VALLEY CITY – Valley City State senior Ashlyn Diemert scored her 1,000^th career point in the Viking uniform as VCSU won its season opener over Providence University 118-36 at the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse. VCSU's 118 points Saturday ranks second all-time.
 
Entering the game, Diemert needed just 12 points to eclipse the 1,000 mark. She reached the milestone on a 3-pointer with 2:31 before the half. VCSU held a 59-25 lead at halftime en route to the 118-36 win. The Vikings open the season at 1-0. Providence is now 0-3 on the season.
 
The Viking defense forced 25 Pilot turnovers in the first half to help the early lead. The Vikings held Providence to just eight points in the second quarter and six points in the third to help build its lead. VCSU outscored Providence 29-5 in the final 10 minutes to secure the big home win.
 
VCSU shot 51 percent from the field (50-98), 31 percent on 3-pointers (9-29) and 64 percent on free throws (9-14). Providence shot 24 percent overall (12-51), 19 percent on 3's (4-21) and 44 percent at the free throw line (8-18). The Vikings held a 53-42 rebounding advantage, including 13 on the offensive glass.  
 
The Vikings scored 57 paint points, 13 points off turnovers and 12 second chance points.
 
VCSU was led by Abby Aslesen in her Viking debut with 23 total points, including 21 in the first half. Tilda Mauritzson and Aubrey Prunty each scored 14 points off the bench to help VCSU's 61 bench points. Diemert finished with 15 points and Klaire Cotton totaled 11 points to round out Vikings scoring in double figures. Cotton pulled down a career-best 11 rebounds and Aslesen pulled down seven. 

Avery Kuklinski and Elyse Hebrink each dished five assists for the Vikings while Olivia Backus and Ellie Braaten each recorded four. Hebrink added five steals for the Viking defense.
 
UP NEXT: VCSU rematches Providence on Sunday at 12 p.m. at the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse.