FOREST CITY, Iowa — Dakota Wesleyan left little doubt Wednesday night.
The Tigers built a commanding early lead and cruised to a 115-46 victory over Waldorf in conference women’s basketball action, improving to 21-4 overall and 17-2 in league play.
Dakota Wesleyan seized control from the opening tip, jumping out to an 11-0 start and leading 29-10 after the first quarter. The Tigers turned defense into offense throughout the opening stretch, forcing turnovers and getting easy transition opportunities while holding Waldorf to just four made field goals in the period.
The advantage ballooned in the second quarter as DWU outscored Waldorf 35-7, pushing the halftime margin to 64-17. Dakota Wesleyan’s depth showed during the run, with multiple scoring spurts fueled by strong ball movement and perimeter shooting.
DWU continued to dictate play in the second half, taking a 91-30 lead into the fourth quarter before closing out the 69-point win.
The Tigers shot an efficient 64% from the field and assisted on 31 baskets while forcing 22 Waldorf turnovers. DWU also controlled the glass with a 46-15 rebounding edge.
Taliyah Hayes led the balanced scoring effort with 19 points off the bench, while Emma Yost added 16 points on 8-of-9 shooting. Rylee Rosenquist contributed 13 points and five assists, and Avery Orth chipped in 12 points and eight rebounds. Lizzie Pavlis and Shalayne Nagel each scored nine, and Dakota Wesleyan placed eight players in the scoring column with at least seven points.
Waldorf was paced by Mia Sao-Martinez with 11 points and Jariah Riley with 10.
Dakota Wesleyan improves to 21-4 on the season, 17-2 in the GPAC and extended its winning streak to 15 straight. The Tigers will be at Mt. Marty on Saturday at 2 pm in Yankton.