VERMILLION, S.D. -- Led by her first career double double, freshman
Jenni Flynn led fourth-ranked South Dakota (10-1) to its ninth straight win in a 83-45 decision over Mount Mercy (3-6) before 378 at the DakotaDome on Friday, Dec. 11.
Flynn, a native of South Sioux City, Neb., registered a season-high in both points (17) and rebounds (11). She hit 6-of-12 field goals, including 5-of-8 from three point range as she totaled 17 points and 11 rebounds. In addition, she recorded four steals in 33 minutes of action.
Also hitting double figures was senior All American Mandy Koupal of Wagner, S.D., who had 16 points and five rebounds in just 17 minutes of action. With her effort tonight, Koupal now is just 21 points away from the career scoring lead held by Karrie Wallen (1980-84) of 1,595 points.
Senior Jodi Schroeder of Tulare, S.D., added 14 points, four rebounds, two assists and one assist. In addition, redshirt freshman Vanessa Yanez of Wagner, S.D., chipped in with a career high 14 points and nine boards. Sophomore Meghan Woster of Sioux Falls contributed nine points, four rebounds and two assists.
Utilizing an inside and outside game, South Dakota jumped to a 28-7 lead on a lay-up by Yanez at the 7:10 mark of the first half. With USD rotating players in and out of the lineup, USD was still able to build a 44-15 halftime lead. The second half was much like the first stanza as USD continued to build on its lead, going ahead 66-32 on a pair of foul shots by Woster at the 7:16 mark. With 1:15 to play, Jodi Schroeder scored on a lay-up as USD led 79-43. Yanez's lay-up extended the lead to 83-45 with seven seconds left in the game.
Overall, USD hit 44.1 percent (30-of-68) from the field, including 34.6 percent from three-point range (9-of-26). South Dakota made 82.4 percent (14-of-17) from the foul line.
Mount Mercy was led by Meredith Vander Zee who had 18 points and seven rebounds. The visitors hit 16-of-56 field goals for 28.6 percent, but just 14.3 percent (3-of-21) from the three-point line. Mount Mercy made 63.6 percent (10-of-16) from the foul line.
USD won the rebound battle, 47-37.
Up next: South Dakota will travel to Northern State for a women's game at 6 p.m. on Saturday at the Wachs Arena on the NSU campus.
