Late Triton surge sinks SWCC women

Until late in the third quarter, the Southwestern and Iowa Central women had not been separated by more than six points in a tightly-contested battle Saturday afternoon on the Spartans’ court.

The Tritons held slim leads of 12-10 and 21-20 after the first two quarters, and Southwestern was still within two possessions (39-35) entering the fourth quarter.

That’s when the lack of depth on this Southwestern team riddled with injuries took its toll. Darien Wingate’s band of six players available couldn’t match Iowa Central’s firepower down the stretch. The Tritons outscored Southwestern 32-18 in the final 10 minutes in winning 71-53.

Southwestern had to discontinue its season last year due to lack of numbers. Wingate was hired close to the start of that season after the departure of Bryan Austin, and rebuilt the roster for this season only to lose multiple players to injuries during the past three months.

“We had some injuries this year so we didn’t have the depth to give people that break when we need that fourth-quarter surge,” Wingate said. “Now that we’ve had our first year really in the league, we’re able to see where we need to fill some holes. We’re out there recruiting and doing what we need to do. But, we do have a good number of returners.”

The team’s only two sophomores — Cassidy Nelson of Lenox and Mikayla “Gracie” Hearon of Oak Ridge, Tennessee — were honored prior to the game and both had good overall performances in their final home game. Hearon opened the game with Southwestern’s first four points and finished with a team-high 17 points, five rebounds and three blocked shots.

Nelson wasn’t as hot from long range as some games this season, but still provided 12 points (3-3 at the free throw line), seen rebounds and two blocks. Last year, Nelson was awarded another year of eligibility due to the disbanded season, and Hearon was recovering from a knee injury.

“Cassidy has been a mainstay here,” Wingate said. “She was here before I got here. To see her growth from her freshman year, and just from last year to now is like night and day. She holds the record for most points scored in a single game (36). Gracie had the injury last year, so I’m just happy that she’s been able to get back on the court. She was able to finish out strong here with a great game tonight.”

Overall, Wingate said Iowa Central had too many successful drives to the basket, which often resulted in kickout passes to open shooters on the perimeter. Iowa Central finished 11 of 20 from 3-point range, while Southwestern was only 4 of 23 (17%).

“They hit some big shots and we had a cold stretch trying to score,” Wingate said. “We have droughts, and that’s when we really have to step up on the other end and get stops.”

Iowa Central improved to 19-8 overall and 11-8 in fifth place in the ICCAC. Southwestern slipped to 8-21 overall and 6-13 in seventh place in the league. (Eight teams qualify for the regional tournament.) The Spartans conclude their conference season Wednesday at Northeast (Nebraska).

SOUTHWESTERN (52) — Totals — (FG FT PTS) 19 10-15 52. Mikayla Hearon 7 2-2 17, Cassidy Nelson 4 3-3 12, Brooklyn Hadl 3 3-4 10, Shyla Moore 2 2-5 6, Gabby Dwanyen 2 0-1 4, Sharmaine Tapling 1 0-0 3. FG shooting — 19-60 (31.7 percent). 3-point goals — 4-23 (Tapling 1, Hearon 1, Hadl 1, Nelson 1). Rebounds — 24 (Nelson 7, Dwanyen 7, Hearon 5, Hadl 5, Moore 4, Tapling 4). Assists — 9 (Hadl 4, Moore 2). Steals — 4 (Hearon 1, Hadl 1, Dwanyen 1, Nelson 1). Blocked shots — 6 (Hearon 3, Nelson 2). Turnovers — 9. Team fouls — 12. Fouled out — None.

IOWA CENTRAL (71) — Totals — (FG FT PTS) 26 7-12 71. Laney Pilcher 7 3-4 18, Kaitlyn Tendal 6 1-2 16, Emily Theiss 5 2-2 15, Jordan Mayland 3 0-0 9, Amaya Terrell 2 0-0 5, Lainey Maehl 2 1-3 5, Alicia Hatlestad 1 0-0 2. FG shooting — 26-71 (36.6 percent). 3-point goals — 11-20 (Mayland 3, Tendal 3, Theiss 3, Pilcher 1, Terrell 1). Rebounds — 42 (Tendal 9, Pilcher 9, Theiss 9). Assists — 11 (Hatlestad 4, Pilcher 4). Steals — 2 (Tendal 1, Lux 1). Blocked shots — 1 (Theiss 1). Turnovers — 6. Team fouls — 11. Fouled out — None.