V-Hawks Battle but Fall in NSAA Quarterfinal

By Thomas Robson, Viterbo Athletics Intern

LA CROSSE, WI – Dickinson State University (10-12) came out on top after a close battle in the NSAA Quarterfinal on Tuesday night. Viterbo (9-7) lead most of the game, but a late run in the fourth quarter carried the Blue Hawks to victory. Dickinson State moves on to play Thursday in the NSAA Semifinals.

Scoring started early for the V-Hawks, with Kacie Gross sinking a layup to begin the game. Dickinson State's Shali Sheridan followed up with a pair of free throws in the following possession. The first quarter continued to be a battle with four ties and five lead changes. Sophie Leinfelder scored a layup along with a Kaitlyn Kennedy jumper to give the V-Hawks an 18-14 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The V-Hawks continued their momentum, extending their lead to 10 points halfway through the second quarter. A couple of made three pointers mixed with some solid defense by the Blue Hawks cut the V-Hawk lead to six points at the end of the half. Viterbo ended the half up 33-28.

Defense was the name of the game in the third quarter. Sophie Leinfelder scored a layup to end a three-minute drought by both teams. The defense continued to hold strong with only 18 points being scored in the entire third quarter. Viterbo entered the fourth quarter with a five-point lead.

The fourth quarter seemed to be all about the Blue Hawks as they outscored Viterbo 22-12. A layup by Ashlie Watts sparked a 12-2 run, giving the Blue Hawks their first lead since the first quarter. Kacie Gross made a free throw followed by an Allie Wojtysiak layup pulled Viterbo within one, but Dickinson answered, edging the Viterbo V-Hawks 59-54.