ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – MSU Moorhead women's basketball dropped its season-opener on Friday afternoon. The Dragons fell in a defensive battle to Northwest Missouri State, 54-47.
 
Defense would command much of the first five minutes as each team attempted to settle in on offense. The Dragons began the first quarter shooting just one of nine from the floor, led by a jumper from Karlee Fisher. However, Northwest Missouri State would shoot just two of seven in the same span to lead 5-3. 
 
The Bearcats would come together offensively in the final four minutes of the quarter, draining a pair of threes to lead 11-3. MSUM would struggle, shooting just two of 14 for the period with five costly turnovers. Northwest Missouri State would lead 15-7 after 10 minutes behind four made three-pointers. Terryn Johnson led MSUM with four points and three rebounds.
 
Shooting woes continued to plague the Dragons into the second quarter as MSUM began shooting zero for three. A hoop and harm on Natalie Jens gave the Dragons their first field goal of the quarter, but the Bearcats continued to connect on long distance shots. Northwest Missouri State would hit two more triples early in the frame to lead 21-11. 
 
Caylin Kelly would bring the Dragons back within single digits after a putback, the freshman's first career points. Credit to the Dragon defense, who would hold the Bearcats scoreless for over five minutes to keep the scoreboard in check. Both offenses would go cold in the later stages as the Bearcats led 23-14 at the break. 
 
MSUM shot just four of 28 from the floor, including a zero for six clip from long range. The Dragons also struggled from the charity stripe, marking a six for 11 connection rate. However, the Dragons were excellent defensively and on the glass to counterbalance. MSUM held a plus-four advantage on the boards at the break, including a plus-three mark on the offensive glass. The Dragons held Northwest Missouri State to eight of 30 from the floor through 20 minutes. 
 
Tori Ratz would jolt MSUM's offense early in the second half to bring the Dragons to within six points. From there, MSUM would go on a 6-0 run near the midway point of the quarter with baskets from Johnson, Fisher and Abby Berge. Ayelishka Teko-Folly would grab her first career points to keep the Dragons close at 29-25. Before the end of the period, Johnson would score again to make the count 35-29 in favor of the Bearcats. MSUM improved its shooting mark in the third frame with a 54.5 percent success rate.
 
While Northwest Missouri State would keep an arm's length midway through the final period, it was Ratz who sparked the Dragons again. The junior connected on a triple, MSUM's first of the afternoon, to make the score 41-38. Northwest Missouri State would respond with time waning, going on a 7-2 run after Ratz's basket to lead 48-40 with just over two minutes to play.
 
In the final two minutes, MSUM would come to within six points after a late three from Jens. Ultimately, Northwest Missouri State would keep enough distance after some Dragon miscues. The Dragons shot an improved 31.4 percent for the game but fell victim to 17 turnovers. MSUM held the Bearcats to 17 of 58 from the floor (29.3 percent) for the game.
 
Top Dragons

• Terryn Johnson: 12 points, eight rebounds
• Karlee Fisher: 11 points, five rebounds, two assists
• Natalie Jens: Nine points, six rebounds, four assists, one steal
• Abby Berge: Six points, nine rebounds

 
Up Next
 
MSUM (0-1) will take on 23^rd-ranked Fort Hays State to conclude the Central Region Showcase tomorrow. Tipoff from Civic Arena is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.