Jimmies unable to hold off Dragons in 59-57 loss

The air in Harold Newman Arena crackled with anticipation Wednesday night, November 11th, as the University of Jamestown women's basketball team began their season against Minnesota State University Moorhead. With just 10 seconds left on the clock and trailing by a single point, all eyes were on fifth-year senior Kate Cordes, a player who had carried the offensive load throughout the game. Her missed layup and a subsequent missed free throw ultimately sealed a heartbreaking 59-57 loss for the Jimmies, a narrow defeat that underscores the grit and determination of these young athletes and leaves the Jamestown community eager to see what the rest of the season holds. University of Jamestown Athletics

The Season Opener

The game began with a spark, as Cordes immediately ignited the offense, draining a three-pointer at the 8:07 mark of the first quarter. Cordes went on to score 14 of the Jimmies’ 17 first-quarter points, establishing an early lead that showcased her aggressive and confident play. “She was aggressive early. She was confident early. She worked herself into a rhythm,” said UJ head coach Thad Sankey, reflecting on Cordes’ powerful start. The Jimmies extended their lead to 10 points by the end of the first quarter, fueled by Cordes' performance and a strong offensive showing. However, the Dragons weren’t ready to concede defeat, and the second quarter saw a shift in momentum as the Jimmies struggled to maintain their scoring pace, only attempting six shots. Despite this, they managed to go 4-for-6 from the field, with all four makes coming from beyond the arc. The highlight of the first half was a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Mataeya Mathern, an UND transfer, sending the Jimmies into halftime with a comfortable 33-23 lead. MSU Moorhead Athletics

The Dragons emerged from the locker room with renewed energy, battling back against the Jimmies’ early dominance. A key turning point came with junior guard Ashton Safranski draining a contested three-pointer, cutting the Jimmies' lead and signaling a shift in momentum. MSUM closed the third quarter on a 14-6 run, tying the game at 43, showcasing their resilience and determination. “I thought Jamestown played really hard in the first half, hit shots and rebounded, and did all the things that they needed to build that 10-point lead,” commented MSUM head coach Karla Nelson, acknowledging the Jimmies’ strong start.

A Tense Fourth Quarter

The fourth quarter was a tense back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to establish a significant lead. Ayelishka Teko-Folly’s free throw gave the Dragons their first lead since the first quarter, and the game continued to swing between the two teams. Despite Cordes’ efforts to tie the game at 50 with a three-pointer and a layup, the Dragons managed to maintain a narrow advantage. The final moments were filled with drama, culminating in Cordes' missed layup and Lofstrom's missed free throw, ultimately sealing the 59-57 victory for MSUM. MSUM's defense also began creating problems for the Jimmies, who finished with 20 turnovers compared to the Dragons' seven. “Defensively, we really got after it in the second half,” Nelson said.

Cordes' Return and Key Stats

The loss spoiled a strong return for Cordes, who finished with a game-high 24 points after missing all of last season as a redshirt. She also contributed three assists. Jessika Lofstrom battled for 12 rebounds, while Mataeya Mathern contributed 9 points and 8 rebounds. However, the Jimmies struggled with turnovers, committing 20 compared to MSUM’s 7. The Dragons’ Ashton Safranski also had a strong performance, scoring 15 points and grabbing 7 rebounds with three steals. UJ finished 8-for-24 from beyond the arc, making seven of its first 11 attempts before going 1-for-13 in the second half.

Community Reaction

The loss was felt deeply within the Jamestown community, a town that rallies fiercely behind its athletic teams. While disappointment lingered, the spirit of support remained strong, recognizing the effort and determination displayed by the Jimmies. Many parents and fans expressed pride in Cordes’ return to the court after missing last season due to a redshirt, praising her leadership and skill. The close game showcased the potential of the team and ignited anticipation for future contests. “We didn’t get as good looks in the second half,” Coach Sankey noted, acknowledging areas for improvement while still emphasizing the team's commitment to growth and perseverance. The Jimmies' performance served as a reminder of the importance of teamwork, resilience, and a willingness to support one another through thick and thin.

What's Next

The University of Jamestown women’s basketball team will look to bounce back quickly when they face Dickinson State University at Harold Newman Arena on Saturday, November 14th, at 6 p.m. This upcoming game provides a valuable opportunity for the Jimmies to learn from their season opener and fine-tune their strategy. Coach Sankey and his team will undoubtedly focus on addressing the 20 turnovers that plagued them against MSUM, as well as improving their shooting accuracy in the second half. The team’s ability to maintain composure and execute effectively under pressure will be crucial as they face Dickinson State. Dickinson State University

Lisa's Take

Watching the Jimmies’ game against MSUM reminded me of something vital about our community: we celebrate effort and heart, even in defeat. These young women played with grit and determination, and it was a privilege to witness their fight. Kate Cordes’ return to the court was truly inspiring, a testament to her perseverance and dedication. But beyond the individual performances, what struck me most was the importance of family and teamwork. These young women are not just basketball players; they are students, daughters, sisters, and friends. They represent the values we hold dear – commitment, resilience, and a willingness to support one another through thick and thin. It’s easy to get caught up in wins and losses, but it's the character demonstrated on and off the court that truly matters. As these young women navigate the challenges of competition and life, may they always remember the importance of strong family ties, unwavering faith, and a commitment to serving others. The future is bright for the Jimmies, and I’m excited to see what they accomplish this season – both on and off the court.

Game Details

MSU Moorhead 59, University of Jamestown 57

MSUM: 13 10 20 16 – 59

UJ: 17 16 10 14 – 57

Highlights:

• UJ — Kate Cordes 24 points, 4 3-pointers, 3 assists; Mataeya Mathern 9 points, 8 rebounds; Jessika Lofstrom 7 points, 12 rebounds; Kelsey Willems 5 points; Allie Berns 4 points; Addison Sage 3 points.
• MSUM — Caylin Kelly 16 points, 5 rebounds; Ashton Safranski 15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals; Ayelishka Teko-Folly 10 points, 5 rebounds; Grace Massaquoi 9 points, 4 rebounds.

Team Statistics

UJ — 18-46 FG (39.1%), 8-24 3PT (33.3%), 13-21 FT (61.9%), 39 rebounds, 20 turnovers, 17 fouls.

MSUM — 22-66 FG (33.3%), 3-22 3PT (13.6%), 12-15 FT (80%), 37 rebounds, 7 turnovers, 20 fouls.

The University of Jamestown women's basketball team’s season opener against Minnesota State University Moorhead was a hard-fought battle that ultimately ended in a narrow defeat, but it also served as a testament to the spirit and determination of these young athletes and the unwavering support of the Jamestown community. With valuable lessons learned and a renewed commitment to excellence, the Jimmies are poised to face future challenges with resilience and a focus on teamwork, promising an exciting season ahead for fans and supporters alike.

Resources

For more information about the University of Jamestown women's basketball team, visit jimmiesathletics.com. To learn more about Minnesota State University Moorhead athletics, visit msumdragons.com. For information about Dickinson State University, visit dickinsonstate.edu. Community support for the Jimmies can be directed through the university’s athletic department or booster clubs.