V-Hawks Cannot Top Dakota State

MADISON, S.D. – The Viterbo University Women's Basketball team traveled to Dakota State Umiversoty (S.D.) on Saturday noght for a North Star Athletic Assocaition (NSAA) bout, but lost 59-80. The V-Hawks drop to 5-16 (2-7 NSAA), while the Trojans improve to 18-5 (8-1 NSAA).

Sophie Leinfelder would set up Gina Stefferud for the first V-Hawk basket of the game at 9:22, followed by a pair of free throws by Natalia Leguizamon. Leguizamon would then break a drought for the Viterbo offense that lasted more than six minutes, followed by consecutive steals for Leinfelder and Leguizamon that led to a pair of layups. Kaitlyn Kennedy hit a two from the charity stripe to end the quarter 12-19 in favor of the trojans.

The V-Hawks scored the first four points of the second period, including two free throws by Emily McCurdy. Stefferud would then score or assists on seven straight points before Emma Wagner found Kennesy for a jumper at 2:38, bringing the score to 26-34. Dakota State would end the half on a 2-10 run, capped by Morgan Huber's three to take a 28-44 lead into the half.

The Trojan run would last until Ellie Hoesley's basket at 5:09, assisted by Wagner, leaving the score at 30-56. Nicole Johnson would score the last six of the last eight points of the quarter for the V-Hawks, on an offensie rebounds and assists by Stefferud and Macy Stellner. And DSU would take a 39-69 lead into the fourth.

Leinfelder set up Stellner to start the fourth, and Wagner sank a pair of free throws, but it wouldn't be enough as DSU continued to score. Megan Miedema, Madison Hugdahl, Stellner, and McCurdy each recorded steals and helped the V-Hawks go on an 11-0 run, and Julia Slamen hit a three as time expired to leave the final score at 59-80.

Dakota State outshot Viterbo 30%-39%, including 12.5%-28% from three, and won the rebounding battle 40-50.

Leguizamon had 12 points and four steals for the V-Hawks, while Stefferud had seven points and five rebounds. Catlin Dyer had 13 points and six boards for the Trojans, and Elise Aslesen had nine points and 12 rebounds.

Viterbo returns to the hardwood at home on February 3 against Dickinson State.