Balanced scoring and strong defense pushes Tigers past (RV) Warriors

MITCHELL, S.D. – Three players reached double figures as the Dakota Wesleyan University women's basketball team ran past conference foe (RV) Midland University in Great Plains Athletic Conference play to secure the upset victory by a score of 61-38 Saturday at the the Corn Palace in Mitchell, S.D.

 A jumper by Matti Reiner (Tripp, S.D.) off the assist from Haidyn Pitsch (Prior Lake, Minn.) kickstarted Dakota Wesleyan moments into the first quarter. After multiple 3-pointers by Pitsch, the Tigers (4-4, 2-4 GPAC) extended the lead to 12-3 midway through the opening frame. A pair of free throws by Sydnaya Dunn (Sioux Falls, S.D.) capped off an impressive first quarter as DWU led Midland 18-7 entering the second quarter.

 The Warriors (9-4, 6-4 GPAC) cut the deficit down to seven initially in the second period, however, multiple baskets in the lane by Campbell halted any momentum for Midland. An offensive rebound and layup by Rynn Osthus (De Smet, S.D.) pushed the DWU advantage to 15 points at the 4:10 mark, forcing the Warriors to burn a timeout. Despite a 5-0 run by MID to close the quarter, Dakota Wesleyan retained a 30-18 halftime lead while holding the Warriors to under 20% shooting from the field in the first half.

 On the opening possession of the third quarter, an offensive rebound by Kaylee Kirk (Balaton, Minn.) led to another 3-pointer by Pitsch extending the Tiger lead back to 15 points. The Tigers outscored Midland 24-16 in the third frame.

 Multiple layups by Campbell propelled Dakota Wesleyan to a 47-30 advantage with under four minutes left to play in the third frame. The 6-4 junior recorded her first double-double of the season securing 15 points and 15 rebounds. Grace Imbery (Aberdeen, S.D.) rattled off five consecutive points to finish the third quarter as DWU held a 54-34 lead heading into the final period.

 With the game fully in control, a pair of free throws by Pitsch midway through the final quarter gave the Tigers a 57-36 lead. An easy basket in the lane by Abbigail Magnuson (Buxton, N.D.) off the assist from Mya Wilson (Sioux Falls, S.D.) culminated the Tiger's 61-38 upset victory over Midland.

 A trio of Tigers finished in double figures as Campbell's double-double performance led all scorers with 15 points. Meanwhile, Pitsch reached double figures for the seventh time this season scoring 13 points along with six boards. Reiner also secured a double-double, her second of the season, finishing with 10 points and 10 boards. DWU held Midland to 17.7% shooting from the field on the afternoon and collected 57 rebounds and 19 assists.

 Dakota Wesleyan returns to action versus Hastings College at 4 p.m. on Tuesday from the Corn Palace in Mitchell, S.D.