MANKATO, Minn. ---  The Minnesota State women's basketball team downed Hamline, 91-72, Thursday evening at Taylor center in exhibition play. 

The Mavericks created a early nine point, 17-8, edge after Karina Schroeder knocked down a jumper at the 5:04 mark of the opening quarter. Hamline fought back with a 8-0 run to daw within one, 17-16, with 3:27 to play in the quarter. Minnesota State led after the first quarter, 26-21.

The Mavericks began the second period on a 8-0 run to give Minnesota State a 34-21 advantage with 9:10 to play in the half. The Pipers battled back to cut the deficit down to eight, 48-40, by the 2:17 mark. The Mavericks took a 55-43 lead into the locker room at halftime. 

Minnesota State swelled their lead to 14, 60-46, after Britney Scherber connected with Claire Ziegler for a lay up with 6:58 to play in the quarter. The Mavericks then went on to expand the lead up to 20, 68-48, by the 2:19 mark. Minnesota State led, 71-51, heading into the final quarter. 

The Mavericks grew their lead to 21, 77-56, after a Scherber lay up with 8:05 remaining. Hamline responded to battle back to come within 15, 87-72, with 1:22 to play. Minnesota State went on to cruise to a 91-72 win. 

Minnesota State held the edge in rebounds (40-30) and assists (18-14). Additionally, the Mavericks went 69% from the free throw line (16-23). 

Schroeder led the Mavericks with a team-high in both points (17) and rebounds (8). Ziegler pulled down five rebounds and netted four points. Scherber rounded out the top performers with six points and a team-best three steals.

The Mavericks will open up regular season play on Nov. 15 hosting Missouri Western State. Tip off is set for 6:00 p.m.

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