SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Polly Harrington scored 16 points to lead South Dakota to an 82-71 win over Denver for the Summit League basketball title and the Coyotes' first trip to the NCAA tournament.
Raeshel Contreras and Bridget Arens each added 13 points for the Coyotes (19-13), who earned their first Summit League crown and the automatic bid to the NCAAs. Nicole Seekamp shot just 3-of-12 from the field but contributed with 12 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and five steals.
Desiree Hunter led Denver (9-23) with 14 points, and Paige Bradley and Theresa Wirth each added 13 for the Pioneers.
South Dakota reached the title game by handing five-time champion South Dakota State its first tournament loss in the semifinals after 15 consecutive victories.