GRAND FORKS, N.D. - Mercedes Alexander (Eugene, Ore) led Seattle to a 66-61 win over South Dakota today at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center in the first round of the Spring Thaw National Independant Postseason Tournament, hosted by the University of North Dakota.

Alexander led all players with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Not far behind was Chelsie Morrison (Portland, Ore) who contributed 15 points. South Dakota rallied in the second half to cut their 10 point halftime deficit to five points. Bridget Yoerger (Hinton, Iowa) led South Dakota with 15 points. Off the bench Maggie Youngberg (Yankton, S.D.) sparked the Coyotes in the second half with 11 points.

Seattle will now play in the championship game tomorrow at 5 p.m. against the winner of top-seeded North Dakota and fourth-seeded Houston Baptist at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center to wrap up the Spring Thaw Tournament.  South Dakota will conclude its season action going for third place tomorrow afternoon at 1 p.m.

-GO SIOUX-