The Minot State women’s basketball team tipped off its season north of the border in Langley, British Columbia, Canada, as part of the CCA Canadian Tip-Off Classic.

While the Beavers were competitive in all three contests, they are returning to the states still seeking their first victory. Minot State opened the season with a 54-41 loss to Saint Martin’s University on Friday, Oct. 31, before dropping a close 69-64 contest to Western Washington University on Saturday. The Beavers closed out the three-day event with a 68-62 loss to Simon Fraser University.

In the opener, the Beavers and Saint Martin’s entered the fourth quarter tied 35-35, but Minot State mustered just six points in the final frame. Taryn Hamling led the Beavers with 11 points and Lara Dobbins and Jessica Mogen each chipped in 10.

Jada Travis poured in 28 for Saint Martin’s.

Hamling and Maya Aguilar went off for 20 and 18 points, respectively, the following day against Western Washington, but Minot State couldn’t grab the lead late. The Beavers led by three after one, but went to the locker room trailing by a point. Western Washington extended its lead to 46-43 after three and held off Minot State in the fourth to secure the victory.

Libby Stump led Western Washington with a game-high 33 points.

The Beavers led the majority of the way against Simon Fraser, leading by as many as seven points in the third quarter. But Simon Fraser rallied in the fourth, grabbing the lead for good with 6:15 remaining as part of a 22-15 final frame.

Hamling again led the Beavers with a 16-point performance. Aguilar (15) and Mogen (10) also finished in double figures.

Rachel Loukes had 20 points for Simon Fraser.

Minot State will play a pair of exhibition games beginning on Friday, Nov. 7, at Mayville State and conclude with Montana State on Monday, Nov. 10.