by SAN ANTONIO — Sannah Windy Boy started her first covered game of the season and tied for the South Dakota Mines team high with 12 points Friday, but the Hardrockers fell 62-59 to St. Mary’s in their season opener at the South Central Regional Crossover.
Windy Boy played 30 minutes and shot 5-for-10 from the field and 2-for-3 from three-point range, finishing with 12 points, three rebounds, two steals, no assists and four turnovers.
South Dakota Mines jumped ahead early, leading 15-9 in the first quarter after a Windy Boy steal and layup, but St. Mary’s closed the quarter in front 20-17 and led 32-27 at halftime.
St. Mary’s won the third quarter 19-14 to build a 51-41 lead. The Hardrockers took the fourth quarter 18-11 but could not close the final three points.
Leah Brauch matched Windy Boy with 12 points for South Dakota Mines, Ava Koch added 10 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and five steals, and Kendal Damon scored nine off the bench. Elizabeth Griffin led St. Mary’s with a game-high 24 points, and Allie Garcia added 11.
South Dakota Mines is 0-1. The Hardrockers stay in San Antonio for the crossover finale against St. Edward’s on Saturday, Nov. 14.
