ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The Adams State Grizzlies hung on for a five-point triumph over the Northwest Missouri State University women's basketball team in the season opener for both teams at the D2CCA Tip-Off Classic held at Civic Arena, 56-51.

The Grizzlies used a 16-2 run in the second half to turn a four-point deficit into an 11-point lead. Northwest rallied to close to within three points with an 8-0 spurt, but could not overtake Adams State.

The game opened with a tense exchange of baskets, as Northwest Missouri State and Adams State both struggled to establish dominance. Ella Moody's early tip-in at 7:07 tied the score at 2-2, momentarily halting the Grizzlies' momentum. Despite several turnovers, Northwest Missouri State remained competitive, with Kirsten Hauck assisting Kenzie Melcher on a key three-pointer at 1:03, closing the gap to 11-9.

The first quarter ended with Northwest Missouri State trailing the Grizzlies, 13-11, after Andrea Lopreato's two successful free throws with 44 seconds remaining. Northwest Missouri State will look to seize control in the following quarter.

Northwest Missouri State seized momentum in the second quarter with key plays from Brooklyn Stanley and Moody. Stanley's three-pointer at 6:02, assisted by Avery Yosten, narrowed the gap to one point, and Moody's layup at 4:40 gave the home team a two-point lead. Lopreato extended the lead with a fast-break layup at 3:02, creating a four-point cushion. Despite turnovers, Northwest Missouri State's defense held the Grizzlies to just seven points in the quarter. The home team finished the second quarter leading 22-20.

Northwest Mo. St. struggled to maintain momentum in the third quarter, despite an early lead. Lopreato's defensive and offensive efforts, including a block and a layup at 6:36, were critical in keeping the team competitive. However, turnovers and missed opportunities hindered their performance. The Grizzlies capitalized on fast-break opportunities and defensive pressure, outscoring Northwest Mo. St. 16-8 in the quarter. As a result, the Grizzlies ended the third quarter ahead, with a score of 36-30.

Northwest Mo. St. began the fourth quarter with determination, as Lopreato's defensive efforts led to a steal just seconds in, setting a competitive tone. Melcher contributed with a pivotal layup at 8:38, but the Grizzlies managed to maintain a slim lead throughout much of the quarter.

Despite a strong push from Northwest Mo. St., including key plays from Hauck and Moody, the Grizzlies kept their advantage. A late layup by Lopreato brought the home team within striking distance, but the Grizzlies held on to win. The game concluded with a final score of 56-51 in favor of the visitors.

Lopreato led the effort with 16 points on 6-for-12 shooting and added four rebounds and two steals. Sadie Maas was a force on the boards, collecting 10 rebounds and blocking two shots. Hauck contributed eight points while also recording two steals and an assist. Moody added nine points and matched Lopreato with four rebounds.

In their next game, Northwest Missouri State will face off against West Texas A&M on Sunday, Nov. 2, at noon at Civic Arena.