Box Score Bismarck, N.D. – Already having four games under their belts, the University of Mary made their home debut Tuesday night. Stout defense and hot shooting from beyond the arc in the second half, allowed U-Mary to cruise past Valley City State University 69 to 42.
 
Shaunna Knife paced the Marauders with game highs in points (17), rebounds (10) and blocks (3). Knife's performance marked her fourth double double of the season.
 
U-Mary jumped out to a 9-2 lead to start the game lead by three pointers from McKenzie Foster and Knife. VCSU rallied back to close the game to 11-10, but that was the closest they were able to get all night, as they never held the lead.
 
Even though the Marauders struggled to find their offensive rhythm in the first half, they were able to lead by as many as 15. U-Mary made just two of their 11 attempts from deep. Three blocked shots, three steals and holding the Vikings to just 35 percent shooting allowed the Marauders to enter the half up by 11.
 
U-Mary came out strong again in the second half starting the period with an 8-0 run to extend their lead to 19. Again the lead was sparked by three point baskets from Knife and Foster. VCSU answered with a basket to close the gap to 17; this was the closest they were able to come the rest of the rest of the way.
 
The Marauders were able to extend their lead to as much as 33 with hot shooting and strong defense. U-Mary connected on eight of 14 three-pointers in the second half and held VCSU to just 26 percent shooting on their way to a 69-42 victory.
 
Foster finished the game with a season-high 12 points while hitting all three of her shots from beyond the arc in the second half.
 
Kelsey Peltier also had a season-high finishing with eight points off the bench.
 
Kaitlyn Haag and Brittney Dietz each corralled eight rebounds in the game for the Marauders.
 
U-Mary (4-1) will be back in action on Saturday as they open up Northern Sun action against in-state rival Minot State. Tip-off will be at 5 p.m. at the Bismarck Civic Center.