WINONA, Minn. - The Winona State University women's basketball team opened a two-game NSIC home stand strongly on Friday, beating Augustana University 64-52 in McCown Gymnasium, home of WNB Financial Court.
Winona State (7-16, 6-12 NSIC) was led by Emma Carpenter with 15 points while Warrior teammate Alex Dornfeld secured a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Hailey Markworth added 10 points to the WSU effort in the key NSIC victory.
How it Happened:
Winona State overcame a 12-6 deficit early on to battle back in the opening quarter, eventually tying the game 14-14 on a Vivica Bretton 3-pointer. Back-to-back baskets by Hailey Markworth and Vanessa Alexander pushed WSU into their first substantial lead of the night.
Following a 20-17 Warrior advantage in the first quarter, WSU would go on to achieve a nine-point lead midway through the second quarter, with Mattie Schmienz scoring to put Winona State up 31-22. Alex Dornfeld would finish off the Warrior scoring with a layup with under one minute to play, giving WSU a 38-23 lead at the break.
At the Half: WSU 38, Augustana 23
After halftime, Winona State would see Dornfeld drain a 3-pointer to open the third quarter and the period would finish with Emma Carpenter hitting from behind the arc to give WSU a 14-point lead at 54-40.
In the fourth frame, the Warriors held off a Vikings rally, with Augustana cutting the WSU lead back to single-digits at 56-49. However, a 6-2 run with just under three minutes to play gave Winona State some breathing room and the Warriors went on to claim the win 64-52.
WSU Stats Standouts:
Emma Carpenter 15 points, including 3-of-6 from behind the arc
Alex Dornfeld 14 points, 12 rebounds, 2 steals
Hailey Markworth 10 points
Team Stats Comparables:
Winona State was 8-of-16 (50.0%) from behind the arc while the Vikings were 10-of-28 (35.7%) on 3's.
At the free throw line, Augie was just 2-of-8 (25%) & WSU was 10-of-12 (83.3%).
The Vikings out-rebounded the Warriors 37-31, but WSU notched 9 steals, compared to 3 for AU.
Beyond the Boxscore:
Alex Dornfeld has now notched five double-doubles in the 2023-24 season.
With a 53-44 over Augie earlier this year, WSU claims a sweep in the series on the year.
This season, Winona State snapped a six-game skid versus the Vikings.
Up Next:
Winona State (7-16, 6-12 NSIC) continues the Warrior home stand, taking on Wayne State College tomorrow, Saturday, February 9. The Warriors and Wildcats will face off at 3:30 p.m. in McCown Gymnasium, home of WNB Financial Court.
