Mayville, N.D. - The #18 Comets Women's Basketball team traveled to Nebraska to participate in the Bellevue Classic holiday tournament. In their first game against the Haskell Indian Nations, Mayville State's offense scored their most points in six seasons with an 111-72 victory.

Head Coach Dennis Hutter commented on how special this team is saying "Their willingness to sacrifice the me for we is what makes this group so special. They genuinely play hard and compete for each other. Each player using themselves in whatever their role is for that particular game. This team is all about selfless sacrifice."

The Comets offense hummed from the opening possession with a Mackenzie Hughes triple. Mayville State penetrated the Haskell defense at will which resulted in a layup or an open three pointer.

Hughes and Jordan Zrust scored eight points apiece to lead Mayville State, as the team shot 63% from the field and dished out eight assists. After 10 minutes, the Comets led 33-12.

"Playing fast today was very intetnional. We wanted to push pace because we felt we had an advantage playing in transition today," said Hutter.

In the second quarter, Mayville State continued to push the pace and rack up the points. The Comets shot even better in the quarter, as they converted 12 of their 18 attempts for 67%.

Jes Mertens poured in nine points on perfect shooting, going 3-3 from the field and hit both her free throw attempts. A 9-2 run to finish the quarter put the Comets up 64-32 at halftime.

The third quarter was back and forth, as each team responded to a basket by knocking in one of their own, the Comets lead held steady between 30 and 35 points throughout the period, as Hughes stayed hot with seven points.

Both teams shot 50% on the dot and with 10 minutes left, Mayville State was ahead 89-55.

The Comets cracked the century mark with seven minutes left on a Zrust layup, and 16 players got time in the fourth as Mayville State cruised to the 111-72 win.

The Comets shot 56% from the field, made 15 of 36 three pointers and converted 84% of their free throws for a very efficient game, and took care of the ball with 23 assists and only 10 turnovers.

Hughes led six Comets in double figures with 23 points, followed by Zrust with 22 points and nine rebounds.

Jes Mertens added 16 points and three steals, Greta Hillukka connected on four treys for 12 points, Erin Walcker scored 11 and blocked two shots, Kayla Rocholl hit double figures with 10 and CJ Decker dished out 5 assists.

Hutter said, "We have to and must defensively rebound better tomorrow. That will be a must. We also need to defend with discipline. Ozarks is extremely well coached and a very good basketball team."

The Comets record now stands at 10-2 and  will end the 2023 year with a top 25 match up against the #23 College of the Ozarks, tip off is at 12:30pm.

"We have to bring the same approach to be successful tomorrow that we have tried to bring everyday so far this season. We need to play with relentless effort, enthusiasm, energy and execution. Doing all of that with a great 'TEAM' attitude," added Hutter. 

To follow the Bellevue Classic live you can visit: Fairfield Inn Bruin Classic - Bellevue University Athletics (prestosports.com)