The M State lady Spartans jumped out to a 16-15 first quarter lead against Rochester on Saturday, but the Yellowjackets outscored the Spartans 20-10 in the second quarter to take a 35-26 halftime lead. The visitors increased their lead to 62-47 after three and M State won the fourth quarter 18-16 but lost the game by the final score of 78-65.
“The girls came out strong in the opening quarter against a tough Rochester team and had a one point lead after one,” said Head Coach Jodi Holleman. “We got into foul trouble in the second quarter and struggled offensively, turning the ball over against their press. I thought we played with a ton of heart and hustle in the fourth quarter and I was very pleased with our rebounding (41-31). We need to take better care of the basketball and limit turnovers.”
M State had 28 turnovers in the game. The Spartans shot 43% (25-58) and Rochester made 40% (27-68) of their field goal attempts. The Yellowjackets hit 9-of-24 (37.5%) from beyond the arc and made 15-of-21 free throws.
Rochester was led by 30 points from Olivia Christianson. Lexi Hugeback added 14, Ravyn Miles had 13 and Jaide Pressley finished with 11. Hugeback had a team high 7 rebounds, Miles dished out 4 assists and Christianson led the team with 6 steals.
Alison Krenz led M State with 24 points and 8 rebounds. Sabrina Fronning added 11 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists, and two players, Jayna Gronewold and Emily Larson finished with 9 points apiece.
The lady Spartans will travel to Worthington on Wednesday to face Minnesota West.