SIOUX FALLS , S.D . --- The South Dakota School of Mines women's basketball team picked up its first win of the season Saturday afternoon, defeating the Southwestern Minnesota State Mustangs, 85-67, during a non-conference bout at the University of Sioux Falls Classic in Sioux Falls.

The Lady Hardrockers had an explosive first quarter and jumped out to a nine-point advantage, 23-14, which they maintained through halftime, leading, 48-39. The Hardrockers kept rolling in the second half, outscoring SWMS, 37-28, to earn a much needed win.

"I was really happy with the win and the way we played today," said SD Mines women's basketball head coach Ryan Larsen. "We were very good offensively all game and we executed and found great shots."

The Hardrockers shot 51 percent from the field Saturday, converting on 31-61 attempts, including 11 three pointers. SD Mines hit 12-16 from the free throw line for 75 percent, had 37 rebounds, 23 assists and eight steals.

The Mustangs made good on 23-58 from the field for 40 percent, 15-20 from the foul line, had 32 rebounds, 15 assists, three blocks and five steals
Individually for the Hardrockers, junior Payton Humpal paced her team with 19 points which included four from behind the arc and added five assists. Freshman Cooper Courtney tacked on 14 points (four three-pointers), sophomore Marissa Hirchert contributed with 13 points and freshman Anna Haugen had a double-double knocking down 11 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Junior Krista Showalter also performed well and distributed the ball very well with a game-high eight assists.

"Payton Humpal and Marissa Hirchert were great offensively," Larsen said. "Cooper Courtney, Anna Haugen, Sami Steffeck and Molly McCabe were great sparks off the bench as well. "Defensively we had a tremendous third quarter and were able to build a lead."

SD Mines improves to 1-3 on the season and will return to Rapid City to prepare for their home opener Saturday against MSU – Billings. That game is slated for a 3 p.m. tipoff at the King Center.

" I am very happy for the girls to end the road trip with a win and looking forward to playing our home opener Saturday," Larsen added.