VERMILLION, S.D. -- The South Dakota Women's Basketball Team (11-3, 1-0 NCC) used a strong perimeter game to roll past 20th-ranked Augustana (15-3, 0-2 NCC), 81-57, in the Coyotes' North Central Conference home opener at the DakotaDome on Saturday night before 2,834 in attendance.

South Dakota made 15-of-27 three-point field goals for 55.6 percent and made 15-of-31 field goals overall for 46.4 percent. The Coyotes were also 14-of-20 for 70 percent from the foul line.

Three USD players reached double figures, including 17 points, eight assists and five rebounds by junior point guard Meghan Woster of Sioux Falls, S.D. Woster, who was 5-of-8 from the field, was 4-of-4 from three-point range with the four long bombs a career-best. Sophomore guard Jenni Flynn of South Sioux City, Neb., added 17 points, including two three pointers in three attempts. Freshman forward Ashley Robinette of South Sioux City, Neb., supplied a career-high 16 points to go with four rebounds. She was 5-of-10 from the field and also hit 2-of-3 from three-point range.

While USD was scorching the nets from long range, Augustana had difficulty shooting the ball. The Vikings made just 19-of-64 field goals for 29.7 percent. Even worse, the VIkings were 3-of-17 from three-point range for 17.6 percent. Augustana made 16-of-21 free throws for 76.2 percent. Lindsey Fischbach had 18 points and eight rebounds to lead Augustana. Katie Krauth also reached double figures with 13 points.

For the third consecutive game, South Dakota made 14 or more three-pointers as a team. USD made 14 (33 attempts) three-pointers in a 88-47 win over Chadron State on Dec. 29 and followed up with 15 (28 attempts) in the 80-79 overtime win on the road against Wayne State on Jan. 2.

Flynn played a key role for South Dakota early by opening the game with a three-point field and a 3-0 USD lead at the 19:41 mark. She had 10 points in the opening 5:12 of the game as USD took a 14-8 lead with 15:48 to play in the game. USD continued to build on the lead as Woster knocked home a three-pointer for a 22-12 lead with 13:50 to play. From that point, USD used a 14-4 run to take a 36-16 lead with 7:28 left in the half, after reserve guard Kristi Tighe of Homer, Neb., hit a three-pointer. Two free throws by Woster provided USD with a 43-18 lead at the 3:48 mark. Typifying the opening half was USD's finish - as the Coyotes hit a pair of three-pointers in the final minute which included Woster's banked-in shot with two seconds left to give USD a 49-23 lead at the halftime break.

In the opening half, South Dakota women's basketball team hit 11-of-17 three-point field goals. Six different players hit three-point baskets in the opening stanza. Flynn led the Coyotes' first-half efforts with 12 points. Woster had 11 points, seven assists and three rebounds. Yanez hit three, three-pointers on six attempts and had nine points - her total for the game.

The Coyotes hit 15-of-31 field goals for 48.4 percent. USD was also 8-of-12 from the foul line for 66.7 percent. Augustana, which hit 9-of-34 field goals for 26.5 percent, won the rebound battle, 26-18. The Vikings missed all nine of its three-point field goals and were 5-of-8 for 62.5 percent from the foul line.

USD stayed hot early in the second half as Woster hit consecutive three-point field goals as USD took a 55-25 lead with 17:03 to play in the game. Later Flynn was fouled on a three-point shot and made three charity tosses to help USD build a 70-38 lead. A lay-up by Robinette increased USD's advantage to 75-40 with 7:53 left in the game. A lay-up by Janielle Bryan (Bellevue, Neb.) with 6:14 to play provided the Coyotes' with its biggest lead of 37 points (79-42).

In the win, USD utilized strong bench play, outscoring Augustana, 28 to 9, in bench points. USD also held strong in the paint, only losing the battle, 22-20, to Augustana. USD committed just 13 turnovers and forced Augustana into 17 mistakes with the ball. Overall, Augustana held a 49-33 advantage in rebounds. Overall, USD had nine players score on the night.

The USD women's basketball team will host the College of St. Mary's (8-9) on Sunday afternoon at the DakotaDome. Gametime for USD and St. Mary's is set for 3 p.m.