Women's Basketball Overcomes Slow Start to Top Morningside

CRETE, Neb. — Doane University women's basketball weathered a cold shooting start and used a major edge at the free-throw line to earn a 79-76 GPAC win over Morningside on Saturday at the Haddix Center.

The Tigers (9-10, 7-8 GPAC) went just 21-for-61 from the floor (34.4%), but made the difference at the stripe, converting 29-of-32 free throws (90.6%). Doane also knocked down eight 3-pointers and finished with 12 steals to help swing a game that featured 12 ties and eight lead changes.

After being held to one made field goal in the opening quarter and trailing 22-12, Doane settled in during the second period, outscoring the Mustangs 24-16 to pull within 38-36 at the break. The Tigers carried the momentum into the third, taking a 52-50 lead into the final 10 minutes.

The fourth quarter turned into a possession-by-possession battle. Morningside briefly moved in front 76-75 on a free throw with 28 seconds left, but Mattea Kassebaum answered by going 2-for-2 at the line with 20 seconds remaining to put Doane back on top. After a late defensive stop and a steal, Rylie Rice iced the result with two free throws in the final seconds.

Kassebaum led Doane with 19 points and three steals, while Keeleigh Knobbe added 17 points on three 3-pointers to go with three assists, two steals and two blocks. Megan Chambers posted 13 points, eight rebounds and a perfect 9-for-9 day at the free-throw line, and Rice finished with 11 points, eight boards and six made free throws. Addie Hatcliff provided a spark off the bench, scoring nine points while going 3-for-3 from beyond the arc.

Morningside (11-10, 6-9 GPAC) was led by Lily Vollertsen's 21 points, while Kinsey Hall scored 12 and Jaeden Webb finished with 10.

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