VALLEY CITY - The Valley City State women's basketball team battled hard defensively, with a team total of 30 defensive rebounds and eight steals against Bellevue University, but fell short as Bellevue pulled away late in the fourth quarter to secure a 60-50 victory.
 
The Vikings went 7-for-8 on free throws throughout the game to help the steady and strong deficit, and JayCee Richter posted eight points in the third quarter to help with the fight. VCSU drops to 11-10 overall and 3-6 in the conference. Bellevue improves to 12-9 on the season and 4-5 in the North Star.
 
The Vikings remained within reaching distance throughout the first half. Clutch two-pointers from Ashlyn Diemert and two strategic steals helped the Vikings secure only a 4-point deficit, 17-13, going into the second quarter.
 
The Bruins opened up the first half with an explosive edge. Ashtyn Arnold found the basket right away and helped the Bruins secure an early lead in the first half, 4-0. The lead for the Bruins stayed within single digits as the Vikings battled back against the Bruins with a halftime score of 27-31. JayCee Richter was able to record eight points in the third quarter helping the Vikings fight back, trailing just 43-39.
 
Leading into the fourth quarter, Kaylee Dunker was able to secure the ten-point lead for the Bruins with a 3-pointer to hold a 51-41 advantage. Olivia Backus helped the Vikings battle back with a shot under the basket helping the Vikings come back within a 7-point deficit, 46-53. Ultimately, the shots for Bellevue kept falling and they were able to secure the win with a ten-point win, 60-50.
 
VCSU shot 32 percent from the field (21-65) and 87 percent from the free throw line (7-8) Friday. Bellevue shot 34 percent overall (16-47) and 81 percent for free throws (22-27).
 
The two teams tied for defensive rebounds, 30, and VCSU lead with total rebounds, 42. VCSU and Bellevue each totaled 9 assists and 17 turnovers in the game.
 
Three Vikings found themselves as top scorers Friday including Diemert (10), Richter (8) and Olivia Backus (8). Braaten grabbed a team-high nine rebounds while Aslesen pulled down eight. Braaten dished a team-best four assists and Diemert tallied three steals for the Vikings.
 
Bellevue was led by Denker who scored 13 points and pulled down 12 rebounds Friday. Ashtyn Arnold added 10 points and Zakiyyah Muhammad scored seven points for the Bruins.
 
UP NEXT: VCSU is back home tomorrow to face Dakota State for another conference doubleheader on Saturday afternoon. The women tip at 3 p.m. followed by the men at 5 p.m.