GRAND FORKS, N.D. (UND Athletics)– Melissa Leet logged a single game career high in points for the University of North Dakota, who played its regular season opener against Montana on Thursday afternoon. Although Leet achieved this feat, the Fighting Hawks could not overcome Montana’s fast transition game and rebounding efforts as they fell, 72-51.
The Fighting Hawks won the initial tip and after a minute of play without either team scoring, Montana made the first pair of points. UND would answer with a 6-0 run to take the lead. It was a continuous battle for the lead as it switched four times in the first ten minutes of play.
Heading into the second, the Hawks trailed by six after a 7-0 run by the Grizzlies. Maggie Manson, who finished with 10 points, scored two back-to-back threes in the beginning of the second quarter to give the Hawks some momentum and help them win the quarter 17-15.
After the half, the Grizzlies modified their defense and applied pressure on Leet, Manson and the Fighting Hawks offense. The Hawks felt the shift immediately as they struggled to score in the third quarter. Leet only had two points as the team ended the quarter with seven points added to the board.
Leading the charge in the fourth was Claire Orth and Leet, who both scored six points. Their efforts would not be enough to help the Fighting Hawks past the Grizzlies. They were outscored 25-15 in the fourth.
“In the second half, I thought it was rebounding that really hurt us,” said North Dakota head coach Mallory Bernhard. “At the end of the day, rebounding and boxing out are completely controllable things that we have been emphasizing like crazy.”
Montana won the rebounding battle 46-34. The Grizzlies were led in scoring by returner Sammy Fatkin, who finished with 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals. Both of those factors combined with increased pressure on defense were the difference in the game.
North Dakota will remain at home as it faces the Montana State Bobcats on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Betty Engelstad Arena.
Game Recap: Women’s Basketball | 11/18/2021 3:25:00 PM | Candy Jimenez-Caballero, FightingHawks.com
