V-Hawks Suffer Loss to Stars

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Viterbo University Women's Basketball team fell 82-55 at Stephens College on Monday night. The V-Hawks fall to 0-3 on the year, while the Stars improve to 3-0.

Emily McCurdy hit a pair of free throws for the V-Hawks first points of the game, and Gina Stefferud hot a three assisted by Nora Tucker at 5:02 to bring the score to 7-8. Stephens went on a run to extend the lead to 15-7, but Nicole Johnson's jumper got Viterbo back on the board. The Stars earned a trip to the line as time expired, and brought the score to 20-11.

McCurdy hit two more free throws to start the second followed by a triple, but SC was able to keep a comfortable lead through the period. Emma Wagner made a layup following a Megan Miedema steal, but Stephens ended the half on an 8-0 run to take a 38-20 lead into the break.

The Stars hit a three right out of the break to extend the lead, but Macy Stellner hit a pair from the stripe to end the scoring drought. Although McCurdy scored off an offensive board, and Wagner hit back-to-back threes, the V-Hawks were unable to close the deficit, and trailed 68-35 after three.

After five unanswered points from the Stars to start the final quarter, Stellner hit a free throw, and McCurdy scored nine straight points of her own and recorded two steals. It would not be enough, however, and after Wagner, McCurdy, and Emily Bohn hit late free throws, the V-Hawks lost 82-55.

McCurdy led all players with 22 points, while also leading Viterbo with seven rebounds and four steals. Wagner added 11 points, and Miedema and Stellner each contributed four steals as well. Aushara Hostetler scored a team-high 21 points and five steals off the bench for Stephens.

Stephens outshot Viterbo 46% - 30% from the floor, including 38.5% - 13.5% from three. The Stars also recorded nine more rebounds, 40-31.

The V-Hawks return to action on Friday, November 10 as they take on Graceland University (Iowa) in their home opener.