Costa Rica – The Black Hills State University women's basketball team played their first of two games against the Costa Rica National Teams on Wednesday night. Despite playing on foreign soil, the Yellow Jackets defeated the Costa Rica National Team A by a final score of 55-33.

"I'm proud of our girls for how hard they played tonight," said head coach Mark Nore. "We did a good job adapting to the atmosphere and playing our game. We will look to repeat this result in our final game of the season as we say farewell to our two seniors."

The Yellow Jackets struggled shooting the ball in their first game, making only 30% of their shots from the floor and 25% of their three point attempts. Black Hills State also tallied a total of 20 turnovers on the evening. The Yellow Jackets countered their offensive struggles with tenacious defense and free throw efficiency down the stretch. Black Hills State recorded 15 steals in the game and was able to convert at the free throw line. The Yellow Jackets went (14-15) from the line, as they went on to earn the 55-33 victory.

Black Hills State was led by the senior duo of Kristi Ryan and Bayley Chevron who each scored 10 points. Freshman Cassidy Kotelman had a solid performance for the Yellow Jackets. Kotelman scored eight points and hauled in eight rebounds. Freshman Chelsey Beigler added seven points while shooting 40% from the floor and 33% from behind the arc. Fellow freshman Bailey Kusser led the team with four assists. Kusser also finished the contest with three points, and two rebounds.

The Yellow Jackets will return to the hardwood tomorrow as they take on the Costa Rica National Team B. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. MT. Prior to tomorrow's match-up the Black Hills State players and coaches will be donating their time as part of a community service project at a Costa Rican orphanage.

For more information on Black Hills State University Athletics visit BHSUAthletics.com