The Central women’s basketball team hosted its home opener Saturday in an American Rivers Conference tilt with Loras. In a back-and-forth affair, the Dutch pulled away late for a 69-54 upset victory.

Central had a sluggish start offensively, and fell behind 14-4 early in the first quarter. But a 13-4 run to close the period got the Dutch to within 18-17 after the first 10 minutes. Central put together a strong second quarter, and held a 39-30 halftime lead. The lead swelled to as high as 46-32 midway through the third, but an 11-2 run got the Duhawks to within five points, as the Dutch shot just 23 percent in the period. Central used a 21-11 scoring surge in the fourth to secure the victory.

Central had three players in double figures, led by sophomore Kelsea Hurley’s 18. Searsboro native sophomore Carson Fisk added 17, while junior Maci Gambell tacked on 10. Central won despite losing the turnover battle by one, and scored 28 points off 19 Loras turnovers.

Central improves to 3-0 overall and in conference play. They’ll be back in action Wednesday at Simpson. That game will air on the KNIA3 stream, with pregame coverage beginning at 5:15 p.m.

The Central wrestling team opened its season Saturday with a home triangular against Nebraska Wesleyan and Dubuque. The Dutch looked sharp in both duels, defeating the Prairie Wolves 45-4, and securing a 31-9 win over the Spartans.

Against Nebraska Wesleyan, Central got pins from Rob Areyano at 157, Chris Wilson at 174, Griffen McBride at 184, Peyton Hammerich at 197 and Samuel Zook at heavyweight.

Zook, McBride, and Luis Ramos at 141 each pinned their opponents in the Dubuque duel.

Central moves to 2-0 on the season, and returns to action Saturday for a triangular against Buena Vista and hosting Wartburg.