PERU, NEBRASKA – The Grand View Vikings returned to the court Wednesday night after a week-long Thanksgiving break, delivering a commanding performance in an 85-46 victory over the Peru State Bobcats. 

Anna Gossling set the tone early, draining the Viking's initial three-point basket. The first of seven team steals in the quarter came from Cleao Murray, who transitioned the defensive action into a quick two points for the Vikings. After a brief scoring drought, Gossling hit another big three, followed by an easy layup from Murray to keep Grand View in control. With just under three minutes left in the quarter, the Bobcats were within five, but Gossling managed to turn up the heat. She sank back-to-back threes, both on the assist from Claire Galbraith, added a jumper, and capped things off with a buzzer-beating layup after a steal. By the end of the quarter, Gossling had already poured in 18 points, including 4-for-4 from deep, while Murray chipped in 9 to give the Vikings a 28-10 lead. 

Grand View kept their foot on the gas in the second to stretch their lead before half. Murray opened with a layup, and Reagan Mudderman made her presence felt on both ends with three steals, three boards, and an assist. Ellie Rengstorf added six points by locating the gaps in the defense, and Gossling stayed hot, knocking down two more threes to finish the half a perfect 7-for-7 from long range. Grand View cruised into halftime with a 52-21 lead, led by Gossling with 27 points and Murray with 15. 

Ella Larsen set the tone in the third quarter with a layup, followed by two from Murray. Larsen then drew a foul on a pump fake for an and-one, adding to the Vikings' momentum. Mudderman chipped in with a layup, and Larsen closed the quarter with another bucket, leading with nine points and five rebounds. Grand View committed only one turnover in the period, while forcing seven. 

The final quarter gave Grand View's bench a chance to shine. Eva Peterson delivered five points and two rebounds in just five minutes, while Abigail Jones nailed a three off a steal by Claire Galbraith. The Vikings' defense held Peru State to just nine points and forced six turnovers to close out the win.  

Grand View outperformed Peru State in points off turnovers (28-13), points in the paint (40-18), second-chance points (10-5), and rebounds (34-29). 

GAME NOTES 

• Anna Gossling was perfect from behind the arc, going 7-for-7, and 10-for-11 from the field, totaling 27 points.  

• Cleao Murray was a consistent scoring threat recording 21 points in addition to 3 steals and 4 rebounds. 

• Ella Larsen collected a team high 11 boards and pitched in 9 points, 3 steals, and an assist. 

• Reagan Mudderman led with 4 steals, while adding 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. 

• Claire Galbraith was key to momentum driving moments, chipping in 3 steals, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. 

• The Vikings shot 50.7% from the field and 39.3% from three-point range. 

UP NEXT 

This Saturday, December 7th, the Vikings will host Culver-Stockton College for a 4:00 p.m. tip-off.