Coyotes fall to State, fall to second place in conference
It was a tough night for the University of South Dakota women, playing against South Dakota State University Wednesday night.
The USD women took on the SDSU Jackrabbits in the DakotaDome, losing 63-55.
The loss brings USD’s record to 11-11 overall and their conference record to 6-3. The loss also brings the Coyotes to second place in the conference, just behind the Jackrabbits.
USD took an early 4-0 lead and held that lead for a short amount of time until SDSU went on a 20-2 run in the middle of the half. The Coyotes were able to cut the lead to seven by the end of the half, still down 34-27.
Tempestt Wilson scored nine points and had two rebounds in the first half. Lisa Loeffler added six first half points and pulled down four rebounds, and Polly Harrington had three rebounds and two steals.
Megan Waytashek had 11 points and two assists for the Jackrabbits in the first half, with Ashley Eide and Mariah Clarin each adding seven points.
The game was back and forth during the second half, the Coyotes eventually cutting the lead down to two, but poor rebounding and lack of offense hurt USD and the team lost 63-55.
Wilson had a total of 15 points and five rebounds on the night, Nicole Seekamp adding 13 points with six assists and three rebounds. Lisa Loeffler scored 12 points and had five rebounds, with Polly Harrington contributing five steals during the game.
Waytashek scored 18 points and two blocks for SDSU, and Eide had 15 points and six rebounds. Gabrielle Boever scored 10 points and had two assists.
The Jackrabbits sent the Coyotes to the line just four times during the game, which was key to the win according to SDSU head coach Aaron Johnston.
The Jackrabbits also out-rebounded the Coyotes. SDSU was able to pick up 21 second chance points due to lack of rebounding from USD.
“We have been very successful when we win the battle of the boards and we did not do that,” said USD Head Coach Amy Williams.
The Coyotes are now looking to move forward in their next game, and will focus to not dwell on the loss.
“We always say that the next game is the biggest game on our schedule,” said Lisa Loeffler. “We just have to prepare for each game and do what we can.”
The Coyotes will take on North Dakota State University Feb. 2 in the DakotaDome.
