Warriors Pull Away in 3rd Quarter for 77-51 Win over Lady Spartans

The Ridgewater women's basketball team rode a 25-11 third quarter to a 77-51 victory over the M State lady Spartans on Saturday afternoon in Willmar.  Ridgewater led 17-14 after one quarter and 35-27 at the half, but the 14 point separation in the third quarter gave the home team a comfortable 22 point lead heading into the final 10 minutes.

A balanced attack was the key for the Warriors as they placed five of their six players in double figures.  Three of them, Julia Hines, Kaydence Bertram, Ellaina Bergstrom and Lily Dean scored 14 points each, while Grace Jackson finished with 13.  Shakira Olson came off the bench to score 8 points and secure a team high 9 rebounds. Dean led the team with 9 assists. Ridgewater shot 45.5% (30-66) from the field and made 10-of-20 (50%) shots from 3-point range, while going a perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line.  They also took excellent care of the ball with only 8 turnovers in the game.

M State won the rebounding battle, 32-26, led by Madi Foss with 13 boards.  Foss completed her double-double with 17 points.  Tenley Epema (8 points, 5 assists), Kaitlyn Olson (8 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists), Felicity LeBlanc (8 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks) and Kharmon Wells (10 points) all contributed.  M State shot 41.2% (21-51) from the field and hit 29.4% (5-17) of their 3's.

The Lady Spartans (6-11 overall, 0-6 MCAC South) will host Rochester in their final home game of the season on Wednesday at 5:30pm in Fergus Falls.