GOLDEN, Colo. --- The South Dakota School of Mines women's basketball team put up a good fight against the Colorado School of Mines Friday night in Golden, Colorado, during a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference matchup, but a depleted Hardrocker roster and a strong inside and mid-range game gave the Orediggers a slight edge and eventual win, 78-56.
The Hardrockers looked strong out of the gate, matching their Colorado counterparts point-for -point. After the first 10 minutes, the Orediggers led by one, 19-18.
The second quarter saw the home team go on a 9-0 run and took a one-point advantage going into halftime, 40-28.
The 'Rockers started the second half strong again, keeping pace with Colorado School of Mines as each team posted 17 points in the third quarter, but much like the second quarter, the final period saw the home team pull away from SD Mines, outscoring the Hardrockers, 21-11.
SD Mines had some good looks at the basket on offense, but the ball wouldn't fall through the hoop down the stretch. The 'Rockers shot 36.1 percent from the field on the night, converting 22-61 attempts, including 4-30 from three-point range. The connected on 8-11 from the free throw line, collected 30 rebounds, had eight assists, three steals and three blocks.
The Orediggers were able convert 18 second-chance points which was a big factor in the game. The home team finished shooting 50 percent from the field, making good on 34-68 attempts, including 6-17 from long range. They hit 4-9 from the foul line, collected 47 rebounds (15 offensive), notched 19 assists, four steals and one block.
Individually for the Hardrockers,
Taylor Molstad cashed in for 14 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal.
Sami Steffeck also registered 14 points and added four rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Molly McCabe added 11 points while
Anna Combalia contributed with seven and
Melissa Johnstone tacked on five.
Colorado School of Mines was led by Denali Pinto with 16 points, Courtney Stanton added 14 while Raven Herrera, Anna Kollmorgen and Madelene McDonald all dished in 10 markers.
