UMD Women Drop Season Opener

NSO – NEWS RELEASE

The University of Minnesota Duluth took on the No. 7 ranked Fort Hays State Tigers on Friday afternoon. The Bulldogs put up a strong fight against the top 10 opponent, but was unable to match the Tigers offense on the afternoon, losing 59-51.

UMD would shoot 18-55 on the afternoon, dropping in two three’s and going 13-17 from the line. Fort Hays would make 22 baskets on 56 attempts, making eight three’s and going 7-17 from the line.

In the first quarter, the Bulldogs got off to a slow start, only shoots 3-14 (21.4%) from the floor in the seasons opening frame. UMD would muster seven points, while FHSU would put up 18 in the quarter, shooting 7-14 (50.0%). The second quarter saw the Bulldogs pick things up. UMD would put up eight in the quarter, but managed to hold the Tigers to only 12. The Bulldogs would trail the Tigers 15-30 at the end of the half.

UMD would battle their way back into the game, putting in five points in the third off of turnovers, and putting up 17 points in the third quarter to chip away at Fort Hays State University’s lead. The Bulldogs would pull to within eight, with the score being 35-43. The final frame was intense until the finish, with UMD bringing it back to within three points at 49-52. The Tigers would end up dropping seven points before the game would finish, with the Bulldogs only putting up three.

Sophomore forward Brooke Olson finished shooting 6-14, going 3-4 from the line and putting up 15 points with eight rebounds (two offensive, six defensive). Junior guard/forward Payton Kahl finished with 11 points, two steals, two blocks, shooting 5-10 and 1-2 for free throws. Junior forward Sarah Grow would score nine in the effort, grabbing six defensive rebounds, shooting 3-8 from the floor and 3-4 from the line.