The Valley City State women's basketball team dropped a tough conference road game Saturday night, falling 63-55 at No. 19-ranked Dickinson State University.

After trailing by as many as nine in the fourth quarter, VCSU rallied to within four points but could not complete the comeback attempt.

Valley City State drops to 12-8 overall and 5-2 in the North Star Athletic Association. Dickinson State improves to 17-5 overall and 5-1 in conference play. The Blue Hawks currently sit in second in the NSAA standings. VCSU and Mayville State are tied for third.

VCSU started the game strong Saturday night, opening up an 11-4 lead after six minutes of play. The Vikings led 13-7 after the first quarter. Dickinson State outscored VCSU 16-8 in the second quarter to take a 23-21 halftime lead. VCSU was never able to take a second half lead, getting as close at 48-45 early in the fourth quarter.

The Vikings were hampered by 32 percent shooting in the game, going 20-for-62 from the field. Valley City State finished at 29 percent from 3-point range (6-for-21) and 69 percent from the free throw line (9-13).

Three Vikings scored in double figures, led by Georgia Williams who had 15 points, four rebounds and four assists. Sara Schwanke scored 12 points on 5-for-10 shooting and Lexi Lennon had 10 points and six rebounds. Courtney Dixon added eight points and freshmen centers Nya Chakin and Mackenzie Huber combined for 15 rebounds.

Dickinson State shot 34 percent overall (25-73), 12 percent from 3-point range (2-17) and 85 percent at the free throw line (11-13).

Megan Klein posted a double-double of 19 points and 20 rebounds, and Janniqua Thomas had 15 points and five rebounds.

Up next: Valley City State (12-8, 5-2 NSAA) is back home for three games in a row, starting Wednesday against Mayville State University. Wednesday's women's game tips at 5:30 p.m. from the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse.