SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -
Emily Kieck scored a season-high 21 points on Saturday, Dec. 11, but the University of Sioux Falls Cougars built up a sizable first-half lead and held off the Warriors in the final 20 minutes to defeat WSU, 74-54.
Down eight at the break, Winona State attempted to mount a comeback effort through Kieck, who had her best scoring outing of the season so far. Kieck earned 10 trips to the foul line, converting eight times, and led the Warriors in minutes played at 37.
On the boards,
Kaitlyn Schrimpf and
Vanessa Alexander each had four rebounds, while
Emma Fee had three. Alexander notched 10 points, also a season-high, and had three blocked shots in the game, all in the first half. Schrimpf added seven points to the Warrior effort.
As a team, Winona State shot 40.8% from the floor and hit 9-of-13 free throws, good for 69.2%. The Warriors continued to be cold from behind the arc, going just 5-of-22 from 3-point land, while Sioux Falls was 8-of-18. The Cougars held a 39-26 edge in overall rebounds.
The Cougars extended their winning streak over Winona State to four games. USF is 7-3 overall, 4-1 in the NSIC South.
Winona State will now return home for a pair of home games, as the Warriors host Wayne State College on Friday, Dec.17, and Augustana University on Saturday, Dec. 18. Start time against the Wildcats is set for 7:30pm on Friday. WSU will take on the Vikings at 5:30pm on Saturday in McCown Gymnasium, home of WNB Financial Court.
For the most up-to-date news in Warrior Athletics, please visit: www.WINONASTATEWARRIORS.com and @WinonaStateATH.
About Winona State University Athletics:
The Winona State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, as an integral part of the educational mission of the institution, is committed to offering opportunities to experience academic and athletic excellence for our student-athletes through two simple words: Graduate Champions.
Fourteen Warrior programs compete at the NCAA Division II level within the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Winona State University competes as an affiliate member of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) in the sport of women's gymnastics
