RAPID CITY, S.D. --- On Saturday afternoon, the Hardrocker women's basketball team faced off with the Skyhawks from Fort Lewis. The Hardrockers had a great showing on both ends of the court, sending out their senior on a good note, with a 93-73 victory.
How it Happened – The Hardrockers started off flying in the first quarter, getting six points from
Naomi Hidalgo and
Madelyn Heiser. At that point the team was shooting 7-10 overall and 3-3 from three and the team held a double-digit lead. South Dakota Mines' offense would continue to roll. Going into the second, the 'Rockers held a 30-16 lead.
Early in the second, the Hardrockers offense would slow, scoring two points in the first five minutes, and the Skyhawks narrowed the deficit to 10, 32-22 with a Kelsey Sorensen layup. A Heiser three with 3:27 to play increased the Hardrockers lead back to double-digits, 38-27. Going into the locker rooms, the Hardrockers had a 10-point, 42-32 lead. At halftime, the Hardrockers were shooting 53.8% from the floor and 45.3% from three-point range.
In the third quarter, the Hardrockers offense would get back going again, with three straight makes from behind the arc from senior
Bailey Johnson, Heiser, and
Piper Bauer. The Hardrockers were in control, leading 56-38. With 3:18 to play, Lanae Billy hit her first shot of the game. The Rockers' did a phenomenal job shutting down the Skyhawks' top offensive threat and of the top scorers in the conference. Following it,
Bailey Johnson hit another three, giving South Dakota Mines a 20-point advantage, 63-43. Johnson would catch fire, scoring 8 straight, followed by a Bauer three and two more Johnson free throws. Fort Lewis would close the quarter with a layup, but the Hardrockers were in control, leading 73-49.
The first few minutes of the fourth didn't provide much offense, the Hardrockers were still in control, leading 79-60 with 6:22 to play. The offense would get it going once again, powered by Johnson and Heiser and the Hardrockers rolled to victory, 93-73.
Notes – Bailey Johnson led the offensive attack in her final home game, scoring 22 points with 18 in the second half…Johnson played 39 of 40 minutes in the game, shooting 4-8 from the field, 2-5 from three, and 12-13 from the free throw line…
Madelyn Heiser added 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists…
Sydnee Durtsche added 8 rebounds.
Up Next – The Hardrockers are on the road for their final two games of the season next weekend, as they take on Chadron State and Colorado Christian Friday and Saturday for 5:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. tip-offs.
About South Dakota Mines
The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) and NCAA Division II offering 11 men's and women's varsity intercollegiate athletic programs. The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference is a premier NCAA Division II conference with 15 members, as well as four associate members, located in the states of California, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Utah.
