Lancer Ladies Outscored By Olivet
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – The Grace College women’s basketball team lost a barnburner to Olivet Nazarene on Saturday 122-87.
The Lady Lancers (5-2) struggled to take care of the basketball as the Tigers controlled the game with their up-tempo, pressing style of play that was made famous by Grinnell College. Turnovers haunted the Lady Lancers throughout the game as Grace committed a season-worst 47 turnovers.
The Tigers (3-2), who lead the NAIA in scoring at 116 points per game, controlled the pace of the first half with their frenetic play. Olivet Nazarene forced Grace into 27 turnovers in the first half alone, taking a 53-38 lead at the half.
The second half was much of the same story as a 12-0 run allowed the Tigers to cruise away with the comfortable victory.
Kelsie Peterson was a bright spot for the Lancers as she led Grace in scoring with 16 points. The freshman went 6-of-14 from the floor and rounded out her performance with five rebounds.
The Lady Lancers hit the offensive glass hard as 22 of their points came off of second-chance opportunities. Chloe Pridgen dominated the glass by pulling down nine rebounds to go along with 10 points, and Allison Kauffman also netted 10 points of her own.
Heather House and Sarah Feasby scored eight points apiece, and Gabby Bryant added five points and four assists.
While Grace forced Olivet Nazarene into 20 turnovers, Grace’s 47 turnovers proved too much to overcome.
The Lady Lancers shot well from the free throw line as they made 17-of-20 from the charity stripe. Grace got into foul trouble early, however, as the Tigers got into the bonus within the first eight minutes of the contest. Olivet Nazarene made Grace pay as 18 of their points came on free throws.
The Lady Lancers’ next contest is an exhibition at NCAA Div. I IPFW in Fort Wayne on Tuesday 11:30 a.m. Grace will then host the annual KCCCF Hoops for Hope next weekend at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center.