ROCKFORD, Ill.- The Rockford University women's basketball team had a tough task Saturday afternoon. The Wisconsin Lutheran Warriors, the NACC unanimous pick to win the conference, visited the Seaver Center. The Regents battled the entire game and, despite outscoring the Warriors 27-25 in the second half, could not overcome an 18 point first half deficient en route to a 72-56 loss.
The Regents found themselves down 7-0 two minutes into the game. A couple of minutes later, baskets by Mallorie Getzelman (Byron, Ill.), Diamond Williams (Carpentersville, Ill.) and Amanda Davis (Mundelein, Ill.) cut the Warriors lead down to five at 11-6. That would be the closest the Regents would get in the half. Rockford and Wisconsin Lutheran battled back-and-forth, but the Warriors were able to slowly increase their lead throughout the half.
Wisconsin Lutheran did most of its damage from behind the three-point line, making 6-of-11 three-point shots and shot 52% overall from the field. Rockford's offense struggled and shot just 32% from the field for the half. Getzelman led the way for the Regents with six points for the half. Three Regents combined for ten points off the bench.
The second half would be a different story for Wisconsin Lutheran and Rockford. The Regents defense tightened up and Callie Rezin (Rockford, Ill.) scored nine points in the half. Rockford held Wisconsin Lutheran to 39% from the field and 17% from behind the line. Katie Clark (Rock City, Ill.) scored five off the bench for Rockford. The Regents would get within 13 points with 5:08 left in the game, but they could not continue the comeback and fell 72-56.
Rezin was the only Regent to score in double-digits with 11 points. She also had four steals and three assists. Williams added in nine points, seven rebounds, a steal, and two blocks. Clark missed a double-double by one point. She finished with nine points, 11 rebounds, three steals, and a block and an assist.
Rockford continues its season on Tuesday December 16 against Augustana at 7:00 pm. Their next home game is on December 20th at 2:00 pm against Concordia Chicago.
