ABERDEEN, S.D. – The Black Hills State University women's basketball team fell in its season opener against Northern State University 56-40 on Tuesday evening.

Black Hills State led in the beginning of the contest at 5-2 but fell into a slump once the Wolves took over at 12-10 at the end of the first. At halftime, the Yellow Jackets trailed by 10 at 25-15 and were unable to find the momentum as they shot 26 percent (15-of-56) from the field. Northern State countered with 48.8 percent (20-of-41) from the field.

Kassidy Scott led the way for the Yellow Jackets with 10 points on 4-of-11 from the field and 2-of-2 on free throws. Taylor Trohkimoinen, Rachel Erickson and Cheyanne Balster each tallied eight points apiece.

Trohkimoinen, Balster, and Keely Bertram each grabbed a team-high six rebounds.

Miranda Risteau of Northern State scored 20 points while Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Preseason Player of the Year Jill Conrad was right behind with 15.

Trohkimoinen and Scott each had three steals while Julia Seamans and Cheyanne Balster had three assists.

"This team is so hungry to be good and it was an opportunity for us to get out and play," said head coach Mark Nore.

Black Hills State starts the young season at 0-1 while Northern State starts out 1-0.

The Yellow Jackets travel to Montana State-Billings to take on Cal Poly Pomona on Friday and Northern State again on Saturday. Tip off Friday is set for 5:30 p.m. followed by 3 p.m. on Saturday.