BUTTE, Mont. – The Montana Tech women's basketball team defeated St. Mary's University-Calgary 72-43 in the first of two nonconference games this week as the Orediggers prepare for the Frontier to start up after the first of the year. 

The Orediggers (3-8, 0-2) got their second victory on Kelvin Sampson Court this season after playing seven of their 11 games this season on the road. 

Tech came out hot against the Lightning with a 23-6 first quarter lead and extended the margin to 36-17 before halftime. The Orediggers shot 40.9% from the field in the first quarter making 2 of 4 three-point attempts. Tech finished shooting 35.9% from the field in the half. 

Dani Urick netted eight of her 15 points in the first quarter. Urick finished shooting 6 of 10 from the field and 2 for 4 from long. 

The Lightning struggled getting a shot off finishing the first half with 17 turnovers and hitting 6 for 23 from the field. St. Mary's finished with 26 turnovers. 

The Orediggers built on their lead even more in the second half shooting 38.9% down the stretch. Tech finished with 75 field goal attempts shooting 37.3% for the game. 

Tech outrebounded St. Mary's 47-33 and scored 26 second chance points. 

Tavia Rooney finished with a double-double leading the Orediggers in both categories with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Rooney also had three assists, three steels, and a pair of blocks. 

Soda Rice had nine points and four rebounds. Aubrie Rademacher totaled five points and seven boards. 

Jazmyn Kellogg led the Lighting with nearly half of their scoring finishing with 21 points. Chayle Clark had a team high 10 rebounds. 

The Orediggers wrap up the nonconference schedule against another Canadian University Keyano University at 2 p.m. tomorrow.