November 7, 2026
SEWARD, Neb.— No. 3-ranked Dakota State (S.D.) was unable to overcome a second-half surge by No. 10 Concordia (Neb.) Saturday afternoon, falling 64-54 in a nationally ranked NAIA women's basketball showdown at Friedrich Arena. The contest concluded the Trojans' two-game appearance in the Cattle Classic.
Dakota State dropped to 1-4 overall, while Concordia of the Great Plains Athletic Conference improved to 3-1.
How it happened
Both Dakota State and Concordia traded leads or tied the game in the first quarter. The first period ended in an 11-11 tie.
The Trojans held a six-point advantage during the second quarter and carried a 35-29 lead into halftime. Trailing 25-24, Dakota State went on a 7-0 scoring run capped by
Hamtyn Heinz's basket for 31-25 lead with 2:20 to go in the second quarter.
DSU outscored the Bulldogs 24-18 in the second period to build their six-point halftime advantage.
However, CUNE outscored DSU 21-7 in the third quarter to take a 50-42 advantage heading into the final period highlighted by their 15-0 third-quarter opening run.
The Bulldogs maintained their advantage in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Trojans 14-12 to secure the 10-point victory. Dakota State got no closer than three points at 57-54 after
Cierra Watkins' fastbreak layup with 4:16 remaining (assisted by
Addy Johnson).
CUNE went on to close the game with a 7-0 run in the final 3:53 of the game to secure the victory.
Inside the box score
Heinz and
Ella Carstensen paced Dakota State with 10 points apiece. Heinz connected on four of nine field goals, including two 3-pointers, and grabbed six rebounds. Carstensen was 5-of-7 from the field while collecting four rebounds and dishing out two assists.
DSU's
Mackenzi Simmons contributed eight points off the bench, hitting two 3-pointers while adding three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Johnson added eight points, seven rebounds, a team-high four assists and a blocked shot. Johnson was perfect at the free-throw line, making all four attempts.
Angelina Chapple provided eight points on 3-of-4 shooting from the field and 2-of-2 at the free-throw line for the Trojans. She also recorded four rebounds, an assist and a blocked shot.
Bria Wasmund finished with five points, five rebounds, an assist and a game-high-tying four steals for DSU.
Caitlin Dyer pulled down seven rebounds and distributed three assists.
Makynna Robbins led all scorers with 17 points and eight rebounds for the Bulldogs. Robbins shot 6-of-13 from the field and 5-of-6 from the free-throw line while adding two assists and two steals.
Bree Bunting followed with 14 points, four rebounds and three assists. She made five of 11 field goals, including two 3-pointers. Raelyn Kelty contributed nine points on 3-of-5 shooting, including 2-of-3 from the 3-point line.
Abbie Kromarek provided seven points and a game-high five steals off the bench. Libby Hoffman and Sammy Leu each added six points. Maci Pittenger pulled down seven rebounds and dished out three assists.
Dakota State shot 36.2 percent from the field (21-of-58 field goals). The Trojans converted six of eight free throws for 75 percent free-throw accuracy.
Concordia finished at 35.5 percent from the field (22-of-62 field goals). The Bulldogs made 12-of-15 free throws for 80 percent.
The Trojans held a commanding 46-30 rebounding advantage, including 12 offensive boards. Dakota State also recorded 16 assists compared to Concordia's 14.
Turnovers proved costly for DSU, committing 31 compared to Concordia's 16. The Bulldogs converted those turnovers into 22 points, while the Trojans scored nine points off Concordia's miscues.
Dakota State outscored Concordia 29-13 in bench points, while both teams finished with 28 points in the paint. The Bulldogs held a 13-4 advantage in fast-break scoring.
Up next
Dakota State wraps up their challenging schedule as they face their third straight Top 10 opponent from the Great Plains Athletic Conference. The Trojans play No. 7 ranked Dordt (Iowa) at the Sanford Sports Complex in the Pentagon at 5:30 p.m. in Sioux Falls, S.D.
