DICKINSON, N.D. — Dickinson State was unable to overcome a slow start as Valley City State led from the opening quarter and earned a 78-64 Frontier Conference women's basketball win Friday at Scott Gymmnaisum.

The Blue Hawks (6-17, 4-15 Frontier) scored eight points in the first quarter and trailed 25-8 after 10 minutes. Valley City State (9-14, 6-13 Frontier) extended the margin to 46-21 at halftime and maintained control the rest of the way.

Anhelica Shanrock led Dickinson State with 19 points on 8-of-17 shooting and added seven rebounds and three steals. J'ell Garfield finished with 16 points and seven rebounds, while Kaylin Garza scored 10 points with four rebounds. Kyrie Alldredge provided 10 points off the bench, making all eight of her free throws. 

Dickinson State shot 36.2% (21 of 58) from the field and went 2 of 23 from 3-point range. The Blue Hawks were solid at the line, going 20 of 23 (87.0%). DSU held a 49-43 rebounding edge, with 11 offensive boards, but committed 21 turnovers that Valley City State converted into 31 points. 

Valley City State's Ellie Braaten led all scorers with 23 points, hitting five 3-pointers and going 6 of 6 at the foul line. Abby Aslesen added 15 points, and Tiyana Schwinghammer posted 10 points and 12 rebounds. Jaycee Richter also scored 10 for the Vikings. 

After halftime, Dickinson State responded with its best quarter of the night, shooting 9 of 12 in the third while outscoring Valley City State 22-14. Shanrock and Garfield helped DSU cut into the deficit, but the Blue Hawks still trailed 60-43 entering the fourth.

The Blue Hawks continued to compete in the final period and outscored the Vikings 21-18 over the last 10 minutes. DSU got within 13 late, but Valley City State answered with timely free throws and closed out the road win.

Dickinson State finished with five blocks and six steals, with Shanrock recording three steals.