DES MOINES, IOWA – In their home opener Saturday afternoon, Grand View Women's Basketball faced off against the Eagles of Central Methodist University. The Vikings mounted an aggressive offensive push in the second and third quarters to allow them to coast to the decisive 91-67 victory.

Both teams got off to a slow start, with the score tied at the end of the first quarter. Anna Gossling was an early spark on offense, scoring seven of Grand View's 13 points in the quarter.

The Vikings found their rhythm in the second quarter, thanks to Ella Larsen's early self-made layup and a three-pointer on the pass from Ellie Rengstorf. While the Eagles fired back with back-to-back triples, Larsen stayed locked in, draining three more threes in the third quarter to go 4-of-5 from deep. Abigail Jones added one of her own from beyond the arc, and the Viking pushed ahead to a 40-29 lead at halftime. By the break, Larsen led with 18 points (16 in the second quarter) while Gossling chipped in a solid 13.

The break didn't slow the Vikings momentum, and they came out of halftime determined to dominate. Cleao Murray kicked things off with a fast-break layup on the feed from Larsen and kept the energy going with a three-pointer and a scoop-and-score layup off a Gossling steal. The fast-paced display ended with yet another steal and score, this time from Reagan Mudderman assisted by Maya Reed. Murray was unstoppable in the quarter, making up 17 of the Vikings 29 points in the frame.

Heading into the fourth quarter with a commanding 23-point lead, Grand View was able to maintain control. Abigail Jones knocked down a three, silencing any hope of a comeback from the Eagles, while late three-point baskets from Larsen and Murray sealed the deal. Eva Peterson closed the game on a high note, scoring five points in the final 90 seconds of play, to round out the final score to 91-67. 
 
GAME NOTES

• Cleao Murray led offensively with 24 points, shooting 3-of-6 from three-point range, while adding 5 rebounds
• Ella Larsen added 23 points, shooting 5-of-7 behind the arc, and led the team with 9 rebounds, 3 steals, and added 5 assists
• Anna Gossling contributed 16 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals
• Grand View forced 21 turnovers, converting them into 27 points
• The Vikings shot 52.2% from the field and 41.9% from three-point range

 
UP NEXT
The Vikings return to action next week as they travel to Cedar Rapids on Tuesday, November 26^th, to battle the Mustangs of Mount Mercy University at 5:30 p.m.