January 22, 2004

Chadron No Match for Women's Cagers

Lopers Dominate Glass Once Again

            Kearney, NE – The Nebraska-Kearney women's basketball team out rebounded Chadron State 51-25 en route to an 88-59 win Thursday night at the Health & Sports Center.

            UNK improves to 14-3 on the year (8-1 RMAC) while CSC drops to 3-13 (3-6 RMAC).

            A late first half run propelled UNK to a 45-33 half time lead. A three by Kim Petty brought the Eagles within 11 points, 56-45, with 14:17 to play. But, the Lopers scored the game's next 15 points to put Chadron away for good.

            Four Lopers were in double figures, led by senior forward Allison Kruger with 27 points. The Iowa native also grabbed nine rebounds and is averaging 21.5 points and 9.0 rebounds over the last four games.

             West Point senior Heather Steffen had another double double (13 points, 10 rebounds) while North Platte sophomore reserve Anne Manning had 14 points and 12 rebounds.

            The above trio has helped UNK out rebounded its opponents by a 45-23 average over the last four games, including a 61-29 edge on the offensive glass.

            UNK also was strong on the perimeter as Kearney sophomore Nicole Gruntorad tied her career-high in threes with five to finish with 21 points, just two shy of her career-high.

            Taylor Cady had 14 points to pace the Eagles.

            UNK head to Colorado next weekend for two RMAC games.