SIOUX FALLS, SD - A year after ending one team's season on the court inside the Stewart Center, the Marauders did it again in the first round of the 2023 NSIC Postseason. The University of Mary Women's Basketball team (14-12, 12-10 NSIC) won an inspired game 79-72 over Wayne State College (11-16, 7-15 NSIC) after losing the opportunity to play the first round in the MAC. 

The first quarter set the tempo for a back-and-forth physical game. The Marauders edged the Wildcats 23-22 at the end of the first quarter which saw five lead changes. Ryleigh Wacha was huge in the first leading with 9 points. 

A pair of threes and scores inside gave the Marauders a 10-0 run early in the second quarter to create some separation. UMary maintained this lead 41-31 entering halftime. Wacha led all scorers with 10 points while Megan Zander and Morkiu Hakim each added nine in the first half. The Marauders hit 12-25 shots (48.0%) through the first twenty minutes. 

The Wildcats clawed their way back to a one-point game 43-42 just over three minutes into the third quarter. Despite the early surge from Wayne State, and UMary shooting only 5-16 (31.3%) in the third, the Marauders did not wither. Zoe Velde and Megan Voit helped the Marauders clutch to their lead 55-49 entering the final quarter of play. 

Four different Marauders scored on the first five possessions of the fourth quarter to grow the lead to 13, the largest margin difference of the game. While Kassidy Pingel led an inspired effort from the Wildcats in the fourth, the Marauders continued to execute down the stretch behind Megan Voit, who hit three crucial treys in the final frame. 

UMary would go on to win 79-72, winning their second straight NSIC first-round matchup on the home court of the University of Sioux Falls. The Marauders outshot the Wildcats 46.2% to 40.0% and managed the full-court press with much better execution in their second matchup with Wayne State this season. Both Wayne State and UMary enjoyed success from inside the paint (36-30) as well as surges off the bench (20-19). Both teams were nearly even at the boards with the Wildcats just edging the Marauders 35 rebounds to 34. 

UP NEXT
The Marauders will have a very quick turnaround as they now shift their sights to the #11 ranked team in the nation, Minnesota State University (23-3, 19-3 NSIC). The Mavericks enter the quarterfinals on a first-round bye as the #1 seed in the south. Tip-off from the Sanford Pentagon now comes at 7 pm Saturday night. Fans tuning in from home can find links to live stats and live video at goumary.com/coverage. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Megan Voit was highly effective shooting the rock once again. The senior from Sauk Rapids, MN scored a season-high 18 points, all on six shots from downtown. Voit also grabbed six rebounds. 

Megan Zander ground out a 14-point performance and was solid from the line making 7-8 free throws. 

Zoe Velde played a big role in moving the ball for the Marauders, scoring eight points and dishing a career-high seven assists. 

Reese Wishart was a difference maker with 10 points off the bench. 

Moriku Hakim added nine points and seven rebounds. 

Addison Rozell scored eight points with seven rebounds.

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