LA CROSSE, Wis. — Northwestern College (1-0, 0-0) defeated Viterbo University (0-5, 0-0) 74-63 on Saturday, with a strong third-quarter performance that included a 31-point surge to overcome a halftime deficit.

Northwestern began the first quarter with a strong start, capitalizing on key offensive plays. Emily TerWee made an immediate impact with her scoring, helping the team establish an early lead at 8-5. The Raiders maintained this momentum through effective ball movement, with Kylie Foss facilitating two assists to keep the team competitive.

Despite the Raiders' efforts, the V-Hawks responded with a series of successful shots, including a significant 3-pointer by Shayna Williamson, which shifted the momentum. Northwestern continued to press, cutting the deficit with scoring contributions from TerWee and Ashtyn Wobig. However, Viterbo closed the quarter with a slight advantage, leading 21-16.

Northwestern began the second quarter trailing and struggled to find a rhythm early on. Despite the V-Hawks extending their lead to nine points, Northwestern responded with a crucial 3-pointer from Kylie Foss, narrowing the gap. Ashtyn Wobig contributed with two free throws and a 3-pointer, keeping the Raiders within reach.

Defensively, the Raiders made key stops, including blocks from Aubrey Metzger and Allison Piercy, and forced several turnovers to halt Viterbo's momentum. The quarter closed with Northwestern trailing by a slim margin, with the score at 33-26 in favor of Viterbo.

The third quarter began with Northwestern closing a nine-point deficit, quickly finding rhythm through effective scoring and defensive plays. Wobig and Jenna Kluxdal contributed significantly, both in scoring and securing key rebounds. The Raiders managed to pull even with the V-Hawks at 37 points, then took the lead with Piercy's three-pointer at the 6:03 mark.

Northwestern maintained momentum, with pivotal plays from Piercy, who added another three-pointer and free throws, further extending the lead. The team capitalized on defensive stops and efficient shooting, pushing their advantage to 11 points by the 25-second mark, with Kluxdal's free throws. The quarter ended with Northwestern leading 57-49, having outscored Viterbo 31-16 in the quarter.

Northwestern opened the fourth quarter by extending their lead over the V-Hawks with a strong offensive push. TerWee scored a jumper early on, with an assist from Foss, to widen the gap. Piercy added to the momentum with a three-pointer, pushing the lead to double digits.

Midway through the quarter, the Raiders continued to capitalize with effective rebounding and scoring contributions from Margo Schuiteman and Wobig. Despite Viterbo's attempts to close the gap, including a late three-pointer by Williamson, Northwestern maintained their advantage.

The Raiders closed the quarter by maintaining their lead, securing a 74-63 victory. The team effectively utilized their free throws and defensive rebounds to control the final moments of the game and get the win.

GAME NOTES

• Wobig led the Raiders with 19 points
• Piercy scored 18 points on the game and made 4 threes
• Foss led the team in rebounds with 13
• The Raiders outrebounded Viterbo 45-31
• The Raiders shot 55.6% in the 31 point third quarter 
• Four Raiders scored in double digits on the game

Up Next: Looking ahead, the Red Raiders come back home for the Pizza Ranch Classic to face off against John Brown Friday November 7th at 6 PM.

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