ROCHESTER, MN - The Northampton women's basketball team dropped their opening game of the NJCAA National Tournament, falling to #5 Minnesota West, 85-57, on Wednesday afternoon at the Rochester Sports Complex. 

Kania Day (East Stroudsburg, PA/East Stroudsburg South) recorded a double-double for the Spartans with 14 points and 10 rebounds, but the balanced Blue Jays had three individuals in double figures and two with 9 points each as they shot 48.6% from the field, including 46.7% from distance. "Credit Minnesota West," stated Northampton Head Coach Terrence Bomar, "they are very fundamentally sound and played a great game and we never got on-track.  We need to regroup tonight and be ready to play a tough PG team tomorrow."

Zoe Cruz (Swiftwater, PA/Pocono Mt. East) added 13 points for the Spartans, who converted just 21 of 65 field goal attempts (32.2%). 

Olivia Hayenga led Minnesota West with 28 points and 8 rebounds. 

The loss drops Northampton to 20-7 overall, while Minnesota West improves to 28-3. 

The Spartans will now face #8 Prince George's Community College on Thursday at 10am (CT) / 11am (EST).