STORM LAKE, Iowa – Nebraska Wesleyan forced Buena Vista into 28 turnovers as the Prairie Wolves got back on the winning track with a 81-67 victory in American Rivers Conference women's basketball action on Wednesday night (Jan. 2) in Storm Lake, Iowa.
 
With the victory, the Prairie Wolves start conference play with three straight victories for the first time in women's basketball program history.  NWU moved to 8-4 overall and 3-0 in A-R-C action, while Buena Vista drops to 5-8 and remains winless at 0-4 in conference play.
 
In a game that saw the two teams combine to shoot just 4-30 from 3-point range, the Prairie Wolves jumped out to a 17-9 lead after one quarter of play.  NWU then scored 26 second half points and built up a 17 point halftime lead.
 
NWU got away from 3-point shooting in the second half, attempting just four total from beyond the arc as they attacked the basket.  In the third quarter the Prairie Wolves made 8-12 from the floor and missed only two shots inside the 3-point line.
 
Once again it was junior guard Caitlin Navratil who had a big offensive performance for the Prairie Wolves.  Navratil was 10-15 from the floor to score a game-high 26 points to go along with six steals.
 
Two other Prairie Wolves finished in double figures as Klaire Phillips had 13 points with four steals, while Carsyn Zumpfe came off the bench to score 12 points before fouling out.  Bailey Hallgren Meehan reached double figures in rebounding with a game-high 10, including four offensive boards.
 
Buena Vista was led by Morgan Muhlbauer who was 7-10 from the field and 6-8 on free throws to score 20 points. 
 
NWU was able to score 32 points off the Beavers 28 turnovers which was the ultimate story of the game.
 
The Prairie Wolves will try to remain perfect in American Rivers conference play on Saturday when they host Loras College.