LAS VEGAS, N.M. --- The South Dakota School of Mines women's basketball team took advantage of a second and third quarter scoring explosion during a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference game Friday afternoon to defeat the New Mexico Highlands Cowgirls, 81-56, in Las Vegas, N.M.

Trailing by one point after the first quarter, 17-16, the Lady Hardrockers outscored the Cowgirls, 22-10, in the second period to lead by nine at the half, 38-27.

SD Mines extended their advantage in the third quarter dishing in 24 markers while holding NMHU to just nine points and went into the final frame up, 62-36.

"I'm very proud of the ladies today," said Hardrocker women's basketball head coach Ryan Larsen. "It's always scary taking a long trip and playing after Christmas break. The kids stepped up and showed great toughness today."

The Hardrockers shot 46 percent from the field Friday making good on 30-65 attempts, including seven from behind the arc and converted 14-16 from the free throw line. The visitors tallied 39 rebounds (16 on offense), added 14 assists, six steals and three blocks.

"We rebounded very well on both ends and took care of the ball offensively," Larsen added.
 
NMHU hit 22-55 from the field for 38 percent, with six three-pointers, and was 8-9 from the foul line. The Cowgirls recorded 24 rebounds, 10 assists, five steals and four blocks.
 
Individually for SD Mines, freshman Anna Haugen earned a double-double cashing in for 13 points and bringing down 10 rebounds. Fellow freshman Sami Steffeck also scored 13 points and had three assists and two steals. Freshman Molly McCabe and junior Taylor Molstad contributed with 10 points each and sophomore Marissa Hirchert added 10 points.
 
"It's always great seeing five kids in double figures in scoring. Anna Haugen was a stud on the glass," Larsen said. "I'm very happy with the win but even happier with the way we played."
 
The Cowgirls were paced by Ari Baca with 19 points while teammate Brianna Pribble contributed with 10 markers.
 
The win gives the Lady Hardrockers a 4-8 overall record and improve to 2-5 in the RMAC. Next up, SD Mines heads to Golden, Colo., Saturday for a 1 p.m. rematch with Colorado Mines. Back on Dec. 10, The Orediggers escaped with a 64-61 overtime win in Rapid City.