The Valley City State women's basketball team beat Northwestern College for what's believed to be the first time in school history Friday afternoon at the Isreal-Strong Classic in Aberdeen, S.D.
Georgia Williams led the Vikings with 24 points as Valley City State built a 17-point fourth quarter lead, and then held off a late charge for a 73-68 victory.
VCSU was previously 0-8 against Northwestern College, dating back to the 2006 season.
On Friday, Northwestern jumped out to a 10-5 lead early in the first quarter. The Vikings responded with 13 straight points to build an 18-10 lead as VCSU would not trail the rest of the way.
VCSU (3-1, 1-0 NSAA) led 21-16 after the first quarter, 38-27 at halftime, and 58-44 entering the fourth quarter. The Vikings extended the lead to 61-44 on a Williams 3-pointer early in the fourth. The Red Raiders (0-1, 0-0 GPAC) battled to within five points in the final minutes, but the Vikings made enough free throws to hold off the charge.
"Coach Karlgaard said it best, 'We had to match Northwestern's hustle and we were able to do that for much of the game,'" said Viking head coach Jill DeVries. "We finally shot the ball like we believe we are capable and defended them well in the half court."
The Vikings finished the game at 48 percent overall (28-58) and 50 percent on 3's (6-12). VCSU was 11-for-16 at the free throw line. Northwestern also shot 48 percent from the field (28-59) and was 4-18 on 3's and 8-15 on free throws.
Williams led the Vikings with 24 points, including four 3-pointers, and seven assists. Lexi Lennon added 14 points, and Mackenzie Huber scored nine points and dished out four assists. Alli Vandal and Courtney Magnuson scored six points each.
Northwestern was led by 13 points from Whitney Vander Maten and 12 each from Haley Birks and Renee Maneman.
Northwestern had 32 rebounds, including 12 offensive. The Vikings finished with 24 rebounds, six on the offensive glass. VCSU committed 22 turnovers and had 17 assists. Northwestern had 23 turnovers and 18 assists.
Both teams are receiving votes in the NAIA Top 25 Preseason Poll.
Up next: Valley City State (3-1, 1-0 NSAA) plays Viterbo University at 11 a.m. Saturday in Aberdeen. VCSU beat Viterbo 64-48 earlier this season. Saturday's game counts as a conference game.
