The Winona State University women's basketball team returned to the road in taking on Augustana University at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D. Friday evening.
Winona State enjoyed a strong start that resulted in a first quarter advantage of 18-15, but eventually the host Vikings found their offensive rhythm and cleaned up on the boards, ultimately defeating the Warriors 75-57.
WSU enjoyed a 18-15 lead after the opening 10 minutes, but both teams struggled from behind the arc early on, with the Warriors 0-for-4 and AU just 1-for-6. The second quarter saw the hosts improve their offense, outscoring Winona State 22-9 to finish out the half and take a 37-27 lead in the locker room at the break.
Taylor Hustad was the only player from either team to dent the double-digit mark in the first half, scoring ten points and hauling in three rebounds.
When play resumed after halftime, Augustana continued to pull away from Winona State, thanks in part to a significant effort on the boards at both ends of the floor by the home side. Over the course of three quarter of play, the Vikings out-rebounded the Warriors, 30-18, resulting in a 62-41 Augustana advantage on the score board heading into the final frame. WSU held AU to just 13 fourth-quarter points but the damage had been done as reflected in the 75-57 final tally.
Overall, Winona State was 23-of-59 (39.0%) from the floor, but just 3-of-18 (16.7%) from three-point territory. Augustana enjoyed a 22 - 9 margin in terms of points scored off the bench and a 44 - 31 final rebounding mark.
Emily Kieck paced Winona State with 19 points, while Hustad finished with 16 on the evening. Hustad led her team in rebounds with nine, while
Emma Fee and
Kaitlyn Schrimpf had six boards apiece.
Alex Dornfeld added nine points in 14 minutes of work, including a 3-of-4 effort from the floor.
For Augustana, Aislinn Duffy was the top Viking scorer with 17 points, one of three AU players in double figures. Duffy also grabbed 18 rebounds and delivered seven assists.
With the loss, Winona State falls to 11-10 overall, 8-9 in the NSIC, while Augustana improves to 11-7 on the season, 7-7 in league play. The Warriors will look to rebound against Wayne State College on Saturday, Feb. 5 as they tip-off against Wildcats at 3:30pm.
