RAPID CITY, S.D. --- It took a little bit to get going, but once the South Dakota School of Mines women's basketball team found its groove, there was no stopping them Tuesday night as the Hardrocker women defeated the Black Hills State Yellow Jackets, 61-42, during a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference game at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Ice Arena in Rapid City, S.D.

It may have been playing under the bright lights of the Ice Arena, or the nerves of the Lady 'Rockers 'biggest rival on the schedule, but it wasn't until midway through the first quarter until either side was able to establish their offense.

And it was the Hardrockers that took the momentum. After a two-point first quarter differential, SD Mines took the 11-9 edge, and then outscored the Yellow Jackets, 16-6, in the second period and went into halftime up, 27-15.

In the second half, the Hardrockers continued their assault, with some key perimeter shots. They outscored BHSU, 27-16, in the third which helped pushed them to an impressive double-digit victory.

The Hardrockers finished the game shooting 44 percent from the field hitting 20-45 attempts including 11 three-pointers and were 10-14 from the free throw line. SD Mines grabbed 35 rebounds, had 16 assists, seven steals and three blocks.

It was tough sledding for the Jackets, shooting just 18 percent from the field in the first half, converting 6-34 and ended the bout going 17-62 for 27 percent with just four three-point goals. They were 4-9 from the foul line, recorded 26 rebounds, had 12 assists, 14 steals and one block.

Individually for the Hardrockers, freshman Sami Steffeck led the way with 17 points, including five buckets from behind the arc and added three steals and a block. Sophomore Taylor Molstad and freshman Cooper Courtney contributed to the winning effort with 10 markers each. Freshman Anna Haugen added 14 rebounds, including four offensive.

The Yellow Jackets were paced by Abby Switzer with nine points and Cheyanne Balster added eight points.

The win gives SD Mines an 8-10 overall record and now improve to 6-7 in the RMAC. BHSU falls to 6-11 on the year and 6-7 in the conference.
The Hardrockers are back on the road this weekend, traveling to Salt Lake City, Utah, Friday to face the Westminster College Griffins in a 5:30 p.m. matchup.