Box Score PELLA, Iowa - The University of Dubuque women's basketball team used a strong opening half to beat the host Central College Dutch 63-58. UD took a 40-24 first half lead into the locker room and held on for the American Rivers Conference road win to remain 2-0 in league play and improve to 4-5 overall for first year head coach Madeline Jansen.

UD finished the match-up shooting 23-61 from the field (37.7%) and 13-24 from the free throw line (54.2%). UD's defense held the Dutch to 20-57 shooting from the field (35.1%) and 14-24 from the free throw line (58.3%). The two squads struggled from the outside, Central made 4-22 attempts from beyond the arc and UD made 4-16 attempts (25%).

The Spartans scored 36 points in the paint, grabbed 13 second chance points, and had 16 points off the Dutch turnovers. UD never trailed in the victory. A trio of Spartans led the offense with Christina Simonetti leading with 14 points and nine rebounds. Taylor Martin finished with 12 points, three steals and two assists. Felicity Figlinksi added 11 points, collected seven rebounds, and was 3-4 at the free throw line. Grace Brumley came off the bench to score eight points after after making 4-8 shot attempts.

UD returns to play on Monday Dec. 29 at the UD Paxton's Pack Classic hosted in the Stoltz Sports Center at 5:00/7:00 p.m. UD will face the University of Wisconsin Stout at 7:00 p.m. The Classic continues on Dec. 30 at 1:00/3;00 p.m. with UD facing Augustana College at 3:00 p.m.