RAPID CITY, S.D. --- The South Dakota Mines women's basketball hosted the Mountain Lions from the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs Friday night at the King Center. The Hardrockers were victorious in their conference opener.
How it Happened - The Hardrockers jumped out to a fast start in the first quarter going on a 14-0 run after UCCS scored the first basket. The Hardrockers would score 28 points in the quarter and led 28-15 after one quarter of play.
The second quarter started out the same way as the first as the Hardrockers continued to dominate. The balanced offensive attack had South Dakota Mines out to an 18-point lead at the five-minute mark. The Hardrockers would keep the momentum rolling into half leading 45-27.
Piper Bauer had the hot hand in the first half scoring 11 and hitting three three-pointers.
The Hardrockers went up by 20 in the third when Bauer drained a three-pointer at the 6:45 mark. The Mountain Lions mounted a small comeback halfway through the quarter but the Hardrockers stormed back matching the Lions basket for basket. The Lions cut the lead to within 10, but a three pointer by
Bailey Johnson gave the Hardrockers a 13-point lead heading into the fourth quarter 64-51.
The Mountain Lions kept cutting into the Hardrockers lead bringing the score to within nine with 7:00 minutes left in the game. After trading baskets the Hardrocker's lead was only seven with 5:23 left in the fourth quarter. But Bauer's three put the Hardrockers up 72-62. The Hardrockers sealed the game on the back of Janzi Merz's impressive play down the stretch. Johnson would hit a jumper late to give the Hardrockers a 10-point lead 78-68. The Hardrockers would go on to win the game 80-72.
Game Notes – Bauer led the team in scoring with 22…Joining Bauer in double-figures were
Lauren Herman (12),
Naomi Hidalgo (11), and
Bailey Johnson (10)…
Sydnee Durtschee continues to do a great job on the boards as she grabbed 13…
Madelyn Heiser led the team in assists with 4.
Up Next - The Hardrockers will be back in action tomorrow at 4:00 PM at the King Center against the Regis University Rangers.
