Tigers topple Chargers, host GPAC semifinals on Saturday

MITCHELL, S.D. – The No. 9 Dakota Wesleyan University women's basketball team opened up the Great Plains Athletic Conference Tournament, controlling the game from tip-off and never looked back as they defeated Briar Cliff University, 94-60 Wednesday night at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, S.D.

 Senior Erica Herrold (Dimock, S.D.) started the scoring for the Tigers (25-5, 15-5 GPAC) with a layup just over a minute into the game. With 3:28 remaining in the opening quarter, DWU scored 12 unanswered points following back-to-back 3-pointers by Amber Bray (Anoka, Minn.) and Ashley Bray (Anoka, Minn.). The scoring did not stop there for the Tigers as they reeled off 23 points in the second quarter and took a 49-24 lead into halftime.

 The third quarter saw much of the same as Chesney Nagel (Springfield, S.D.) and Rylie Osthus (De Smet, S.D.) opened up the scoring with six-straight points capped off by an Ashley Bray 3-pointer. DWU scored 28 points and shot 67 percent from the field in the third quarter.

 During the final stanza the Tigers grew their lead to as much as 39 points while every player saw the court for DWU. The Tigers shot 38-of-63 for 60 percent from the field, 6-of-15 for 40 percent from deep and 12-of-18 for 67 percent from the charity stripe in the contest. DWU outrebounded the Chargers (14-17, 8-12 GPAC) 40-15 and scored 56 points in the paint to Briar Cliff's 30.

 Ashley Bray led all scorers with 21 points and six rebounds. Kristin Sabers (Mitchell, S.D.) came off the bench to tally 15 points while Osthus registered 11 points, seven boards and six assists. Herrold recorded 10 points and Kynedi Cheeseman (Alexandria, S.D.) added eight points.

 The Tigers are back in action in the semifinals of the GPAC Tournament as they host Doane College at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, S.D.