MINOT, N.D. -- The Minot State women's basketball team will open the 2018-19 season on Sunday (Nov. 11) on the road at Montana State-Northern at 7 p.m. in the Armory Gymnasium.

The Beavers, who were the 10th-most improved team in NCAA Division II last season, split a pair of exhibition games in late October. Minot State lost to Valley City State 67-66 and defeated Dickinson State 86-53.

Mariah Payne scored 17 points to lead four players in double figures for Minot State in the loss to Valley City State. Madison Wald and Anna Counts each scored 12 points, while Kari Clements finished with 11 points for the Beavers.

Payne led four players in double figures with 16 points in the Beavers victory over Dickinson State at 4 Bears Casino & Lodge. Payne finished the game 6-of-8 from the floor and also had an assist and a steal. Clements added 13 points for the Beavers, while Azaria Reed and Whitney Molina each scored 10 points.

Minot State was selected to finish seventh in the North Division, and 14th overall, in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Preseason Poll.

Montana State-Northern is 3-0 on the season having claimed victories over Mount Royal, Northwest (Wash.) and Northwest Christian.