INDIANOLA—Simpson College used its offensive muscle to outscore the Central College women's basketball team 92-71 Wednesday night.
           
The young Dutch (7-16 overall, 3-11 American Rivers) were productive, shooting a respectable 43.9 percent from the field, including 39.4 percent from 3-point range, but had trouble slowing a more experienced Simpson club (18-6 overall, 10-5 conference)
           
"Offensively, we played a nice game," coach Joe Steinkamp said. "Outside of our turnovers in the first quarter, we took care of the ball pretty well against their press. But more than anything, you have to give Simpson a lot of credit for how well they played offensively. They have some lineups where they can put five 3-point shooters on the floor and that can be hard. They really spread you out. And they have some really good drivers and passers. That's the strength of their team.
           
"We scored well but we still left some buckets out there."
           
Freshman guard Maci Gambell (Hedrick, Pekin HS) continued to enjoy some breakout offensive success. After scoring 17 points off the bench Saturday against Luther College, she came back with a career-high 21 in 22 minutes Wednesday, along with four assists. Another freshman, guard Jenna Clark (freshman, Story City, Roland-Story HS), added 16 points and three assists.
           
"Maci had another excellent game," Steinkamp said. "She spends so much time in the gym. I'm happy for her that her hard work is paying off.
           
"Jenna also had a nice game. She shot the ball well. Both of them are extremely hard-working. They don't get discouraged. They both also had a positive assist-to-turnover ratio against the press."
           
Guard Emily Hay (sophomore, Stanwood, North Cedar HS) had 12 points and six rebounds. Forward Kendall Brown (junior, Moravia) also had six boards.
           
"Emily knocked down a couple threes," Steinkamp said. "She always defends at a high level as well."
           
Central committed 20 turnovers and was outrebounded 38-35 as Simpson jumped on top early, taking a 25-13 lead after one quarter. It was 42-30 at intermission. Simpson shot 47.8 percent from the floor and hit 14 3-pointers.
           
Central closes the season at home Saturday with a league doubleheader with Loras College starting at 2 p.m. at P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium. It will be Senior Day for the Dutch as guard Kristin Hubert (senior, Hornick, Woodbury Central HS), the squad's lone senior, will be recognized prior to tip-off.
           
Central was defeated by Loras at Dubuque Jan. 19, 71-49. The Duhawks are 20-4 overall and 13-2 in the league, alone in second place, after winning 67-60 at home against Luther College Wednesday.
           
"We want to honor our senior, Kristin Hubert, who has done a terrific job for us as a leader and we want to end the season on a positive note," Steinkamp said.
           
Saturday's games will be broadcast on KRLS-FM (92.1) with Cory Houser and can also be accessed via www.kniakrls.com. Live stats and a video webcast of Wednesday's games will be available through athletics.central.edu.