ABERDEEN, S.D. (VCSU) – The Valley City State women’s basketball couldn’t keep up with Dakota State Friday night at the Dakota Clash Classic, falling to the Trojans 70-49.

The Trojans used a strong first quarter to build a 16-9 advantage that helped set up a lead they wouldn’t give up the rest of the way. VCSU drops to 4-2 on the season while Dakota State improves to 5-3.

Valley City State shot 37 percent from the field Friday (19-52), 23 percent (3-13) from 3-point range, and 62 percent on free throws (8-13). Dakota State shot 40 percent on field goals (23-57), 18 percent on 3’s (5-28) and 73 percent from the charity stripe (19-26).

VCSU held a 36-24 rebounding advantage, including 11 on the offensive glass. Dakota State totaled 20 points in the paint and 38 bench points Friday while VCSU posted 18 points in the paint and 30 points off its bench.

Ashlyn Diemert posted a team-high 11 points off the Viking bench while going 4-for-6 from the field. Madison Wilhelmi added seven points off the bench while starters Hailey Roberts and Taryn Dieterle each added six points for the Vikings.

JayCee Richter grabbed a team-best seven rebounds Friday while Dieterle and Diemert each pulled down five.

Dakota State had three players score in double figures, led by Savannah Walsdorf who scored 14 points on 6-for-8 shooting. Caitlyn Dyer scored 13 points and Morgan Huber added 11 for Dakota State. Elsie Aslesen totaled a team-high seven rebounds and two blocked shots for the Trojans.  

UP NEXT: VCSU rounds out play at the Dakota Clash against Presentation College on Saturday. Tip is scheduled for 4 p.m. in Aberdeen, S.D.