Women’s Basketball Clocks Cougars in CIT Semifinals

MEQUON, Wis. – In an intense conference showdown, the CUW women's basketball team secured a decisive victory over the Concordia Chicago Cougars in the opening round of the Concordia Invitational Tournament.

With the win, the Falcons soared to a 10-8 overall record, maintaining a strong 7-3 standing in the conference and a sold 4-3 record at home while extending their winning streak to an impressive three games.

The initial quarter saw a closely contested battle, with neither team establishing a sizeable lead. The Falcons built a narrow four-point lead on two occasions, only for Concordia Chicago to respond, resulting in a 14-13 score after the first ten minutes.

Senior Deidre Lassiter (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) closed the quarter with a bucket. Then, on the defensive end, sophomore Gracie McNabb (Grafton, Wis.) had a block with seconds winding down.

Out of the break, the Cougars came out firing and took the 23-19 lead.

But CUW would respond with a 5-0 run to retake the lead as junior Lindsey Lonigro (Deerfield, Wis.) drilled a triple on a kick-out pass from senior Erin Viergutz (Clintonville, Wis.); then, in the next possession, freshman Jayden Ross (Baraboo, Wis.) scored the layup on an assist from junior Aubrey DeBauch (Gillett, Wis.).

The last two minutes of the first half belonged to the Blue and White as they outpaced the Cougars and enjoyed an eight-point, 34-26 lead going into halftime.

Erin Viergutz scored the first six points for the Falcons to open the third quarter. Later in the quarter, Aubrey DeBauch went on a personal 4-0 run of her own to give CUW the 46-28 lead, as the Falcons outscored the Cougars 14-6 in the third quarter.

Heading into the fourth quarter, the Falcons maintained a comfortable 16-point lead.

Despite the Cougars' comeback efforts, Concordia Wisconsin held firm, preserving their double-digit advantage and ultimately clinching a 61-44 victory.

As a team, the Falcons held the Cougars to a mere 29 percent from the floor and enjoyed a 44-31 rebounding advantage and a commanding 20-9 assist margin.

Individually, Aubrey DeBauch led the flock as she recorded a double-double with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and two steals. Also in double figures was Erin Viergutz with 10 points and Jayden Ross with 13.

With the win, the Falcons advance to the championship game of the Concordia Invitational Tournament, where they will take on the Bulldogs of Concordia Nebraska, a team ranked eighth in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), with tip-off slated for 5:30 p.m. from the R. John Buuck Field House.