V-Hawks Outlast Bruins at Home

LA CROSSE, Wis. – The Viterbo University Women's Basketball team defeated Bellevue University (Neb.), 59-50 at home on Saturday afternoon. The V-Hawks improve to 10-11 (4-4 NSAA) on the year, while the Bruins fall to 10-13 (3-5 NSAA).

Emily McCurdy scored the first basket for the V-Hawks, then found Emma Wagner for three to go up 5-3 early. However, the Bruins went on a run to take a 12-5 lead, and though Nicole Johnson ended the run with a free throw and jumper, BU led 14-8 after one.

Pearla Teko-Folly scored the fist basket of the second, and after a Madison Hugdahl jump shot and Macy Stellner triple, Viterbo trailed 15-19. The Bruins extended that lead back to 27-15 until McCurdy hit a pair of free throws. That started a run for VU that saw Stellner free throws, a Teko-Folly jump shot, and Wagner three to bring the score to 26-27 going into the half.

Johnson tied the game early in the third, and Stellner hit two from the stripe for the lead. The teams traded baskets, Viterbo getting contributions from Gina Stefferud and Teko-Folly, and McCurdy's free throws to end the quarter had the V-Hawks ahead 42-37.

McCurdy led the offense after the Bruins tied the game at 44-44 with a three and a jump shot. Nora Tucker and Marley Hughes each had clutch free throws down the stretch as Viterbo held onto a slight lead, and after a McCurdy steal, the V-Hawks had four free throws from a Bruins' foul and technical, leading to a 59-50 win.

McCurdy led all players with 20 points and added three steals and five rebounds. Stellner had 11 points, Wagner had eight rebounds, and Hughes dished six assists. Ashtyn Arnold had 11 for Bellevue, and Brandi Dunn grabbed five steals.

Viterbo shot 32.1% from the floor to 29.2% from the Bruins. Bellevue grabbed more rebounds, 45-41, but the difference came at the free throw line, as Viterbo went 21-26 to 6-13 for BU.

The V-Hawks return to action on Friday, February 9 at Valley City State University (ND).