Nov. 13, 2009

Story courtesy of Galen Morton, Dickinson State Sports Information Director

DICKINSON, N.D. -- The Dickinson State (N.D.) women’s basketball team defeated the Montana State-Northern Skylights tonight (Nov. 6) on a three-point buzzer beater by Teryl Norton, 57-55. It was the only points that Norton accounted for in the game, but judging by the wild celebration that included a throng of student-athletes who joined the team on the floor in the excitement, no one seemed to notice.

In the wake of the tragic loss this week of three softball student-athletes--Afton Williamson, Ashley Neufeld and Kyrstin Gemar--the three-point hoop was more special than just a nice, non-conference win. When the ball hit the bottom of the net, it was relief and perhaps the beginning of a long and difficult healing process.

Former women’s basketball coach Guy Fridley, coached both softball and women's basketball, so those two teams may have another level of bonding. The students in the stands, who came out onto the floor, were wearing "D3" t-shirts with "AKA" (honoring Ashley, Kyrstin and Afton).

Kia Herbel led DSU with 20 points and she pulled down eight rebounds. The Blue Hawks edged the Skylights 36-35 in total boards. Krystal Burns, Mindy Vanderpan and Norton all collected five apiece. Kelly Pankratz’s four assists led the team and she also scored six points.

DSU trailed at the half 25-22 and sputtered throughout the game but never lost contact. MSUN was 11-of-19 (58%) from the field after the break but DSU countered with 11 hoops in 25 tries (44%) but also hit on 12-of-19 (66%) free throws.

Kylee Bittner was the team’s second leading scorer with eight points and she also grabbed five rebounds.

For local coverage on the story, click here.