Dillon, Mont. - Mayville State Women's Basketball took on the Montana Western Bulldogs Friday night, looking to bounce back after their Thursday night loss to Montana Tech.

Mackenzie Hughes & Alex Page continue to be consistent offensively for the Comets, combining for 51 points in Mayville State's 80-76 win over the Bulldogs.

"Games like tonight are always fun. When you get two teams that love to play fast and get out and run it's going to make for an entertaining game," said head coach Ryan Carpenter. "We were able to execute pretty well down the stretch to get a few easy baskets and two big time free throws from freshman Misti Zempel to ice it."

The first quarter was an offensive one, both teams putting up 20 points. The Comets were 7-17 from the field and 3-9 from behind the arc in the first 10 minutes of play.

The Bulldogs came out in the 2nd quarter with an early 7 point lead but the Comets took the lead at the 4 minute mark with a three from Jes Mertens. 

Mayville State would lead by as much as 7 in the second quarter but Montana Western chipped away and the Comets headed into the locker room ahead by two, 38-36.

The second half was a nail biter in both quarters. Page would shoot 4-6 from the field and 2-3 from behind the arc, scoring 10 points in the third quarter.

Page followed up with 6 more points in the 4th quarter, aided by an additional 10 points by Hughes. 

Despite the Bulldogs outscoring the Comets in the fourth quarter, Mayville State never lost their lead in the last remaining 10 minutes. 

Montana State threatened late, but two free throws nailed by Misti Zempel would seal the win for the Comets.

Hughes led the Comets in points and tied her season high at 28, nailing 4 threes. She had 3 steals and 3 assists. Hughes has scored over 20 points in all 4 games this season.

Alex Page scored a career high 23 points and had 9 rebounds.

Jes Mertens continued to shine defensively and all across the board as she had 6 steals (21 in just 4 games), 8 rebounds, 7 assists and 11 points. 

Annika Reierson had 10 rebounds and added 7 points on the night.

The Comets move to 3-1 overall and will return to the Lewy Lee Fieldhouse Tuesday, November 19th as they take on Trinity Bible College. Tip off is set for 5:30pm with the men to follow.

"We have two games and one exhibition left before a few days off for Thanksgiving," added Carpenter. "I know we are looking forward to a little extra rest to help take care of a few bumps and bruises before we hit the long month on the road in December."

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