DUBUQUE, IOWA – Grand View women's basketball extended their impressive road performance with a dominant 93-79 victory over Clarke University in Dubuque, IA. The Vikings came out strong from the start, setting the tone early and maintaining control throughout the contest. This win not only adds another road victory to their season but also marks their first triumph in Dubuque since the 2017-2018 season.
The Vikings came out strong in the first quarter, showcasing defensive intensity and balanced scoring. Grand View held Clarke scoreless for over six minutes, jumping to an 11-0 lead behind key contributions from
Ella Larsen and
Cleao Murray. Larsen knocked down two three-pointers and a layup, while Murray's all-around play kept the Pride off balance.
Anna Gossling's three-pointer extended the lead, and the Vikings' defense forced turnovers to maintain control. Despite a late rally from Clarke, Grand View led 23-20 at the end of the quarter.
In the second, the Vikings continued to execute well on both ends, with Murray and Larsen leading the way. Murray hit key layups and free throws, while Larsen added a three-pointer and several inside finishes. Defensive rebounds from
Abigail Jones and
Ellie Rengstorf limited Clarke's second-chance points, and Rengstorf's passing created scoring opportunities. Clarke made a late push, including a three-pointer from Hailey Walters, but Grand View's disciplined defense and efficient offense gave them a comfortable 50-37 lead at halftime.
Coming out strong in the third, Grand View quickly extended their lead.
Cleao Murray stole the ball and set up Larsen for a layup, making it 52-37. Clarke continued to struggle with missed shots and turnovers, and Larsen's three-pointer pushed the lead to 55-37. The Vikings' defense remained intense, forcing more turnovers and creating transition opportunities.
In the fourth, Grand View kept Clarke at bay with key three-pointers from
Abigail Jones and
Eva Solseth. Despite a brief push from the Pride, the Vikings' scoring depth and defensive pressure sealed a 93-79 victory, as Grand View maintained control throughout the second half.
Ella Larsen delivered an outstanding performance to lead Grand View to a 93-79 victory over Clarke University, continuing her dominant play following her recent Heart of America Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week honors. Larsen poured in 32 points on an efficient 13-of-21 shooting, including four three-pointers, while also grabbing 14 rebounds and dishing out three assists. Her all-around game was pivotal in maintaining the Vikings' control throughout the contest.
Cleao Murray also played a key role, contributing 23 points and five rebounds, while
Eva Solseth added 12 points, including three triples. Grand View shot 46.7% from the field and dominated points in the paint (42), keeping Clarke at bay with solid defense and balanced scoring. The Vikings never trailed and sealed the win with a well-rounded team effort, led by Larsen's stellar performance.
GAME NOTES
- The Vikings dominated points in the paint, 42-26.
- Grand View's bench contributed 17 points, edging Clarke's 16.
- The Vikings limited Clarke to just 5 second-chance points, while scoring 5 themselves.
- Larsen and Murray accounted for 55 of Grand View's 93 total points, showcasing their offensive dominance.
- Larsen set a season-high in points, rebounds, and field goals made, delivering a standout performance.
- With her double-double performance, Larsen secured her 7th of the season, continuing her impressive run.
UP NEXT
The Vikings will wrap up their week on the road this Saturday, traveling to Canton, MO for a 2:00 p.m. tip-off as they face off against the Culver-Stockton College Wildcats in the final matchup of their regular-season series.
