ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball team opened the 2025–26 season with a hard-fought battle against Northwest Missouri State on Friday afternoon, falling 75–64 in the opening game of the MIAA/NSIC Challenge inside St. Joseph Civic Arena.
Despite a balanced attack and a second-half push from the Cougars, the Bearcats' Andrea Lopreato stole the show with a historic performance — scoring 40 points, the most ever in a single game in program history for Northwest Missouri State.
Game Summary
USF held its own early, trailing just 16–14 after the first quarter before the Bearcats created separation with a 21-13 second-quarter run to take a 37–27 lead into halftime. The Cougars regrouped after the break, using a 23-15 third quarter to trim the deficit to two heading into the final frame, but a late Bearcat surge — powered by Lopreato's relentless drives and free throws — sealed the outcome.
Sioux Falls shot 35.1% (20-57) from the field and 25% (4-16) from beyond the arc while converting 20-of-28 free throws. The Cougars forced 16 turnovers and recorded nine steals but couldn't overcome the Bearcats' efficiency inside the paint, where Northwest Missouri outscored USF 34–30.
How It Happened
First Quarter:
USF started strong, jumping out to an early lead behind buckets from Anna Vaaler and Landree Wilson, but the Bearcats closed the period on a 10-0 run to lead 16–14.
Second Quarter:
Northwest Missouri State extended its advantage with timely shooting from deep, while Ayla Brown kept USF within reach with a pair of tough layups. The Cougars trailed 37–27 at the break.
Third Quarter:
The Cougars found rhythm out of halftime, attacking the rim and getting to the free-throw line. Krista Langager powered the offense with eight points and Alexis Rose added a four free throws and a layup as USF outscored the Bearcats 23–15 to pull within two at 52–50.
Fourth Quarter:
Lopreato took over in the final period, scoring 15 of her 40 points to keep the Bearcats in front. USF battled to the end but couldn't string together stops late, falling 75–64 in the season opener.
Coach's Corner
"We really need to play team defense better than what we did today. We did not defend the bounce well, and it showed in how many free throws Northwest Missouri shot. What we can take away from this game is that we have to play with more consistency. At moments we look like we know what we are doing, then at times we look unsure of ourselves."
— Head Coach Travis Traphagen
Key Coo
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#24 Anna Vaaler – 18 points (5-16 FG, 3-6 3PT, 5-8 FT), 11 rebounds, 2 steals
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#3 Ayla Brown – 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals
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#15 Alexis Rose – 13 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal
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#54 Krista Langager – 10 points, 4 rebounds, 2-for-2 FT
Key Team Stats
- Historic Performance: Northwest Missouri's Andrea Lopreato set a school record with 40 points (10-of-19 FG, 19-of-21 FT).
- Free Throw Focus: USF finished 20-of-28 (.714) from the line while the Bearcats went 21-of-26 (.808).
- On the Glass: The Cougars were edged 39–35 on the boards despite 11 rebounds from Vaaler.
- Defensive Energy: USF forced 16 turnovers and tallied nine steals, led by Brown's four.
- Inside Battle: Northwest Missouri held a slight 34–30 advantage in points in the paint.
Up Next
The Cougars return to action Saturday, November 15, taking on Fort Hays State at 2:00 p.m. in St. Joseph, Missouri, to wrap up MIAA/NSIC Challenge play.
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