Clarke Athletics
Jerry Hansen, Sports Information Director
DUBUQUE – No. 13 Clarke University extended its winning streak to 10 straight Saturday afternoon with a 68-54 non-conference win over No. 12 University of St. Francis at the Robert and Ruth Kehl Center. The Pride, who opened their 2020-21 season with a six-point win over the then-No. 16 ranked Fighting Saints on Nov. 10 in Joliet, Ill., improved to 11-1 overall, while USF slipped to 11-2.
“This was a game we needed at this time of the year,” said Clarke Head Coach Courtney Boyd. “Seeing different styles of play is a good challenge. In the second half, we found a rhythm defensively and it helped us execute against their zone. That was a big win against a really good team. Now we get to enjoy it for a day before we make adjustments and continue to improve heading back into conference play next week.”
Makenna Haase (SR/Freedom, Wis.) and Giana Michels (SO/Bellevue, Iowa) each scored 15 points to lead Clarke offensively, while Tina Ubl (JR/Shiocton, Wis.) chipped in 14 points. Michels was 4-for-7 from beyond the three-point arc. Haase and Michels both finished with six rebounds, helping Clarke to a 32-25 advantage on the boards. Nicole McDermott (FR/Cascade, Iowa) dished out four assists.
Clarke led by six after one quarter of play, but the visiting Fighting Saints outpointed the Pride 12-6 in the second quarter to even the score at 24 at halftime. The Pride led by three heading in the final quarter and took the final quarter, 28-17.
Andriana Acosta led USF with a game-high 17 points.
Clarke will return to conference play on Wednesday when the Pride host Culver-Stockton College. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.