INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MN – The Bay Norse (1-3) would lose their third consecutive game, falling to the Bismark State Mystic on Saturday afternoon by a final of 95-73.

The Norse would come out of the gates strong, standing toe-to-toe with the Mystic in the opening frame.  After three lead changes in the early going, Bismark State would take the lead midway through the first for good.  The Mystics would grab 18 offensive rebounds in the first half and create 15 turnovers to build a 17-point lead at the half. 

The trend would continue in the second half.  Though the Norse did not shoot poorly overall in the field, hitting 45.5% of their shots from the floor, they would hit on just one of seven shots from behind the three-point arc.  Despite that, the Norse would make a run in the fourth, closing the score down to 12 points early in the frame.  The Mystics would take control of the matchup at that point, squashing any comeback attempt and building a 25-piont lead before all was said and done.  Bismark State would score 21 points off of turnovers in the matchup, and would end up with a 22-point victory.

"I think this was another early game that our younger players gained valuable experience," said Head Coach Rob Robinson.  "It was a great opportunity to play a division one opponent early in the season and get some very valuable experiences that will help us down the road."

Keisha Davis (FR, St. Ignace, MI) would end the game with 11 points and five rebounds.  Jordan Kraemer (SO, Norway, MI) would score 11 as well, while Kaitlyn Hardwick (FR, Gladstone, MI) would add ten points.

Amber Stevahn (FR, Bismark, ND) would lead all scorers with 23 points while grabbing six rebounds.  Trae Murray would add 21 points and seven rebounds, while Sydney Anderson (FR, Killdeer, ND) and Courtney Olson (FR, Mandan, ND) would score 11 points apiece.

The Norse will look forward to their home opener on Wednesday evening.  They will welcome UW-Green Bay, Marinette into town.  That game is scheduled to tip off at 6 pm.