VALLEY CITY – The Valley City State women's basketball team fell to nationally-ranked conference leaders Mayville State University Friday night, 70-62.

The Vikings outscored the Comets 40-39 in the second half, but Mayville State's seven-point first quarter advantage allowed them to hold onto the lead throughout the game.

Mayville State led by as much as 17 points in the third quarter when the Vikings struck back in front of their home crowd. The Vikings went on an 11-2 run capped by a Dani Schwanke 3-pointer to cut the Comet lead to eight at the end of the third, 46-38.

The Vikings continued to battle back throughout the fourth quarter. A Maara Nelson bucket with 3:56 on the clock sent the Vikings on a late 11-3 run. With 0:31 left in the game, another 3-pointer from Schwanke would get the Vikings within four points but Comet free throws from Claire Blascziek sealed the Comet victory.

Valley City falls to 7-10 this the season and 4-2 in the North Star. Mayville State improves to 16-2 overall and 5-0 in the NSAA.

Valley City State shot 27 percent from the field (20-72), 14 percent on 3's (3-21), and 76 percent from the free throw line (19-25). Mayville State shot 36 percent from the field (22-61), 23 percent on 3's (7-31), and 91 percent from the free throw line (19-21).

Three Vikings scored in double figures Friday night, led by Maara Nelson with 17, and Macey Kvilvang and Dani Schwanke with 12 each. Mackenzie Huber pulled down a team-high nine rebounds for the Vikings.

Claire Blascziek scored a team-high 22 points for Mayville State including a perfect 9-for-9 at the free throw line. Nicole Bunting added 14 points for the Comets while Kylee Heurung tallied a team-high nine rebounds Friday.

UP NEXT: Valley City State hosts Presentation College on Saturday, Jan. 25, for a conference doubleheader. The women will tip at 3 p.m. followed by the men at 5 p.m.