BILLINGS, Mont. – An 84-75 decision handed the Colorado School of Mines Women's Basketball team a loss on Friday as the Orediggers (1-2) opened the 2024 Yellowjacket Classic against Simon Fraser (5-1).
 
Audrey Beaty led the Orediggers with 17 points. Jenna Siebert teased a triple-double with 12 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. She also notched two blocks and one steal. Josephine Howery rounded out Mines' highlights by turning in nine points, seven rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and two steals. At the end of the day, the Orediggers' individual performances weren't enough to offset a 24-15 margin a turnovers and a 35-15 deficit in free throws. Mines dominated the glass, 46-27, and shot better from the floor, but free-throw opportunities made the difference.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Peyton Freiermuth' six points in the first quarter weren't enough to keep Simon Fraser from a 23-19 advantage after 10 minutes of play. Beaty's five points and two rebounds in the second frame helped send Mines into the break with a 39-38 lead. A 20-20 margin in the third quarter kept things even after Beaty poured in 10 more points. The final period was close until a 5-0 run by the Red Leafs opened up the gap. Six points from Beaty made things respectable, but SFU went on a 5-0 run and opened its biggest lead of the game in the final minutes.
 
NOTABLES
- Mines and Simon Fraser have played two times in the history of the two programs.
- The Orediggers now trail SFU in the all-time series.
- Beaty's scoring numbers on Friday marked a career high.
- Isa Hensley also had a single-game, career high in scoring and rebounding against SFU thanks to five points and six rebounds.
- Josephine Howery blocked multiple shots for the second game in a row and the third time in her career.
- Mines Head Coach Brittany Simpson is now 220-125 in her 13th season at the helm.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
The Orediggers head to Billings, Mont., next weekend for games against Simon Fraser and MSU Billings. Live stats and video will be linked at www.mineathletics.com.
 
Fans can keep up with Mines women's basketball on "X" (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram at @MinesWBB. They can also keep up with Colorado School of Mines Athletics all year long on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the handle @MinesAthletics.