Central College Women’s Basketball Triumphs Over Bethany Lutheran to Start 2026
The Central College women’s basketball team kicked off the new year with a hard-fought victory over Bethany Lutheran College. They snapped a three-game losing streak with a 68-58 win that brought some much-needed energy back to the squad.
This Saturday afternoon matchup started rough, but the Dutch overcame an early deficit. Fans got to watch a genuinely thrilling game, with plenty of grit on display and a sense that maybe the season’s mood just shifted for the better.
Central College’s Impressive Comeback
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The Vikings jumped out to a 10-0 lead, and for a moment, it looked grim. But the Dutch answered with a fierce 16-2 run to close out the first quarter.
That turnaround changed the whole vibe of the game. The team kept their heads, stuck to the plan, and just kept pushing through the pressure.
Standout Performances
Emily Naughton, a junior from Indianola, put on a show and led all scorers with 19 points. She came alive in the second half, dropping 15 of those points when it mattered most.
Senior Bailey Reding from Grundy Center chipped in with 12 points. Freshman Maddie Backer from New Ulm, Minn., added 10, giving Central three players in double figures.
Dominance on the Boards
Rebounding really made a difference in this one. Kaitlyn Mumm, a junior from Waukee, Des Moines Christian HS, led the way with 11 rebounds.
She kept grabbing boards, giving Central extra chances and shutting down the Vikings’ second attempts. McKenzie Snook and CeCe Moore, a junior from Waterloo, West HS, each pulled down seven rebounds, too.
Looking Ahead
Central College will host Loras College on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium. There’s a buzz among fans who are hoping the Dutch can keep this momentum rolling and maybe start a real streak.
Key Takeaways
- Resilience: The Dutch fought back from a 10-0 deficit, showing real mental toughness and drive.
- Scoring Depth: Three players hit double figures, which makes Central a tough team to guard.
- Rebounding: Kaitlyn Mumm’s 11 rebounds helped limit the Vikings’ second chances and gave the Dutch more opportunities.
Conclusion
The Central College women’s basketball team kicked off the new year with a strong win over Bethany Lutheran College.
They showed real resilience and impressive scoring depth. Their rebounding game stood out, too.
Next up, the Dutch will try to keep this momentum going against Loras College. If you want more updates or details on how they’re doing, check out the official Central College athletics page.