Post-Bulletin, Austin MN 

WORTHINGTON -- The Riverland women's basketball team won its season opener with a 70-44 rout of Hibbing in Friday's first round of the Minnesota West Classic.

Led by the scoring of freshman forward Krista Viehauser, the Lady Blue Devils of Riverland jumped out to a 36-21 lead at halftime. Viehauser, an Austin High alumnus, had 20 of her game-high 30 points in the first half.

"Krista was hitting almost everything in the first half," Riverland coach Suzy Hebrink said. "She shot nearly 80-percent from the field in the first half and put us on top. We did a good job of getting some offensive balance in the second half and it was a nice way to start the season."

In addition to her game-high point totals, Viehauser also led the Lady Devils with 17 rebounds. Joni Lillo and Kelsey Brink were also in double figures to give the offense a measure of balance on the day.

Lillo finished with 13 points, 4 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 assists. Brink had 10 points in the low post. Danyel Hythecker also grabbed five rebounds in the win.

Brooke Rosenstiel added more balance for the Lady Devils with eight points and five rebounds. Mirana Swanson had five points and eight rebounds, plus Holly Waltz had three points. Gretchen Hebrink chipped in a free throw and a trio of assists.

"We played solid defense and the pressure created scoring opportunities in transition," coach Hebrink said. "It's still early in the season and we have plenty to work on, but this was a big win over a team that went to the region finals last season. It will be a much tougher opponent in the next round of the tournament."

Riverland (1-0) played Madison (Wis.) Area Technical College this afternoon in the second round of the Minnesota West Classic.

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