Jan. 16, 2013 - The Concordia University Chicago women's basketball team led wire to wire in notching their fourth straight win in Northern Athletics Conference play this evening. The second career-high effort by
Jessica Genke (Kiel, WI/H.S.) in the last four days led the Cougars to a 71-56 win over Rockford College at Seaver Gymnasium.
Both teams began the game focusing their attack on the inside. Genke scored Concordia's first eight points before
April Broska (New Boston, MI/Lutheran South) drove the lane for a pair of baskets. Meanwhile, Rockford attacked the basket and got hoops from Jessica Bjerning and Erin Ryczek. However, the Cougars did a better job defending the post and claimed the early 12-6 lead.
The Cougars led throughout the entire first half, although both teams' offense hit a lull at about the 10-minute mark. A three by Broska finally broke the dry spell giving Concordia a 21-13 lead. Rockford crept closer over the next couple of minutes, eventually coming within a point. But baskets by Broska and Genke, followed by a three
from Krystyna Rickett (Sandusky, MI/H.S.), gave the Cougars a 30-22 lead at halftime.
Another quick offensive start let the Cougars open up the lead early in the second half. Broska drilled a three to get things rolling
. Angelik Young (Crete, IL/Crete-Monee) connected on a baseline jumper, and then Genke went back to work. Genke made good on five consecutive drives to the basket, and the Cougars soon had the lead at 45-27.
Concordia stretched the lead to 23 points at the 11:06 mark. That would be enough to withstand a late Rockford rally that cut the Cougars' lead down to 12 at the two-minute mark. Genke restored the lead to 14 with two free throws at the 1:08 mark. Her final two of the night put her at 33 points, beating her career-high of 31 which was set in the last game against Lakeland College.
Genke shot 12-20 from the field and 9-13 from the line, completing her superlative effort with 12 rebounds, three assists and five blocks. Broska enjoyed a fine outing with 16 points (7-13 FG, 2-4 3FG), six rebounds and five steals. The Cougars also had a strong collective defensive effort, forcing 22 turnovers and blocking a season-high 11 shots.
Kassy Koehler (Belvidere, IL/Rockford Lutheran) rejected four Regents' shots to support Genke's five.
Erin Ryczek scored 18 points to lead Rockford (4-13, 2-7 NAC). Nicole Lawler pulled down 12 rebounds as the Regents captured 46 to the Cougars' 41.
Concordia (6-11, 6-5 NAC) will have six days to enjoy the winning streak before returning to action Jan. 22 at Aurora University.
