BOX SCORE

BOZEMAN, Mont. –The Bushnell women's basketball program soft-launched their 2025-2026 campaign on Thursday evening with an NCAA Division I exhibition contest, falling on the road to reigning Big Sky Champion Montana State University, 88-37.    
 
The Beacons were held to 28% shooting in the contest and turned the ball over on a 4-to-1 ratio as Montana State collected 31 steals.
 
"The Beacons took one on the chin today," said Head Coach Chad Meadors, "and yet we still have several takeaways from our game that I can really be pleased with. No matter how you look at it, all the variables were against us tonight, but our attitude, our approach, and our physicality were awesome. I can really see us growing from this and this being a core foundation piece for us. We didn't whine, cry, moan, or make excuses. We stayed together the entire time, we had a great mindset and stayed aggressive."
 
Bushnell was led by Dayvis Key, scoring eight points while Kenzi Pedersen collected 11 rebounds.
 
Montana State had three players in double-figures, led by 18 points from Addison Harris. Taylee Chirrick added a double-double with 11 points and a game-high 14 rebounds including eight offensive boards.
 
Meadors said, "The Bobcats have been picked to win the Big Sky again and I don't see how they are going to be stopped. They are a very impressive team. They are well coached."
 
UP NEXT: Bushnell will open up the season in earnest as they remain in Montana for a pair of games against NAIA Frontier Conference foes. On Saturday the Beacons take on Providence, a team currently receiving votes in the NAIA Coaches Poll. Tip-off for that contest is scheduled for 5:00 pm Mountain Time.