Lady Wolfpack Edge Creighton in Thrilling Tournament Opener
Launch the media gallery 1 playerLady Wolfpack Edge Creighton in Thrilling Tournament Opener
The TCNE Lady Wolfpack delivered one of their most exciting performances of the season Saturday, squeezing out a dramatic 46–45 victory over the Creighton Lady Bulldogs in the opening round of the Lewis & Clark Conference Tournament.
The game was tight from the opening tip, with neither team able to create much separation. Creighton led 25–19 at halftime, but TCNE responded with a strong third quarter to pull even and set up a tense finish. The Wolfpack outscored the Bulldogs 17–14 in the final period, sealing the one-point win in the closing moments.
Junior Joslyn Mackling paced TCNE with 14 points, knocking down six field goals while adding two assists and two steals. Briley Anderson controlled the paint, finishing with 17 points and seven field goals, while also pulling down four rebounds and swatting five shots on the defensive end.
The Wolfpack made their living at the free-throw line, converting 12-of-31 attempts, and finished the night shooting 44 percent from the field. TCNE also held a rebounding edge, collecting 21 boards and forcing Creighton into key turnovers late.
Supporting efforts came from Emily Mitchell, who contributed seven points, four rebounds and three assists, and Aubrey Mitchell, who added four points and four rebounds. Senior Samantha Rastede provided a spark off the bench with two points, six rebounds, and two assists, while Maddie Franzluebbers chipped in with strong defensive play and a steal.
Creighton was led by a balanced scoring effort and stayed within striking distance throughout, but TCNE’s defensive pressure and timely scoring proved just enough in the final minutes.
The thrilling win advances the Lady Wolfpack in the Lewis & Clark Conference Tournament to the second round on Monday evening where they will face the number one seed, Bloomfield at Bloomfield high school starting at 7:30 pm.