MARSHALL, Minn. - The University of Minnesota Crookston women's basketball team had a fourth quarter comeback come up short in their season opener 79-70 against the University of Nebraska at Kearney. The Golden Eagles were outscored 33-12 in the third quarter, but bounced back to best the Lopers 19-9 in the fourth quarter. However, it wouldn't be enough as Nebraska Kearney iced the game late. 

The Golden Eagles led 39-37 at the half, and held a five-point advantage early in the third quarter. The Lopers outscored Minnesota Crookston 29-7 in the final 8:38 of the third quarter to help separate from the Golden Eagles.

Minnesota Crookston dropped to 0-1 with the loss, while Nebraska Kearney improved to 1-0. The Lopers have won the last four games in the series with the Golden Eagles. Nebraska Kearney is coming off a 28-5 mark in 2022-23, including a NCAA Tournament berth. Minnesota Crookston opened a new era Friday under Head Coach Natalie Moynihan.

The Golden Eagles looked to NSIC Freshman of the Year Emma Miller (So., G, Albertville, Minn.), who finished with 15 points on 5-of-16 from the field. Miller was 3-of-7 from beyond the arc. Miller added seven assists Friday. Natalie Mikrot (So., G, Willow River, Minn.) chipped in 14 points, including going 4-of-8 from behind the three-point line. Olivia Walsh (Fr., G/F, Austin, Minn.) made her collegiate debut, scoring 10 points. Janie Tormanen (So., F, Menahga, Minn.) added nine points and eight boards. Rayna Klejeski (Fr., F, Barnum, Minn.) notched eight points in her collegiate debut. Nicole Hernandez (R-Jr., F/C, Oak Creek, Wis.) finished with six points and six rebounds, while Taryn Frazer (So., G, Cass Lake, Minn.) added six points and five rebounds.

Minnesota Crookston shot 25-of-63 for 39.7 percent. The Golden Eagles were 9-of-18 for 50.0 percent from beyond the arc, and went 11-of-13 for 84.6 percent from the stripe. The Golden Eagles struggled with turnovers, committing 20. They answered the call on the glass, outrebounding the Lopers 45-43. 

The Lopers looked to five players in double figures. Meg Burns led the way with 19 points. Jillian Aschoff secured a double-double of 15 points and 11 boards. Aschoff added seven points. Trinity Law finished with 11 points. Shiloh McCool notched 11 points. Bailee Sobczak came off the bench for a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds.

Nebraska Kearney shot 30-of-78 for 38.5 percent from the field. They were 6-of-22 for 27.3 percent from distance, and shot 76.5 percent from the foul line. They had 14 assists, to 10 turnovers.

Minnesota Crookston's best quarters from the field were the first, hitting at a 41.2 percent clip, and the fourth, where they converted 46.7 percent from the field. The Lopers made it count in the third quarter, hitting at a 65.2 percent clip on 23 shots.

The Golden Eagles will compete against Northwest Missouri State University Saturday, November 11 at 5 p.m., in Marshall, Minn.