(MINOT, N.D.) – The Minot State women's basketball team opened up conference play this afternoon with a 66-50 home loss to rival UMary.
 
The Beavers led at halftime but could not handle the Marauders' second-half surge as UMary pulled away in the fourth quarter to take the win.
 
For the Beavers, Mariah Payne led the way with 14 points. Bethany Theodore and Haley Hildenbrand also cracked double-figures with ten points each. Payne also led in the assist category with four and Hildenbrand snagged a team-high eight rebounds. As a team, the Beavers struggled to find a rhythm on offense as they made only one three in nine attempts from behind the arc.
 
The Marauders were led by senior Minot native Cassie Askvig's double-double in points (19) and rebounds (10). Other Marauders to score double-digits were Lauren Rotunda, Coral Gillette, and Macy Williams with 11 points each. Guard Raquel Doll had four assists to lead UMary. Askvig also had a team-high two blocked shots and was 9-for-10 from the free throw line.
 
The Beavers' loss moves their overall record to 3-2 as they are now 0-1 in NSIC play. UMary is now 7-3 overall and 1-0 against NSIC competition.
 
Minot State women's basketball will be back on the court next weekend for their first conference road trip. The Beavers will visit Minnesota Duluth on Friday, Dec. 6 and St. Cloud State on Saturday, Dec. 7.
 
MEDIA: For more information, please contact the Coordinator of Sports Information Josh Van Valkenburg-Gernert.