Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information Photo Terri Haverfield
DICKINSON, N.D. – The Montana Western women's basketball team (0-1, 0-0) fell in their season opener this evening against the Dickinson State Blue Hawks (2-0, 0-0) by a final score of 70-61.
Today's loss marks the first loss to the Blue Hawks since the 2014-15 season.

How It Happened
The Bulldogs got on the board early in the game, taking a seven-point lead behind a triple from Ava Bellach in the first four minutes of the first quarter. Joelnell Momberg drained the Bulldogs' third triple to cap the quarter and take an 18-14 lead into the second frame.
Despite the promising start, Western hit a lull as the Blue Hawks went on a 10-1 run across the first three minutes of the second quarter. DSU would extend their lead and hold Western to just 12 points in the frame and take a 37-30 lead into the half break.
DSU continued their run into the third, pushing out to an 11-point lead with five minutes to go in the third. It was Momberg once again who got Western's offense back rolling, hitting a pair of free throws to break the spell.
Isabella Lund followed, hitting on back-to-back trips to the hoop and Maddy Moy added another layup to cut the lead back to five. Dickinson would retain the edge at 53-48 heading into the final ten minutes of the game.

UMW's less than ideal fourth quarter led to the Blue Hawks outscoring the Bulldogs 17-13 in the final stretch and win by a final score of 70-61.
Notables
The Bulldogs are now 9-1 in their last ten matchups with Dickinson State and prior to tonight, had not lost to DSU since 2014.
Western will get another shot at the Blue Hawks on Nov. 8 in UMW's home opener.
Momberg led the Bulldogs with 18 points and four rebounds.
Trinidie Nichols racked up four steals and four rebounds in the matchup.
Up Next
Montana Western will head to the University of Montana on Friday Nov. 1 for an exhibition matchup with the Griz. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. in Dahlberg Arena.

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