Grand Forks, N.D. - The Comets Women's Basketball team played in an exhibition game last Friday against the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center.

Both teams warmed up in #BeBetter long sleeves with the #41 and Richards name on the back. 





Katie Richards, UND graduate and three time Division II National champion and previous Mayville State employee, was honored prior to the game where her daughter, Marit and father, Randy, brought out the game ball to center court. 



Junior Mackenzie Hughes said, " It was such a special night to be able to honor someone who meant so much to many of us. I know she would've loved to see it in person, but I have no doubt she was watching tonight. It was an honor to play for her because she loved the game more than anyone."

"It meant the world to us when UND called us and asked us to be a part of this special evening. Katie had a profound impact on our program and many of our current and past players," said head Coach Dennis Hutter. "She was an amazing role model for all female student athletes and we were honored and humbled to participate last night."

Game Recap:

The Betty definitely had Katie's presence in it as the Comets won the game 75-68. The game did not count towards the Comets' overall record but it will be one they will never forget. This was the first time in Mayville State Women's Basketball History that they have beat the Fighting Hawks. 



"They wanted it," UND head coach Mallory Bernhard said. "When I refer to them, I'm referring to them as a team." 

"You always want to try and play good competition whenever you can, especially early in the season. These Division I games allow us the chance to do that," commented Hutter. "We appreciate and respect the fact that UND will play us every year. Good competition builds the team base we need for conference play, which starts in early January. This was a great program and team win."

With an attendance of over 1,300 and against a Division I team, the Comets didn't seem to skip a beat as their team comradery and resilience lead them to a victory.

"We just talked mostly about playing loose, don't be afraid to make plays. We need winning plays down the stretch like rebounding, good shot selection and getting 50/50 balls. We made enough of them to hold on in the end," coach Hutter added in regards to conversations during timeouts.

The Comets, now ranked No. 18 in the country in the NAIA, will have about 12 days off before they head down to Bellevue, Nebraska to play in the Bellevue Classic. They will take on Haskell Friday, December 29th at 12:30pm and the College of the Ozarks Saturday, December 30th at 12:30pm.

For full schedule information visit: https://msucomets.com/sports/womens-basketball/schedule