MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University's defense in the first half was downright nasty.

The Beavers limited Valley City State to just five field goals and 15 total points en route to a 67-54 win over the Vikings in Dakota Athletic Conference women's basketball Sunday at the MSU Dome.

“Our intensity was real good, we were aggressive,” said MSU head coach Sheila Green Gerding. “I thought our press hurt them early and kept them out of rhythm. For a good portion of this game, our defense was good. And the things that hurt us were simple mistakes, not effort.”

The Beavers (14-6 overall, 5-4 DAC) only had one hiccup on the defensive end and that came late in the contest. MSU led by as many as 20 points in the second half, but VCSU cut the lead to eight with a basket by Brittnay Lehner with 3:30 to play in the game. MSU countered on the next possession with a big 3-pointer by senior Whitney Loftesnes (G, Velva, N.D.) to push it back to double-digit lead.

“Huge,” said Green Gerding about the shot. “The coaching staff was thinking about taking a time out if we don't score and Whitney drills that one and we said 'we're OK.' That's a senior making a big play.”

MSU caused 19 VCSU turnovers and held a 37-20 rebounding advantage, giving up just six offensive boards. Especially early in the game when the Vikings were misfiring, rebounding was key.

“We talked about it before the game that a real key to the game would be to keep them off the boards,” Green Gerding said. “It has to be a mindset. We did a good job, especially early, of limiting them to just one shot.”

The Beavers had great balance as three players scored in double figures and six had six or more. Sacarra Molina (So., G, Hinsdale, Mont.) paced the team with 14, while Katie Hardy (Fr., F, Fairview, Mont.) and Kelly Pankratz (Sr., G, Malta, Mont.) added 11 each.

“One of the things we talked about was that when we penetrate, they send two after you and she executed the game plan to a tee,” said Green Gerding referring to Molina. “To her credit, she took advantage of what they were giving us.”

The Vikings (15-8, 5-4) got 15 points apiece from Kristin Bearstail and Amanda Brown and eight points from Lehner. Brown paced her team with six rebounds.

Loftesnes added nine points for MSU, while Molina finished with four assists and six rebounds. Hardy paced the team with eight rebounds and added two steals.

The Beavers play on the road for the final time in Dakota Athletic Conference regular season action as they travel to Mayville State Friday and head to Madison, S.D., Saturday for a matchup with Dakota State.