Viking freshman Lexi Lennon made a game-winning free throw with one second remaining Monday afternoon, lifting the Valley City State women's basketball team to a 53-52 victory over Bethel College (Ind.).

Lennon's clutch free throw capped an 8-1 run to end the game and helped the Vikings win the first game of their 3-game road trip at the St. Thomas University Classic in Miami Gardens, Fla.

The Vikings trailed Bethel College 51-45 Monday, but closed the game with an 8-1 run over the final five minutes of play. Sierra Even's steal led to a fast break layup by Steph Pedersen with 42 seconds to go, tying the game at 52-52. The VCSU defense forced a Bethel miss, setting up the Vikings' final possession where Lennon was fouled with one second remaining. The freshman from West Fargo, N.D., sunk the first of two free throws to clinch the victory.

Pedersen and Lennon led the Viking offense, combining to score the last eight points of the game. Pedersen finished with 12 points and eight rebounds while shooting 5-for-6. Lennon scored 11 points off the bench on 4-for-6 shooting, including a 2-for-3 day from the 3-point arc.

As a team, the Vikings struggled shooting the ball, making just 32 percent overall (19-60). VCSU shot 18 percent from the 3-point line (3-17) and 57 percent on free throws (12-21).

VCSU's Georgia Williams added eight points and four assists, Sierra Even chipped in eight points and six rebounds, and Sadiqah Jihad had six assists and six rebounds.

Bethel College was led by 19 points from Madison Schrock. The Pilots shot just 30 percent overall (16-54) and 19 percent on 3's (4-21).

Up next: Valley City State (9-4) takes on No. 12-ranked Marian University on Tuesday afternoon.