January 27th with a game start time of 5:30 PM CST.