The Valley City State women's basketball team suffered a pair of losses against tough competition this weekend in Montana.

The Vikings played two games at the Montana State University-Billings Tournament. The Vikings dropped a 79-52 exhibition game to MSU-Billings – an NCAA Division II school – on Friday, and then lost 69-58 to Carroll College – the No. 7-ranked team in NAIA Division I women's basketball – on Saturday.

Valley City State is now 3-5 overall this season. The Vikings play another exhibition game Tuesday at Minot State University, and then begin conference play Saturday with a road game at Mayville State University.

The Vikings, who are ranked No. 16 in NAIA Division II, have run the gauntlet of games during the first month of the season. VCSU has now played five NCAA Division II schools and four opponents ranked in the NAIA Top 25 polls.

Carroll College started fast on Saturday, opening up a 22-10 lead over the Vikings after the first quarter. VCSU trailed 36-23 at halftime. The Vikings cut the deficit to eight points several times in the second half, but could not overcome the deficit.

Kate Williams made three 3-pointers and finished with 17 points to lead the Vikings. Mackenzie Huber added 13 points and Alli Vandal finished with 10 points, six rebounds and two blocks.

The Vikings shot 45 percent overall (17-38) but were hampered by 23 turnovers in the game. VCSU was 4-for-12 on 3's and 20-for-30 on free throws.

Up next: Valley City State plays a women's and men's exhibition doubleheader Tuesday night at Minot State. The Viking women defeated Minot State by a score of 67-66 earlier this season in Valley City.