BOX SCORE

ABERDEEN, S.D. – It took all of three minutes and 15 seconds for the Northern State Wolves women's basketball squad to grab their first lead of the season Sunday and they would not relinquish it the rest of the way en route to a 73-58 non-conference victory over Colorado Christian in their season opener. 

The Cougars, picked to finish second in the East Division of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, were held to 36.7% shooting in the game.  The Wolves, on the other hand, shot a blistering 52.6% (30-57) including 3-8 from behind the arc.

The poor shooting from the Cougars was a direct result of the tough inside presence by junior Krista Rabenberg, who notched a career-high nine blocked shots in the game and recorded eight rebounds to lead her squad.  As a team the Wolves had 10 blocks in the contest, 11 steals, and forced 20 CCU turnovers.

Offensively, sensational sophomores Mikayla Barondea and Emily Becken each notched a game-high 17 points in the win, each making seven field goals, one three pointer, and making both of their free throw attempts.

Barondeau also grabbed seven rebounds, dished out six assists, recorded the other block, and had two steals while being on the court for 36 minutes.  Becken, who shot 70% from the field, grabbed three rebounds, dished out three assists, and also recorded two steals in finishing one point shy of her career-high for points scored in a game.

Junior Jodi Reinschmidt picked right up where she left off last year before suffering a season-ending knee injury, in notching 12 points and recording six rebounds in her first game back in a Wolves uniform.  She recorded three steals and an assist in 37 minutes of action on the night.

The Wolves will be back in action tomorrow when they play their second game of the Super 8 Tip-Off Classic in Aberdeen against Colorado School of Mines.  CSM lost in the first game Sunday by 72-48 to Wayne State.

Tip-off is slated for 6:00 p.m. tomorrow evening, following after the 4:00 p.m. matchup between Colorado Christian and Wayne State.

Northern State University is an NCAA Division II affiliated school participating in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and is located in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

**GO WOLVES**