Riverland fell on the road Friday night, dropping a 64–54 decision to Minnesota North–Rainy River despite a late push and a strong inside performance from sophomore forward Sydney Shelby (Homer, AK).

Rainy River opened the game hot, outscoring Riverland 26–5 in the first quarter and building an early lead that proved difficult to overcome. The Blue Devils responded with improved defensive pressure and shot-making over the next three periods, outscoring the Voyageurs 49–38 the rest of the way — including an 18–8 win in the third quarter — but the first quarter deficit remained the difference.

Shelby was dominant in the paint, posting a 23-point, 15-rebound double-double, while Najima Hassan (Mankato, MN) added 14 points, 4 assists and 3 steals. Morgan Klankowski (Austin, MN) scored six and contributed five rebounds, and freshman Erin Boorsma (Albert Lea, MN) added solid minutes off the bench.

Riverland trimmed the deficit to single digits in the fourth quarter, but Rainy River closed the game at the free-throw line and secured the win. Riverland will return to action on Saturday afternoon against Vermilion.