VALLEY CITY, N.D. – The Valley City State University women’s basketball team celebrated another victory by defeating the University of Minnesota Morris on November 4. With this win, the Vikings improved their season record to 3-0 after also beating Providence University College and UMM at home.
The first quarter felt competitive but was marked by strong defense from both teams. Abby Aslesen contributed with a two-pointer, while Tiyana Schwinghammer and Delaney Cotton each hit three-pointers. Cotton wrapped up the quarter with two free throws, leaving the score at 10-6.
In the second quarter, the Vikings found their rhythm, outscoring the Cougars 27-11. Olivia Backus led the charge, scoring nine of the team’s 37 points by halftime. Ellie Braaten and Aslesen supported her with six points each. By the break, VCSU held a solid 37-17 lead, limiting UMM to just six field goals.
The dominance continued through the second half. The Vikings maintained their intense defense and kept scoring consistently. After a strong third quarter, they led 61-31 and finished the game with a decisive 77-42 victory.
Schwinghammer stood out, scoring 20 points in just 20 minutes, while also leading the team with four steals and four rebounds. She impressively shot 100% from the field. Backus added 15 points along with two assists and steals, and Aslesen topped the team with five rebounds and one block.
For UMM, Itzel Salazar stood out, scoring seven points while Maddy Grove led the team with six rebounds.
Looking ahead, the Vikings will face Bemidji State University on November 14 at 6:00 p.m.
This performance not only showcases the Vikings’ powerful strategies but also highlights the increasing interest in women’s sports. Recent data shows that women’s collegiate basketball viewership has risen by nearly 20% over the past season, reflecting growing support. According to ESPN, events like the NCAA Women’s Tournament have attracted record-breaking audiences, proving that women’s athletics is gaining significant traction.
As social media discussions around women in sports grow louder, fans are eager to see not just individual talents but also team efforts in games like this. The Valley City Vikings are clearly making a mark this season, and fans can expect more thrilling performances in the games to come.
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