Wayne, Neb. – The Northern State University women's basketball team notched a 24 point victory in the 2014-15 season opener at the Wayne State Tournament. The Wolves topped Northwest Missouri State 73-49 in the NSIC/MIAA Crossover Challenge.
 
Senior Megan Mutchler led the Wolves with 17 points in the victory, shooting 7-for-9 from the floor. Mutchler added six rebounds, two assists, and two steals in the match-up. Rachel Krogman and Paige Waytashek each shot in double digits on the night, scoring 14 and ten points respectively. Krogman led the team with nine rebounds and five assists.
 
Offensively, the Wolves shot 53.7 percent from the floor, while notching five baskets, for fifteen points, from the arch. NSU out-rebounded the Bearcats 35-30, and scored 10 second chance points off 12 offensive rebounds. Northern scored 24 points off the bench led by Kara Hofschild with eight on the night. Eleven different Wolves scored in the match-up, while fourteen hit the floor.
 
Northern's largest lead of the game came with just four minutes remaining, as the Wolves led by 31 points with a score of 68-37. The Wolves led all but 14 seconds in the 40 minute game, with the Bearcats falling behind early and often. Northwest committed 14 turnovers in the contest, which NSU returned for 22 points in the win.
 
Defensively, the Wolves held the Bearcats to only one player in double digit points and a shooting percentage of 37.5. Northern forced 14 turnovers, and held NWMSU scoreless from three point range.
 
The Wolves will be back in action tomorrow from the Wayne State Tournament, as they take on Nebraska-Kearney. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. from Rice Auditorium.