It was the first taste of Summit League action for South Dakota head coach Dawn Plitzuweit, who earned her 200th career win as a head coach, as the Coyotes defeated Denver 70-64 Wednesday night inside the Sanford Coyote Sports Center.
The Coyotes (12-2, 1-0 Summit) were led by sophomore guard Allison Arens. Arens tallied her first career double-double when she reached for a rebound with 2:24 to play in the first half. She had 10 points and 10 rebounds at that point. Arens’ scoring total would reach 28 points with the help of 12-of-12 shooting from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter. She made a career high 18 from the charity stripe, also breaking a 35-year-old school record, in the game.
Arens’ sister, senior forward Bridget Arens, was the second Coyote in double figures with 12 points and five rebounds.
“I thought tonight was what we were hoping for and really wanting in the Sanford Coyote Sports Center,” Plitzuweit said of the crowd atmosphere. “It got loud tonight. When we were on defense, the fans just took over. They willed our players to get stops. We were able to get multiple defensive stops and rebounds. That was fun to be a part of and we are looking forward to what that atmosphere will be like on Saturday in a rivalry game with South Dakota State.”
Denver (3-11, 0-1 Summit) was led by sophomore guard Samantha Romanowski’s 15 points. The Pioneers also got 12 points from freshman guard Lauren Loven.
