"We shot the ball tremendously well tonight and were able to hang on for a big win at home in front of our fans," said head coach Laurie Kelly.  "To come out and shoot 57 percent in the first half is really incredible.  When you can hit shots at that rate you can really put yourself in a position to win every night."

NAU (1-2) picked up its first win of the season by shooting 47.5 percent for the game and hitting 16 of its first 28 shots to open a 37-28 halftime lead against North Dakota State (2-1).

The Lumberjacks only built on their first half lead scoring the first 11 points in the second period of play. With the run, the women pushed their lead to a game-high 23 points; however, the Bison kept playing and chipped away at the NAU lead over the next 16 minutes.

North Dakota State cut the Lumberjacks' lead to three with two minutes left but timely baskets from sophomore Tyler Stephens-Jenkins and freshman Trinidee Trice helped NAU finish the Bison off securing a seven point win.

"We had some players step up big for us late in the game who have not had that type of opportunity yet," Kelly said.  "We let them get back into the game, but North Dakota State is a tough team that does not quit.  Last year we may not have been able to hang on but this group showed enough poise to pull out a victory tonight."

Galloway led all players with 21 points on 8-of-13 from the field.  She hit 2-of-3 three-pointers and also converted on 3-of-4 free throw attempts.  The senior from Spokane, Wash., also collected four assists and three rebounds on the night.

The Lumberjacks play on Monday against Queens College (N.Y.) at the Rolle Activity Center at 6:35 p.m.

DID YOU KNOW…Northern Arizona ranked among the top athletic departments in the country during the 2009-10 academic year with a Top 100 Learfield Sports Directors' Cup standings at 78th. NAU ranked among the top 100 for the seventh time in the last eight seasons and 12th overall in the last 14 years.