The St. Thomas women’s basketball team was roughed up by conference-leading University of South Dakota, falling 73-46 Thursday at Schoenecker Arena.
The loss put the Tommies (6-19, 2-13 Summit League) on an eleven-game losing streak and extended the Coyotes’ (21-5, 14-1) win streak to 3 games. University of South Dakota has won 21 of their last 22 games coming into today’s game with the clear upper hand with the two time Summit Defensive Player of the Year Hannah Sjerven.
The Tommies started off slow, not playing with a sense of urgency needed to fight against the fast-paced Coyotes, ending the first quarter with just four points.
Adding on to the slow start, the Tommies constantly turned the ball over in the first quarter compared to their opponent. Coach Ruth Sinn attributed some of the game’s problems to the team’s lack of experience as a whole.
“We had seven turnovers in the first quarter,” Sinn said. “Some of it is experience.”
The Tommies had a combined 19 turnovers compared to the Coyotes’ nine by the end of the game.
The Tommies began to show more of the effort and energy they are known for in the second quarter, turning the whole game on its head. The Tommies started the second quarter determined to cut into the Coyotes’ lead. By the half, the Tommies trailed by 6.
The comeback was a combination of several factors. First, sophomore Erin Norling ignited the scoring with eight of her 11 points coming in the second quarter. Trailing right behind was first-year Jade Hill with five of her 14 points.
Even with the comeback, St. Thomas could not overcome the onslaught from the Coyotes, as they scored from all angles.
The Coyotes’ stand out player was Sjerven, senior center . She managed the majority of the scoring in the first half, with 16 points, going 7-for-10 in shooting. She continued to play aggressively, making her presence known, ending the game strong with 26 points, eight rebounds, two blocks and two steals, all while shooting over 65% from the field.
Even though the Tommies did not get the result they desired, Sinn is exceptionally proud of her team and their passion for not giving up at any point of the game.
“Our young ladies are battling,” Sinn said, “I am extremely proud of how they are competing against teams like these.”
St. Thomas will tip off against South Dakota State University at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19 at Schoenecker Arena.
Nkechukwu Akpati can be reached at akpa2917@stthomas.edu.