Bruins Outlast V-Hawks

BELLEVUE, Neb. – The Viterbo University Women's Basketball team fell on the road to Bellevue University (Neb.), 64-55, on Saturday afternoon. The V-Hawks fall to 6-9 (1-3 NSAA) on the year, while the Bruins improve to 10-10 (3-2 NSAA).

Both teams would start the first quarter slow, as after a pair of Nicole Johnson free throws and a Macy Stellner layup, the game was tied at 4-4 with under 5 minutes left in the period. Gina Stefferud would then convert a layup, but the V-Hawks trailed 11-6 after one.

Viterbo started the second with free throws from McCurdy and an and-one by Stellner, however, the Bruins matched each basket. Madison Hugdahl hit a jumper assisted by Stellner, but BU's lead continued to grow. The V-Hawks ended the half with layups by Stefferud and McCurdy, but trailed 34-21 going into the break.

Viterbo came out with energy in the third, as Stellner scored the first five points of the period, followed by a Johnson layup. After Marley Hughes hit a pair of free throws, Pearla Teko-Folly closed it to one possession with a steal and layup, 34-36. Johnson hit two more from the line to end the third, Viterbo facing a 44-40 deficit.

Wagner hit a three on the first possession of the fourth quarter, then tied the game at 46-46 with another at 7:14. A McCurdy layup gave Viterbo their first lead since the first period, but Bellevue quickly took it back. A Nora Tucker three and two Teko-Folly free throws kept it within one possession, but then the V-Hawks were forced to foul, and could not muster a comeback, losing 64-55.

Stellner led the V-Hawks with 11 points, while Johnson had eight with six rebounds, and Wagner added eight and three assists. Kaylee Denker led Bellevue with 15 points and eight boards.

Bellevue shot 39.2% form the field, compared to 31% for Viterbo including 30% - 14.3% from three. They also grabbed more rebounds, 39-36, but committed more turnovers, 15-10.

Viterbo returns to action on Friday, January 26 as they host Valley City State (ND) at 5:30 PM.