DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Loras Collete women's basketball team fell at home against the Luther College Norse on Wednesday. This game marks the final conference match up between Loras and Luther as Luther will depart the American Rivers Conference for the Midwest Conference after the 2025-26 academic year. The Duhawks finished 16-20 all-time against the Norse in conference play.  

Loras (8-15 Overall, 4-10 A-R-C) struggled against the Luther (12-10, 8-5) offensive attack from the beginning as the Norse jumped out to a seven-point lead (9-2) early in the first quarter. The Duhawks were unable to get things going offensively in the first half shooting 25% (8-of-32) and went into the halftime break with a 15-point deficit (31-16). 

The Norse offensive attack continued in the second half, extending their lead to as many as 23 at one point in the third quarter. A layup from Ashtyn Kelderman and an and-one conversion from Claire Wagner late in the third quarter cut the lead back down to the teens, and the score favored Luther 50-33 heading into the final frame. The visitors stepped on the gas in the fourth quarter and did not allow the Purple and Gold any breathing room. Loras was unable to close the lead, and Luther took the victory 73-46.  

The Duhawks were led by Wagner who had 19 points and six rebounds on 57% (8-of-14) shooting. Kelderman added eight points, five rebounds, and two blocks for the Duhawks while Kylie Rigby was responsible for the only two Loras threes, going 2-of-4 from deep. 

Luther was led by Haylie Strum, who had a game-high 26 points. Natalie Beaver followed with 16 and Katie Hardtke added 10 off the bench. 

Up Next: The Duhawks will take on the Prairie Wolves of Nebraska Wesleyan University this Saturday, Feb 14, inside the Lillis Athletic and Wellness Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.