Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324

NAPERVILLE, Ill. (Dec. 30, 2022) - Concluding their non-conference slate of games, the North Central College women's basketball team found themselves on the wrong side of a 73-61 game on Friday night inside Gregory Arena as they took on Kenyon College.

Grace Kieffer and Mitrese Smith opened the game with layups before Kieffer knocked down a three-pointer to give the Cardinals a 7-3 lead halfway through the opening quarter. The Owls closed the period with a 10-3 run to hold a 13-10 lead after 10 minutes of play.

Megan McClure nailed a three to bring North Central within one, but again Kenyon answered to take a six-point advantage, 21-15. The teams traded baskets until a layup from McClure cut the Cardinals' deficit to three, 26-23 with 1:19 to play in the half. The Owls took a 30-25 lead into halftime.

Kenyon jumped out to a 10-point advantage before a pair of free throws from Smith capped off a six-point swing from North Central. The Owls responded with six points of their own to extend their lead, 52-43 entering the final quarter of action. Kenyon pulled away in the fourth quarter, taking a 19-point lead until the Cardinals used a 10-3 lead to end the game as Kenyon won, 73-61.

Natalie Stavropoulos led the Cardinals with 17 points and four assists while Kieffer (12 points) and Megan Duffy (11 points) each scored in double figures. McClure finished with nine points and 10 rebounds with Smith tallying eight points and 11 rebounds. Abby Davidson swatted five blocks, the most of her young career. Claudia Cooke came off the bench to score 23 for the Owls.

The Cardinals return to CCIW action on Wednesday as they host Wheaton College at 7 p.m. inside Gregory Arena.

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