SIOUX CENTER, IOWA (VCSUVikings.com)- The Vikings won both of their games at The Dordt College Classic and tied the program record for most wins to start a season as they improved to 6-0 over the weekend. Friday they edged Briar Cliff 83-80 while Saturday they won 74-52. Friday they play Dickinson in their NSAA season opener at 6:30.
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VCSU 83 Briar Cliff 80
Alli Vandal and Mackenzie Huber both recorded double-doubles and the Vikings ended the game on a 6-2 run Friday as they defeated Briar Cliff 83-80 at the Dordt College Classic.
VCSU trailed 78-77 with two minutes to go, but senior guard Lexi Lennonscored VCSU’s final six points to help secure the victory. Lennon hit a 3-pointer with 1:41 remaining to put the Vikings ahead 80-78. After Briar Cliff tied the game with two free throws in the final minute, Lennon was fouled with 21 seconds remaining and went 1-for-2 at the line for an 81-80 lead. Briar Cliff had a chance to take the lead but turned the ball over on an offensive foul with three seconds to go. Lennon then iced the game with two free throws in the final seconds.
Valley City State improves to 5-0 on the season, matching the program’s best start since going 5-0 to start the 2005-06 season. VCSU will take on Dordt College Saturday at noon. If the Vikings can go to 6-0 they will match the best undefeated start in program history, which was done back in 1970-71.
The Vikings had five players score in double figures Friday, led by 20 points from center Mackenzie Huber. She finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds, one of two Vikings to record double-doubles. Alli Vandal went for 18 points and 10 rebounds as well. Kate Williams scored 17 points and knocked down four 3-pointers. Lennon finished with 15 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter. She added six rebounds, four steals and four assists. Kennedy Henningsgard led the Vikings with five assists, and Hannah Schlecht scored 10 points off the bench.
VCSU shot 48 percent overall (29-61), 40 percent on 3’s (8-20) and 68 percent at the free throw line (17-25). Briar Cliff finished at 52 percent from the field (26-50), 82 percent on 3’s (9-11) and 70 percent on free throws (19-27).
The Vikings held a 40-25 advantage on the glass, including an 18-5 edge in offensive rebounds. VCSU committed 21 turnovers while Briar Cliff turned it over 18 times.
VCSU led 23-16 after the first quarter and the teams were tied 38-38 at the half. VCSU went up 61-60 after three quarters before coming away with the 83-80 victory.
Saturday: VCSU 74 Dordt 52
The Vikings led by just four points entering the fourth quarter, 48-44, but outscored Dordt College 26-8 over the final 10 minutes. Kennedy Henningsgard scored 10 of VCSU’s first 12 points in the fourth quarter, fueling an 18-2 run that put the Vikings ahead 66-46.
Henningsgard finished with a game-high 21 points and added four assists to lead VCSU. Lexi Lennon poured in 16 points and Alli Vandal had her second straight double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Valley City State improves to 6-0 with the victory, matching the best undefeated start in team history which was also accomplished by the 1970-71 squad. The Vikings will try to extend their winning streak when they begin conference play Dec. 1 at Dickinson State.
On Saturday, the Vikings shot 42 percent from the field as they wrapped up the Dordt College Classic with a win over the host school. VCSU shot 42 percent from the field (25-60), 33 percent on 3’s (7-21) and 90 percent on free throws (17-19).
Dordt College shot just 31 percent overall (15-49), 15 percent on 3’s (2-13) and 91 percent at the line (20-22). VCSU turned the ball over just seven times while forcing 14 turnovers by Dordt.