Broncos Outlast Tigers in GPAC Bout

HASTINGS, Neb. – The No. 1 Dakota Wesleyan University women's basketball team fell short Saturday in a Great Plains Athletic Conference showdown 65-62 against No. 14 Hastings College in Hastings, Neb.

 The Broncos (12-2, 6-1 GPAC) started strong defensively as they held the Tigers (11-2, 5-2 GPAC) to six points in the first quarter as they took the early lead, 14-6. DWU would get things rolling in the second quarter as they went on a 7-0 run to end the first half and cut the Hastings deficit to 25-20. Freshman Sarah Carr (Huron, S.D.) led the way for the Tigers in the first half with seven points.

 The Tigers came out of the locker room and took their first lead of the game since the first quarter off a pair of Rylie Osthus (De Smet, S.D.) free throws. After DWU saw their lead fade late in the third quarter, Carr scored eight straight points to cut the deficit to 41-38. Baskets were traded throughout the remainder of the half, until the Tigers would go on a 15-4 run to retake the lead with 2:13 remaining. The Broncos ultimately took a four-point lead with 26 seconds left, but Amber Bray (Anoka, Minn.) slashed through the lane for a lay-up and was fouled. She would make the ensuing free throw to make it a one-point game with 17 seconds left. However, two late free throws by Hastings sealed the victory for the Broncos, 65-62.

 Carr finished with 18 points and six rebounds. Amber Bray tallied 12 points and seven rebounds, while twin sister, Ashley Bray (Anoka, Minn.) scored nine points and brought down five rebounds. Senior Erica Herrold (Dimock, S.D.) pitched in eight points and four rebounds.

 The Tigers return home, taking on College of St. Mary in a GPAC contest at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, S.D.