Box Score MESA, Ariz. – After trailing by as many as 16 points in the first half, the Bushnell women's basketball team rallied to knock off Montana State-Northern on Monday morning, 67-64 in the first game of the Cactus Classic, hosted by the University of Providence.
 
Head Coach Chad Meadors said, "Northern is so well coached and we had to battle. Our zone didn't work, our press didn't work and next thing we knew we were down 16. We settled down, started rebounding on both ends, created our own momentum, and for the first time this year our man-to-man defense came through. It was a tough way to start today but we found a way to get some momentum and make a few plays."
 
Bushnell (6-5) outscored the Skylights 30-19 in the third period, taking their first lead at 52-50 on a three-pointer from Aly Mirabile (pictured). The lead grew to as many as seven before Bushnell was able to close out the win.
 
The Beacons shot 40% from the field and were aided by 18 offensive rebounds as a 13-7 advantage in second-chance points proved to be a difference maker. Bushnell also scored 25 points off of 21 Skylight turnovers as they pulled in 15 steals.
 
Four Beacons scored in double figures as senior Morgan McKinney led the way with 17 points, six steals and five assists, adding five rebounds in a well-rounded performance. Aspen Slifka had 11 points in the second half and finished with 15. Bella Pedrojetti added 12 points and had a team-high seven rebounds, all on the offensive end. Kalina Rojas scored ten, and had five rebounds.
 
MSU-Northern (3-8) shot 47% from the field and hit nine three-pointers. The sister duo of Peyton and Ryley Kehr combined for 43 of the team's 64 points with Ryley shooting 4-for-5 from outside. Sydney Hovde scored four points but led all players with 14 rebounds.
 
"Our schedule has been so tough, and we have a little momentum now," said Meadors. "That was good for us to get this win today and hopefully it will propel us into tomorrow and Wednesday and back into league after the holidays."
 
Bushnell returns to action on Tuesday, taking on MidAmerica Nazarene University from Kansas, at 3:00 pm local time.