The Charger women's basketball team battled early, but a decisive third quarter by the top-ranked Dordt Defenders proved to be the difference as the Chargers fell 98-71 Wednesday evening in Sioux Center, Iowa.
 
Briar Cliff kept things tight through the opening period and trailed just 24-20 after one. The Chargers continued to compete in the second, but Dordt gradually stretched its advantage and took a 46-32 lead into halftime.
 
The game turned in the third quarter, when the Defenders caught fire offensively. Dordt scored 37 points in the period while shooting over 68 percent from the field and 7-of-8 from three-point range to build a commanding margin the Chargers could not overcome.
 
Mallie McNair led The Cliff with 18 points, five rebounds and five assists. Brooklyn Heineman added 12 points, while Abby Lee and Kenna Mongan each finished with 11. The Chargers shot 34.8% from the field and went 10-for-28 from beyond the arc.
 
Dordt was paced by Gracie Schoonhoven's 35-point performance on 15-of-20 shooting. Macy Sievers recorded 20 points, 10 rebounds and 15 assists.
 
The Chargers move to 18-8 (12-8 GPAC) and will return to the Newman Flanagan Center Saturday, as they host the 11^th ranked Concordia Bulldogs. Tip-off is scheduled for 2p.m. The Chargers will honor their seniors prior to tip-off.