SWCC women fall in league opener

A shorthanded Southwestern women’s team encountered late foul trouble Saturday, allowing No. 23-ranked DMACC to race away to a 77-46 victory to open ICCAC play.

The Bears outscored the Spartans 27-9 in the final 10 minutes to break open a game that was played with a margin closer to 10 to 13 points most of the way.

In fact, Southwestern took an early 10-5 lead midway through the first quarter, but fouls were already starting to pile up and coach Kori Zarzutzki was already without Joslyn Policky with an injury, Starting center Dalanie Auffert was also dealing with an ankle injury late in the game.

It helped to have 5-11 freshman Bhella Lavulavu available for the first time, coming off an ankle injury and she was a factor in helping the Spartans especially in the second half. Depth was a big factor, as DMACC had 11 different players score in the game while Southwestern used a seven-player rotation until the appearance of an eight player in the final seconds.

DMACC led 35-22 at halftime and the margin was still 13 at 50-37 entering the fourth quarter. DMACC improved to 7-1 overall and 1-0 in the conference, while Southwestern slipped to 1-7 and 0-1.

“I’m excited to see what we look like at full strength,” Zarzutzki said. “Joslyn wasn’t with us today and Dalanie was dealing with an ankle near the end. Gabby (Dwanyen) and Brooklyn (Hadl) both had four fouls, so they were probably playing a little cautious. Once Bhella is full go and we get Joslyn back, we can play more people and not be in the situation we were in today.”

Hadl continues to lead the Spartan offense with 17 points Saturday. Dwanyen and sophomore guard McKenna Wiechman of Griswold each tallied nine points as Wiechman hit three 3-pointers.

DMACC made four 3-pointers in its 27-point fourth quarter as the margin swelled from 13 points to the final 31-point spread.

“When the other team’s on fire, it’s tempting to fire right back,” Zarzutzki said. “The game was not what the final score looked like. We were down by about 13 for probably 80 percent of the game. In the first half we turned the ball over and rebounding was an issue in both halves.”

The Spartans play at home again Saturday at 1 p.m. vs. Marshalltown Community College.

“It’s Walmart Appreciation Night and they will be giving away TVs and other promotions, so it should be a good home game for us,” Zarzutzki said.

SOUTHWESTERN (46) — Totals — (FG FT PTS) 20 11-18 46. Brooklyn Hadl 6 7-9 17, Gabby Dwanyen 3 3-3 9, McKenna Wiechman 6 0-0 9, Sharmaine Tapling 2 0-0 4, Olivia Heartwell 2 0-2 4, Bhella Lavulavu 1 0-0 2, Dalanie Auffert 0 1-4 1. 3-point goals — 5 (Wiechman 3, Hadl 2). Team fouls — 17. Fouled out — None.

DMACC (77) — Totals — (FG FT PTS) 37 14-20 77. Joy Beran 4 6-7 14, Mary Walker 5 6-6 14, Whitney Jensen 8 1-2 14, Reese Stevens 4 1-3 7, Chloe Costello 4 0-0 6, Breeley Clayburg 3 0-0 6, Auasia Dunn 3 0-0 5, Missy Evezic 2 0-0 4, Hanna Wagenbach 2 0-0 3, Aniston Clayton 1 0-0 2, Reagan Wheeler 1 0-2 2. 3-point goals — 11 (Jensen 3, Walker 2, Costello 2, Stevens 2, Wagenbach 1, Dunn 1). Team fouls — 20. Fouled out — None.