The Briar Cliff women's basketball team earned their first win of the season behind a pair of 20-point performances from Konnor Sudmann and Kennedy Benne. The Chargers downed RV Dakota State 85-78 at the Cattle Classic Friday in Seward, Nebraska.
 
The Chargers were led by Benne's play in the opening quarter, as she accounted for 13 of their 25 points. Despite shooting 35.0% from the floor, Briar Cliff was able to get to the free throw and converted 10-of-14 attempts.
 
BC's offense found a rhythm in the second quarter, posting a 58.8 shooting percentage. The Chargers had a balanced attack with seven different players scoring. Dakota State hit a 3-pointer to open the quarter, but BC answered with a 9-2 run to take a 13-point lead. The Chargers outscored the Trojans 13-3 over the final 3:34 of the first half to take their largest lead of the game (18) into the break.
 
Benne paced the Cliff through 20 minutes of play with 18 points, while Sudmann added 10 points.
 
The Cliff held a double-digit lead through the majority of the third quarter but were outscored 18-27 as the Trojans cut the lead to nine points. BC was efficient from the field in the period at 53.3% but gave up six second-chance points on four offensive rebounds.
 
Briar Cliff held a 7-to-10 point lead until Dakota State closed to within three points with 39 seconds left. Sudmann iced the win for the Cliff, scoring the last seven points with an and-one and five straight makes at the free throw line.
 
Sudmann totaled 23 points, five rebounds and three steals and was a perfect 9-for-9 from the charity stripe. Benne had 20 points, four boards and five steals.
 
Madelyn Deitchler had 15 points and nine rebounds, while Payton Slaughter had 10 points, five assists and four rebounds.
 
The Chargers are back in Seward, Nebraska for an early game against Bellevue at 10 a.m.