(Editor’s note: Carroll College athletics release)
HELENA — Hannah Dean posted a double-double, but the No. 8 Carroll College Fighting Saints fell behind early and never bounced back, falling on Saturday to No. 3 Montana Western in the PE Center.
Carroll (15-6, Frontier Conference 7-3) struggled from the field, shooting just 27 percent from the field in the game and 11 percent from beyond the three-point line.
The Saints trailed 14-4 after one quarter and by halftime saw a 32-16 deficit on the scoreboard. While Carroll upped its scoring in the second half and played tighter defense, it wasn’t enough.
The Saints held the Bulldogs (18-1, 9-1) to 42 percent shooting from the field, including a 32 percent clip in the second half. The 42 percent was five percent below the Bulldogs’ season average, but, again, offensive woes never allowed Carroll to make a run.
Dean led the Saints with 11 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks, but she was the only Saint to score in double figures. Jaidyn Lyman and Christine Denny each had nine points.
Brianna King, who has won five consecutive player of the week awards, scored 25 points to lead the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs hold a 2-0 edge over the Saints this season.
The Saints went 1-1 on the week, earning a victory over No. 18 Lewis-Clark State on Thursday.
The game keeps Western atop the Frontier Conference, and the Saints firmly in second place.
Carroll travels to face Providence and Montana State-Northern next week.
