Central women's basketball team wins its third straight game

The Dutch clinch a spot in the A-R-C tournament for the first time since 2019-20

by Peter Leithauser

Pella, IA (02/20/2025) — Controlling the game from start to finish, the Central College women's basketball team defeated Nebraska Wesleyan University 79-40 Wednesday.

Central got off to a fast start, leading 18-5 at the end of the first quarter and 33-13 at halftime.

"We wanted to start fast and take off from the start and we did that well," said coach Justin Weiland. "We wanted to defend P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium one last time this season and play the basketball we know we can play. I am really proud of how our women played as a team to get this win."

Abby Johnson (senior, Ankeny) followed up her career-high 30 points last game with 29 points shooting 9-of-13 from three-point range.

"Johnson was great, but the team did a great job of getting her the ball and taking up space to allow the open shots," said Weiland.

For the game, Central shot 50.9% from the field and 45.5% from three while holding the Prairie Wolves to 29.6% from the field and 16.7% from three. The Dutch also caused 21 turnovers including 12 steals and scored 30 points from the turnovers.

Cece Moore (sophomore, Waterloo, West HS) scored six points while also adding three steals, and six rebounds, including three offensive rebounds. Gabby Moore (senior, Waterloo, West HS) also scored six points while dishing out four assists.

Central scored 34 points off the bench with Kaitlyn Mumm (sophomore, Waukee, Des Moines Christian HS) leading the way with eight points. She added six rebounds, two blocked shots and two steals. Samantha Scott (senior, Davenport, North Scott HS) scored six points and dished out two assists. Allie Rateike (sophomore, Marshall, Wis.) and Jadyn Filling (junior, Ankeny) both contributed five points.

"It was an all-around effort and everyone played well tonight," Weiland said. "It was great to see Mumm and Scott make shots off the bench to support our starters."

With the win today Central clinched a spot in the American Rivers Conference Tournament. It is the first time the team qualified since the 2019-20 season and only the second time since the 2002-03 season. The team will finish the regular season Saturday traveling to Luther College for a 2 p.m. tip-off.

"It was part of our team goals last season and at the forefront of our minds this season," Weiland said. "It shows how dedicated our team is and the hard work they have put in the past few years. It is a massive step for our program. It is great to be able to share it with our seniors who wanted to leave the program better than they found it and they have accomplished that task. We are not done yet this season and we will look for our fourth consecutive win Saturday."

Samantha

Scott