RIVER FOREST, ILL.- The Concordia University (CUC) Cougar's women's basketball team traveled to Madison, Wisconsin to play in the first week of Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) play vs. the Edgewood University Eagles. After hard efforts, the Cougars fell behind the Eagles with a final score of 80-57.
INSIDE THE BOX
- Ai Yonemura (Yachiyo, Chiba-Japan) finished with 14 points, five rebounds and seven successful free throws.
- Naveya Jackson (Sun Prairie, Wis.) led the Cougars with a career-high 23 points, three rebounds, and ten free throws.
- Grace King (Fairland, Ind.) finished with 13 points, putting strong efforts for the Cougars.
HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED
FIRST QUARTER
After falling behind by a double-digit 11 points early in the first quarter, Jackson fueled the Cougars offense with consecutive jumpers, creating momentum for the team. Yonemura then contributed by sinking a three-pointer, and King followed up with two successful free throws, adding to the Cougars effort. Despite these individual moments, the Cougars struggled to contain the Eagles, with King managing to close out the quarter with a final jumper and free throw. At the end of the first, the Cougars trailed the Eagles, 30-10.
SECOND QUARTER
King jump started the second quarter for the Cougars with a quick jumper, setting an early tone of determination. Shortly after, Yonemura connected with Hannah Lopez (Chicago, Ill.) for a smooth layup, showcasing the team's efforts. Jackson continued to contribute, adding another jumper to the scoreboard, while Yonemura followed with consecutive free throws, maintaining the offensive momentum. A key steal by Linley Southern (Decatur, Ill.) led to a well executed layup by Yonemura. Building on this momentum, Jackson landed a three-pointer against the Eagles. To conclude the half, she hit one more free throw, leaving the Cougars behind 46-29.
THIRD QUARTER
One minute into the third quarter, Jackson kept the momentum going by sinking a free throw. King added to the scoreboard with a free throw of her own. Following a timeout taken to regroup, King came back strong, finishing with a layup. Yonemura then managed to sneak in another free throw, inching the Cougars forward. Abbi Dykstra (Yale, Mich.) contributed with a three-pointer, which was quickly followed by a jumper from Jackson, continuing the offensive push. The quarter wrapped with Jackson making another free throw, concluding the period with the score at 65-40.
FOURTH QUARTER
Yonemura started the final quarter strong, sinking two consecutive free throws that edged the Cougars ahead by two points. She continued her scoring steal with a layup, followed by another quick layup. King then landed a three-pointer, adding to the team, while Jackson contributed a free throw. Jackson continued her scoring with back to back jumpers, showcasing her shooting, and Southern added a free throw to keep the Cougars in game. Jackson then stepped up, scoring three consecutive free throws, maximizing every opportunity at the line. The game ended with Abby Kulig (Carol Stream, Ill.) making a final free throw, but the Cougars ultimately fell short, with the final score standing at 80-57.
WHAT'S NEXT
The team will stay at home on Dec. 6th against Rockford University. The game will take place at 2:00 pm in the Geiseman Gymnasium. Coverage for all things CUC women's basketball can be found at cucougars.com/coverage.
