Nov. 26, 2011 - This afternoon's Northern Athletics Conference opener between the Concordia Cougars and the host Rockford Regents saw a closely-fought contest between two long-time rivals. The teams battled back and forth with 13 ties and nine lead changes, but the final lead change went to Rockford in a 68-61 victory that dropped the Cougar women to 1-3 on the season.

Freshman Kassy Koehler (Belvidere, IL/Rockford Lutheran) broke into the starting lineup today, nd she scored five of the Cougars' first seven points in helping the visitors to an early lead. Concordia's shooting would fall off to 11-27 for the half, but Bobbie May (Sandusky, MI/H.S.) picked up the scoring load as she scored nine points before the break to keep the Cougars within 35-33.

April Broska (New Boston, MI/Lutheran South) hit a three to start the second half. Two free throws by May and a jumper by Koehler gave Concordia its biggest lead of the day at five, but Rockford answered with the next seven points to halt the Cougars' momentum.

Trailing 45-42, the Cougars made another push as May was fouled while attempting a three. She knocked down all three free throws, and Krystyna Rickett (Sandusky, MI/H.S.) followed with two from the charity stripe to give Concordia its final lead of the day at 47-45.

An 8-0 run gave Rockford all the momentum they needed to seize control of this contest. The Cougars stayed close and came within three at the 1:54 mark on Broska's three. However, the Regents hit on six of their eight free throws in the final 1:01 to hold off the Cougars.

May led the Cougars with 19 points and six assists while Koehler chipped in with 14 points. Claire Mackey (Shelton, NE/Heartland Lutheran) pulled down 10 rebounds as the Cougars edged the Regents on the glass 47-46.

Britney Curry paced Rockford (2-2, 1-0 NAC) with 21 points. Nicole Olson added 14, followed by Nicole Lawler with 11 and Jessica Bjerning with 10.

Concordia (1-3, 0-1 NAC) returns home to host Dominican University on Wednesday night.