Senior forward Leah Lenz inspires Cobbers victory in first career start

Lenz scores five points in the opening three minutes to spark Concordia women to home victory.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Making her first career college start, Concordia senior Leah Lenz scored five points less than three minutes into the game, drawing roaring cheers from the Cobbers bench. Lenz's five points helped spark Concordia to a 77-49 victory against Macalester on Saturday in MIAC women's basketball at Memorial Auditorium. Lenz finished with a season-high five points with four rebounds and three assists.

Why it matters

Lenz's strong start in her first career start was a highlight on "Senior Celebration Day" for the Cobbers, who are closing in on the MIAC regular-season title. The victory also marked the 100th career win for Concordia head coach Kim Wagers.

The details

Lenz got the starting nod on "Senior Celebration Day" along with fellow seniors Taylor Safranski, Molly Musland and Taya Jeffrey. Lenz scored the game's first basket in the paint 15 seconds after the opening tip and then swished a 3-pointer for a 9-0 Concordia lead with 7 minutes, 4 seconds to play in the first quarter. The Cobbers scored 28 of the game's first 30 points and led 28-4 after one quarter.

  • Lenz scored the game's first basket 15 seconds after the opening tip.
  • Lenz swished a 3-pointer for a 9-0 Concordia lead with 7 minutes, 4 seconds to play in the first quarter.
  • Concordia led 28-4 after one quarter.

The players

Leah Lenz

A 5-foot-11 senior forward from Belle Plaine, Minnesota who made her first career college start and scored a season-high five points with four rebounds and three assists.

Taya Jeffrey

A senior guard for Concordia who had seven points, seven rebounds and four assists.

Kim Wagers

The head coach of the Concordia women's basketball team who earned her 100th career victory with the win.

Taylor Safranski

A senior guard for Concordia who was honored during the halftime ceremony along with fellow seniors Lenz, Musland and Jeffrey.

Molly Musland

A senior for Concordia who was honored during the halftime ceremony along with fellow seniors Lenz, Safranski and Jeffrey.

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What they’re saying

“I was on the floor just beaming ear-to-ear, super exciting, and she deserves that.”

— Taya Jeffrey, senior guard

“I felt honored to start today. I try to be the supportive person for the team so when I was able to score those first baskets, it was insane to feel the support come back.”

— Leah Lenz

“She's worked so, so hard. She's one of the biggest sacrificers on our team.”

— Taya Jeffrey, senior guard

“It was just a huge day. It was an enormous amount of joy.”

— Leah Lenz

“Leah is the most selfless kid on our roster and everyone knew it was her first start. Everyone is cheering for her because she's been such a good teammate. She's by far one of my favorite kids I've ever coached.”

— Kim Wagers, head coach

What’s next

The Cobbers next play at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, against St. Olaf at Memorial Auditorium in Moorhead. Concordia can clinch at least a share of the MIAC regular-season crown with a win against the Oles.

The takeaway

Leah Lenz's inspiring performance in her first career start, coupled with the Cobbers' dominant team effort and coach Kim Wagers' 100th career victory, made for a memorable "Senior Celebration Day" as Concordia continues its push toward an MIAC regular-season title.