Crookston, Minn. – Pushing their win total to 21 games, the Northern State University women's basketball team defeated Minnesota Crookston 68-52 in Friday basketball action. The Wolves improve to 20-6 overall and 14-6 in the NSIC.
 
Trailing early in the first half, Northern fought back to gain the lead with just under ten minutes remaining. Alexis Tappe tied the game up for the Wolves and Kara Hofschild added a bucket to take the lead. NSU did not look back, leading by as much as 19 in the second half of play and holding the Golden Eagles at bay.
 
Rachel Krogman led the Northern attack with 20 points and 14 rebounds for her 16^th double-double of the season. Krogman added four assists and two blocks while shooting 50 percent from the floor. Fellow senior, Megan Mutchler, continued to play well adding 16 points and five rebounds of her own in the win.
 
The NSU offense shot 43.1 percent from the floor and 80 percent from the foul line; while the defense held UMC to a field goal percentage of 31.7. The Wolves tapped into their strengths out-rebounding the Golden Eagles by 20 in the game, 49-29, with 15 offensive boards.
 
Kara Hofschild scored a season high ten points, going perfect from both the floor and the free-throw line. Hofschild added two assists and two steals in her 18 minutes of play. Sadie Stotesbery tallied nine points, five rebounds, one assist, block, and steal in the game. Stotesbery record one of the team's two three point baskets in the win. Paige Waytashek and Devon Brecke each recorded six rebounds for the Wolves, and five and four points respectively. Waytashek added three assists and three steals, as Brecke notched two assists and one block. Sami Smith and Alexis Tappe each scored two points for Northern in the win.
 
Northern recorded 15 points off of 12 Crookston turnovers, and 32 total points in the paint. The solid shooting marks the 18^th time this season the Wolves have shot above 40 percent. Likewise, the Wolves 49 rebounds mark the 22^nd time this season, NSU has out-rebounded their opponents and the fifth time this season they have achieved the feet by 20 or more boards.
 
The women will be back in action tomorrow from Bemidji State for the final regular season game of the year. Tip is set for 4 p.m. between the Wolves and the Beavers.