V-Hawks Overcome Slow Start to Earn win in Dickinson

DICKINSON, N.D. – The Viterbo University Women's Basketball team defeated Dickinson State University (N.D.) in a North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) battle on Saturday afternoon. The V-Hawks improve to 4-12 (2-3 NSAA), while the Blue Hawks drop to 6-13 (1-4 NSAA).

Natalia Leguizamon would hit a three off a Tyreesha Blaylock assist at 6:18 in the first to go up 5-4, then Blaylock sank a pair of free throws of her own. Back-to-back threes from Julia Salmen and Blaylock geave the V-Hawks a three point lead, and Macy Stellner's 2-point jumper help give Vitebro an 18-16 lead at the end of the first.

Lindsay Peterson began the scoring in the second for the Blue Hawks with a three at 8:15, which would help put Dickinson up by as much as 10 in the quarter. Blaylock and Gina Stefferud each had field goals, and strong defense by VU stopped DSU from scoring over the last three and a half minutes of the half, leaving the score at 24-30 going into the break.

While the Blue Hawks would score first in the second half, on a field goal by Samantha Oase, Leguizamon and Stefferud would fuel a 13-2 run for the V-Hawks that would give Viterbo a 37-34 lead at 6:49. A three by Dickinson gave them the lead yet again at 3:43, but Sophie Leinfleder would score five points to pace the V-Hawks, and they would trail by only two to end the third, 48-50.

Leinfelder found Blaylock for a three to give Viterbo the lead again, and they would not trail the rest of the game. Leinfelder would record steals on consecutive possessions, leading to assists to Blaylock and Emily Bohn to extend the lead, and Leguizamon's three made it 64-52 with 6:50 left. Viterbo's defense held the Blue Hawks scoreless for over four minutes and Leguizamon would eight points down the stretch, helping give Viterbo the 74-61 win.

Dickinson State outshot Viterbo 39%-36%, but the V-Hawks had the advantage from three, 33%-19%. Viterbo also had fewer turnovers, 21-29.

Leguizamon and Blaylock each had 17 points, while Leinfelder had 14 points, seven assists, and sive steals. Stefferud also had a near double-double with nine steals and nine rebounds. Peterson had 18 points and five rebounds for the Blue Hawks.

The V-Hawks return to action Friday, January 20 as they host Dakota State University (S.D.) at 5:30 PM.