MAYVILLE, N.D. – Valley City State started fast and held off a late Comet charge as the Viking women's basketball team opened conference play with a 59-56 victory Friday night.

VCSU jumped out to a 20-11 lead after the first quarter and led by as many as 16 in the first half. The Comets closed to gap to one in the fourth quarter – 49-48 – but Hannah Schlecht, Alli Vandal and Sara Schwanke scored in a 6-0 run as VCSU re-established a comfortable lead and held on down the stretch.

Valley City State improves to 8-3 overall and 1-0 in conference play. The Vikings have now won five games in a row. Mayville State drops to 3-4 overall and 0-1 in conference play.

Lexi Lennon poured in 16 points to lead VCSU's offense. Georgia Williams added 15 points and seven rebounds, including three 3-pointers in the first quarter. Kennedy Henningsgard added nine points and four rebounds, and Vandal had six points and seven rebounds. Hannah Schlecht and Sara Schwanke each added five points, and Kaitlin Connor had two points and seven rebounds.

VCSU shot 37 percent overall (22-60), 27 percent on 3's (6-22) and 60 percent on free throws (9-15). The Vikings had a 43-41 advantage on the glass, and committed 14 turnovers compared to 16 for Mayville.

Mayville State shot 33 percent overall (20-61), 26 percent on 3's (6-23) and 63 percent on free throws (10-16). Andi Gayner led the Comets with 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Claire Blascziek scored 15 points.

Up next: VCSU (8-3, 1-0 NSAA) travels to Presentation College on Saturday. Tip off is at 3 p.m. The game can be heard on KOVC 1490 AM and streamed online at www.newsdakota.com