Aberdeen, S.D. – The Northern State women's basketball team was defeated in their first NSIC match-up of the 2016-17 season, falling to MSU Moorhead 51-44. With the loss, the Wolves drop to 0-1 in conference play and 4-1 overall, while the Dragons improve to 1-0 in the NSIC and 4-1 overall.

The two teams entered the half with a score of 23-21 in favor of the Dragons. NSU struggled from the floor shooting 26.1 percent, however remained perfect from the foul line going 6-6.

MSU Moorhead continued their momentum through the final two quarters, outscoring the Wolves by five points in the last 20 minutes to seal their 51-44 victory. Northern State outshot the Dragons from the floor tallying a shooting percentage of 30.0. As a team, the Wolves shot 25.0 percent from the three-point arc and 71.4 percent from the free-throw line.

The Dragons had three starters in double-digits as Cassidy Thorson recorded 18, Drew Sannes compiled 15 and Megan Hintz finished with 13. As a unit, MSU Moorhead tacked on 39 rebounds and forced 15 NSU turnovers. Both teams notched nine steal through 40 minutes of action.

Senior Paige Waytashek led the Wolves with a season-high 13 points and a career-high eight rebounds. Waytashek shot 40.0 percent from three-point range and went 3-3 from the foul line to aid the Wolves offensively. Miranda Ristau followed up with a double-double, collecting 12 points and 12 rebounds for Northern State. Ristau also tallied four assists, three blocks and two steals on the night.

Northern State will continue NSIC play from home next weekend, facing Minot State and U-Mary. The Wolves will tip off against the Beavers at 6 p.m. on Friday and the Marauders at 4 p.m. on Saturday from Wachs Arena.