For the third time in four seasons, the UND women’s basketball team made it to postseason play and accepted a bid in the Women’s Basketball Invitational.

But its season ended when it entered the West Region as the No. 8 seed and was defeated 54-51 by top-seeded New Mexico on Mar. 18.

UND managed to nearly climb out of an early deficit, but its efforts fell short.

“We kind of just broke down and we didn’t stick to our principles of playing together and playing strong,” Mia Loyd said.

North Dakota spent its third season in the Big Sky facing challenges that would only strengthen its desire to succeed.

For the team’s seniors especially, the years provided them with opportunities to grow.

“They came in and they battled,” Brewster said. “It’s a tougher year. They’ll be missed, but at the same time, that’s what we do here, growing young people into who they are and they’ll be prepared for the real world once they get out there, that’s for sure.”

Seniors Siri Burck, Emily Evers and Megan Lauck played their last games in North Dakota jerseys after one last run at a bigger goal.

“I’m sorry to see the season end for our three seniors,” Brewster said. “It’s a tough way for them to go out, but they have been a part of many magical memories. We put together one last push for the fans and seniors and UND.”

Staff report