The Luther women’s basketball team’s season came to a close on March 9 as they lost to Simpson College 95-58 in the second round of the American Rivers Conference tournament. Despite the Norse leading after the first quarter and keeping the score close going into the second half, the Storm outscored Luther 43-14 in the third quarter, ending Luther’s hopes of continuing their season. Luther had previously beaten Nebraska Wesleyan University 65-44 in a first-round game, the only win for the team this year.

Luther forward Erin Saemrow (‘22) posted a double-double by scoring 11 points and grabbing 12 rebounds; her rebounding total was a game high. Guards Jordan Rubie (‘24) and Calie Mundahl (‘24) also scored 11 points each, while guard Kristen Elliott (‘22) had five assists. Luther Women’s Basketball Head Coach Amanda Bailey said afterward that she was delighted with how the team played throughout the season.

“We needed our freshman and sophomores to fill big shoes after graduating six seniors last year, and I feel that they came ready to compete,” Bailey said. “This was a year that brought many challenges, and I am proud of the way our team focused on continual self-improvement.”

In reflecting on the season, Bailey felt that many players on the team contributed “game in and game out” to help the team compete at a high level. Bailey specifically identified Elliott and Rubie as key players for the team.
“Kristen [Elliot] has led us on the court all year and did so throughout the tournament as well,” Bailey said. “We also depended on Jordan [Rubie] on the offensive side, and she led us in scoring this season.”

Bailey’s goal for next season is for her players to grow as a team and continue being competitive in every game. The Norse will have great chances to do so, as they only graduate two seniors this year, compared to losing six veteran players after last year’s shortened season.

“We are a young team that gained a lot of experience battling in a very experienced and competitive conference,” Bailey said. “We showed we could compete with the top of our league; the future is bright with this young group.”