SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - A lockdown defense, that battled from baseline to baseline, led the way for the Augustana women's basketball team (1-0) as they defeated Northwest Missouri State (0-1) in the their season opener at the University of Sioux Falls Friday night by a score of 89-52.

The Vikings came out shooting from all over the court in the first half, shooting 43 percent from the field and 44 percent from behind the arc. They were led by senior Sophie Kenney who had nine at the break and ended with 13. Kenney was one of three Vikings to score 13 points.

Defense is Key
The defense was the story throughout the night for the Vikings as they put a full court press on the Bearcats from the opening tip. Augustana held Northwest to just 20 points in the first half and 52 for the game.
During the game Augustana stepped in the Bearcat passing lanes grabbing 14 steals on the night while forcing the Bearcats into a total of 25 turnovers. Augustana turned those 25 turnovers into 29 points with 12 being on the fast break. Freshman Lynsey Prosser had three steals while Nicole Kerkhoff, Sydney Rome and Kenney each had two.
It was a block party for the Vikings posts, as the team collected eight blocks against the Bearcats. Freshman Shelby Selland led the way with three blocks on the night. Sophomores Paige Peterson and Allie Koehn each added two of their own while Presley O'Farrell had one.

Fresh Start

The young Vikings stepped up in a huge way Friday, as 58 of the team's 89 points came from freshman or sophomores. Prosser came off the bench for Augustana and scored 13 of team's 48 bench points. Prosser also did it on the defensive side, locking down Northwest point guard Tyra Moore. Prosser helped hold Moore to just two points and a turnover.

Sophomore Allie Koehn, was 4-5 from the field and 2-3 from behind the arc for a total of 10 points. Koehn also grabbed three defensive boards.

Tip-Ins

Augustana has now won four consecutive opening night games dating back to the 2012-13 season. The Vikings are  now 7-3 all-time against Northwest Missouri State after Friday nights victory.  

Up Next

Augustana will be back in action tomorrow night for the second game of the Sioux Falls Showcase. The Vikings will take on the Lopers of Nebraska-Kearney at 4 p.m. You can listen live pm KXRB 1000 AM or watch the live stream that can be found HERE.