November 10, 2026
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — No. 3-ranked Dakota State (S.D.) faced its third consecutive nationally ranked opponent from the Great Plains Athletic Conference (fourth overall Top 25 ranked teams this season) Tuesday evening, falling to No. 7 Dordt (Iowa) 98-64 in a non-conference women's basketball showdown at the Sanford Sports Complex.
The Trojans dropped to 1-5 overall, while the Defenders remained undefeated at 5-0.
It was the final non-conference contest for DSU as they prepare for their busy 22-game Frontier Conference schedule.
How it happened
Dordt used a hot shooting performance throughout the contest, hitting 61.2 percent of its field goals (41-of-67) and outscoring Dakota State in all four quarters. The Defenders established a 24-11 advantage after the opening quarter, thanks to their 9-0 opening run, and extended their lead to 54-27 by halftime.
Dakota State improved offensively in the second half, scoring 19 points in the third quarter and 18 in the fourth. However, Dordt maintained control behind its efficient shooting and strong inside presence.
The Defenders held a 58-34 advantage in points in the paint and outscored the Trojans 33-15 in fast-break points. Dordt also converted Dakota State's 22 turnovers into 32 points.
Dakota State finished the game shooting 33.3 percent from the field (22-of-66 field goals), including 5-of-22 from the 3-point line (22.7 percent). The Trojans converted 15-of-23 free throws (65.2 percent).
Despite the setback, Dakota State collected 13 steals and grabbed 15 offensive rebounds.
Inside the box score
Cierra Watkins paced the Trojans with 11 points on the night. She added three rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Caitlin Dyer followed with 10 points, including a pair of 3-pointers. She also registered four rebounds and a team-high four steals.
Hylton Heinz contributed nine points, while
Mackenzi Simmons scored eight points off the bench for DSU.
Bria Wasmund and
Angelina Chapple each finished with five points. Chapple also dished out a team-high three assists and grabbed three rebounds.
Ella Carstensen led Dakota State with five rebounds and scored four points.
Eliza Oltmanns also scored four points, while
Hamtyn Heinz and
Aubree Hultman each added three points.
Madala Hanson finished with two points and two steals.
Gracie Van Donge led the Defenders with a game-high 23 points, shooting 10-of-12 from the field. She added six assists, four rebounds and four steals.
Aubrey Burkhart and Miylie Zomer each contributed 14 points. Burkhart drained four 3-pointers and recorded four steals, while Zomer shot 7-of-8 from the field and registered five blocked shots and six rebounds.
Willow Harken added 12 points and four assists. Ellie Lems recorded a double-double with 11 points and a game-high 10 rebounds, along with three blocked shots.
Dordt shot 9-of-23 from beyond the arc (39.1 percent) and finished with 22 assists. The Defenders also registered 12 blocked shots.
Up next
Dakota State plays their home opener as they open their Frontier Conference schedule next Saturday (Nov. 21). The Trojans host their traveling partner Bellevue (Neb.) with a tip-off at 3 p.m., held at the DSU Fieldhouse.
