Drovers are
Feeling LUCKY!
Contributing Writer
Preston Palm
Series Recap
Softball
Date Publuished:
July 7, 2025
Photography:
Laura Barrios Bardi
Full Article:
**Author**: Preston Palm, Contributing Writer While the first quarter wasn't high scoring, the Drovers did start off hot began the game with a lead, but after the first quarter the Comets took the lead with a score of 12-10. - **MSU**: 53.3% from field goal range, 79.5% from free throw line - **USAO**: 34.2% from field goal range, 76.9% from free throw line - **Jessica Palmer**: 2 steals - **Lainey Morrow**: 2 steals - **Tournament**: NAIA Women's Basketball National Championship - **USAO Seed**: #7 - **MSU Seed**: #10 - **USAO Season Record**: 23-7 overall, 17-5 SAC - **MSU Season Record**: 24-5 overall, 12-2 NSAA - **Quarter Scores**: 12-10 MSU, 31-23 MSU (halftime), 56-47 MSU, 77-67 MSU (final)
Game Details:
USAO (23-7, 17-5 SAC) entered the NAIA Women's Basketball National Championship tournament as the #7 seed. The Drovers played their first-round matchup against #10 seeded Mayville State University (MSU) (24-5, 12-2 NSAA). | The Drovers ended their season with a loss, but still have an impressive season to look back on. USAO's basketball program has plenty to look forward to and to build on for next season. | - **Final Score**: MSU 77, USAO 67 | - **Notable**: Strong season record despite tournament loss
Key Statistics:
MSU picked up right where they left off in the second quarter as they led for the entirety of the second quarter. The Comets outscored the Drovers by six points in the second quarter. USAO still managed to stay within striking distance though as they ended the half down eight points, with a score of 31-23. | The third quarter displayed a high offensive output from both squads. Brayanna Polk scored almost half of the Drovers' third quarter points with ten of the 22 points. The Comets were efficient in the third as they only missed four shots the entire quarter, putting their shooting percentage at 69.2% for the third. Their efficient shooting in the third gave the Comets a 56-47 lead going into the fourth. | While the Drovers managed to put up another 22 points in the fourth quarter, it wasn't enough to claw their way back from the deficit they faced all the second half. MSU won by ten points with a score of 77-67 over USAO. | - **Zaria Dorsey**: 22 points (9 FG, 1 3PT, 3 FT), 8 rebounds (2 away from double-double) | - **Brayanna Polk**: 10 points, 4 assists, 2 steals | - **Tonijah Fortune**: 10 points, 2 steals | - **Leading Scorer**: Zaria Dorsey (22 points) | - **Key Performance**: Brayanna Polk (10 points in 3rd quarter)