WILLISTON, N.D. — The Williston State College women's basketball team couldn't have scripted a better start to their 2025–26 campaign. The Tetons opened the season a perfect 3–0, storming through the MonDak Preseason Conference Tournament with convincing wins over Dakota College at Bottineau, United Tribes Technical College, and North Dakota State College of Science.

The Tetons capped the weekend with an 83–50 victory over NDSCS to claim the tournament title, powered by balanced scoring, suffocating defense, and tournament MVP Jersey Berg, who averaged 14.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.

Statement Win to Open the Season

Williston State set the tone immediately, dismantling Dakota College at Bottineau 96–17 in their season opener. The Tetons' defense was relentless, holding DCB to just 8.5% shooting from the field (4-for-47) while forcing 31 turnovers.

Sophomore forward Leila Heffernan led the way with a dominant 22 points and 14 rebounds, while Lucia Bellido matched her with 22 points of her own on 9-of-13 shooting. The Tetons shot nearly 49% from the floor and knocked down 10 three-pointers in a wire-to-wire win.

Berg and Simpson Shine Against United Tribes

In their second game, the Tetons handled United Tribes Technical College 79–51, using another fast-paced offensive attack and tough defense.

Kylie Simpson caught fire, scoring 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting while adding five steals. Berg turned in an efficient 19-point, five-steal performance, and Heffernan added nine points and seven rebounds. Williston State again showcased its depth, with Taylah Murtagh chipping in eight points off the bench.

The Tetons tallied 16 steals and 18 assists as a team, forcing United Tribes into 31 turnovers.

Tournament Title Secured in Style

The championship game saw Williston State roll past North Dakota State College of Science, 83–50, to complete the 3–0 sweep.

Berg once again led by example, scoring 15 points and grabbing seven rebounds, while Heffernan continued her stellar play with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Freshman Dani Jordan provided a major spark off the bench with 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including a pair of threes.

The Tetons shot a blistering 48.5% from the field and 42.9% from beyond the arc, while limiting NDSCS to just 32% shooting.

Berg Named Tournament MVP

After three dominant performances, sophomore forward Jersey Berg was named the MonDak Preseason Tournament MVP. Berg's consistency, leadership, and all-around play helped anchor the Tetons on both ends of the court.

Tournament Recap (Williston State Results):

• vs. Dakota College at Bottineau — W, 96–17

• vs. United Tribes Technical College — W, 79–51

• vs. NDSCS — W, 83–50

Tournament MVP: Jersey Berg (Williston State)