February 17, 2024

MADISON, S.D. – Dakota State (S.D.) shot a blazing 66.7 percent from the field and held Dickinson State (N.D.) to 13.3 percent from the field in the first quarter, paving the way for the Trojans to their fourth consecutive North Star Athletic Association Women's Basketball regular-season titlewith a 93-59 victory at DSU Fieldhouse.  The Trojans won their 17^th straight meeting in the series with the Blue Hawks.

Dakota State, ranked No. 10 in the latest NAIA Women's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 national poll, raised their overall record to 23-5.  The Trojans finished the North Star conference with an 11-1 record, earning a share of the league title with No. 12 ranked Mayville State (N.D.).  Dickinson State fell to 7-19 overall record and 2-10 and finished their conference schedule with a 2-10 record.

It was the first time since the 1980's decade that the Trojans had won four consecutive conference regular-season title (eight straight conference titles in the former South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference from 1980-87).

Dakota State cut the net after the conclusion of the game for winning the fourth straight conference title.  The Trojans also honored their three seniors afterwards—Morgan Huber, Savannah Walsdorf, and Miakken Vincent.

Despite being tied for first place with no tiebreaker, Dakota State will be the No. 2 seed after the coin toss.  The Trojans open their North Star postseason tournament's quarterfinals against No. 7 seed Waldorf (Iowa) Wednesday evening.  Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. at DSU Fieldhouse.

Dickinson State, the No. 6 seed, will travel to No. 3 seed Valley City State (N.D.) in the NSAA quarterfinals on Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. in Valley City, N.D.

(10) Dakota State (S.D.) 93, Dickinson State (N.D.) 59 – FINAL

Dakota State kicked off the game by making 5-of-7 field goals to ignite their 14-0 opening run, capped by a pair of free-throws from Caitlin Dyer. 

The Blue Hawks ended their scoring drought with a basket by Kaylin Garza with 6:30 on the clock in the first quarter (Trojans led 14-2).

Dakota State ballooned their lead to 22-2 with 3:15 on the clock in the first period, thanks to basket from Tabor Teel followed by a 3-pointer each from Vincent and Dyer.

Teel hit a pair of free-throws as the Trojans closed the first quarter with a dominating 30-6 lead.  DSU was 10-of-15 from the field and held DiSU to 2-of-15 field goals.

Dakota State maintained their lead between 26- and 32- points in the second quarter.  The Trojans outscored the Blue Hawks 22-15 in the second period as their lead grew to 52-21 by halftime, thanks to a 3-pointer from Walsdorf to close the first half.

The highlight in the third quarter saw Walsdorf hitting her 2,000^th career point after draining a 3-pointer with 7:23 on the clock, giving the Trojans a 57-21 lead.

Dakota State led 74-39 after three quarters.

DSU hit the largest lead of the game at 82-43 after Dyer's layup (assisted by Walsdorf) with 6:09 left.

Walsdorf poured in a game-high 22 points on her 9-of-13 from the field, including 4-of-5 from the 3-point arc for Dakota State.  She grabbed four rebounds and registered three steals.  Teel produced a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds off the bench.  She recorded three blocks.

Vincent tallied a career-high for the second straight day, scoring 12 points on her 5-of-7 field goals and 2-of-4 from the 3-point line.  Olivia Ritter added 10 points and eight rebounds off the bench.  Dyer scored nine points and contributed five assists.  Lilli Mackley had seven points and five rebounds.

Katherine Fox led the Blue Hawks with 11 points and three assists.  Kyrie Alldredge and Heather LaBree each added eight points.  Kayden Steele had seven points. 

Dakota State shot 50.7 percent overall from the field (36-of-71 field goals) and hit 13 3-pointers in 32 tries (40.6 percent).  Dickinson State was 37.9 percent from the field (22-of-58 field goals) and 5-of-15 3-pointers (33.3 percent).

DSU converted 8-of-9 free-throws, while DiSU made all ten free-throw attempts.

Dakota State outrebounded Dickinson State 41-31.  The Trojans outscored the Blue Hawks 13-4 in second chance points.

DSU outscored DiSU 11-0 in fast break points, 20-6 in points off turnovers, 46-34 inside the paint, and 44-23 in bench points.