#11 Ranked Trojans Too Much For V-Hawks

MADISON, SD – The Viterbo University Woen's Basketball team visited Dakota State University (SD), ranked #11 in the most recent NAIA Top 25 Coaches Poll, on Friday night, losing the matchup 54-82. The V-Hawks fall to 6-8 (1-2 NSAA), while the Trojans improve to 16-4 (4-0 NSAA).

Macy Stellner scored the first points of the game, and Pearla Teko-Folly scored almost immediately after being subbed into the game, assisted by Gina Stefferud. Stefferud then scored a basket of her own, assisted by Stellner. Emily McCurdy and Marley Hughes each hit threes to end the period, but Viterbo trialed, 15-20.

Stellner and Teko-Folly each scored to start the second, while McCurdy's offensive rebound led to a basket to tie the game at 21-21. However, the Trojans responded with a run to go up 30-23. Lauryn Goettl found Stefferud to end the run, then hit a jumper of her own, and the V-Hawks faced a 29-38 deficit going into the break.

Despite three free throws by Stellner and a triple from Nora Tucker, DSU continued to extend their lead. Stefferud would hit a three, and Madison Hugdahl added two points before another Stefferud jumper, but at the end of three quarters, the V-Hawks were behind 44-61.

Dakota State started the final period with an 11-2 run, but Hughes ended it by setting op back-to-back baskets by Teko-Folly and Goettl. McCurdy hit a final three, but Viterbo was unable to score again over the final four minutes, losing 82-54.

McCurdy led the V-Hawks with 16 points and seven rebounds, while Hughes had four assists, and Emma Wagner recorded three steals. Savannah Walsdorf had 16 points for the Trojans, while Tabor Teel had 15 off the bench.

Dakota State outshot Viterbo from the floor, 40.6% - 35.7%, but VU had the advantage from three, 40% - 26.7%. The teams grabbed almost equal rebounds, 42-41, but Viterbo committed more turnovers, 24-11.

Viterbo returns to action on Saturday, January 20 at Bellevue University (Neb.) at 3:00 PM.