Northern Colorado’s WNIT Run Ends with Loss to South Dakota

Sunday, March 22

Vermillion, SD

12 p.m. MDT

University of Northern Colorado

23-11,13-5Big Sky

South Dakota

24-9,12-4Summit League

Northern Colo.

South Dakota

PC: Adam Pearson, USD Athletics

3/22/2026 2:30:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

By: Elian Soto, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

VERMILLION, S.D. – Northern Colorado women's basketball delivered a determined performance in a hard-fought WNIT second-round match up against South Dakota in Vermillion, but ultimately fell short in a 60–80 loss to the Coyotes.

The Bears opened the game with great energy, shooting 40 percent in the first quarter before elevating their performance in the second. Northern Colorado found an excellent offensive rhythm, knocking down seven out of 10 shots in the period to build momentum heading into halftime.

Although the third quarter proved challenging, the Bears continued to compete by attacking the basket and earning opportunities at the free-throw line, going eight for 12 from the free throw line in the quarter. Heather Baymon provided a key spark off the bench, leading the team with 15 points, including three three-pointers and steady free-throw shooting. Tatum West added an efficient 14 points on five of seven shooting, playing a crucial role in setting the offensive tone early.

As a team, Northern Colorado shot 40 percent from the field and showed aggressiveness by getting to the line 25 times. The Bears also capitalized on turnovers, turning defensive pressure into 14 points.
South Dakota used a strong second-half push to secure the win, shooting efficiently from both the field and beyond the arc.

Despite the loss, the 2025–26 campaign still stands as a milestone season for the Bears. Northern Colorado secured its first 20-win season since 2018–19 under Head Coach Kristen Mattio. The team recorded the most wins and conference victories of her tenure, along with the best start in program history, reaching 14 wins through its first 20 games, cementing one of the most successful seasons in recent program history.

RECORDS: Gabi Fields concludes her career among the program's all-time leaders, finishing tied for third in games played with 127 and second in games started with 126. She is also tied for ninth in single-season games played (34) and tied for fourth in single-season games started (34). Known for her play making impact, Fields ranks second all-time in career steals with 259 and fifth in single season assists with 123.

Aniah Hall also etched her name in the record books, finishing her career tied for fourth in games played with 126. She ranks 13th all-time in rebounds with 636 and sixth in blocks with 94, while also joining the program's 1,000-point club. Hall totaled 1,078 career points, placing her 18th all-time.

FOLLOW THE BEARS
Fans can follow and stay up to date on all the Bear action at uncbears.com and on social media. Follow the Bears on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsWBB), Instagram (@UNC_BearsWBB), and Facebook (/UNCBearsWBB)