Thunderbirds Secure Third Place at Mon-Dak Conference Preseason Tournament

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2025 — Bismarck, ND

The United Tribes Technical College (UTTC) Thunderbirds women's basketball team earned an impressive third-place finish this past weekend at the 2025 Buster Gilliss Preseason Tournament, hosted by the Mon-Dak Conference.

The Thunderbirds opened the tournament with a strong 90–67 win over Miles City Community College, advancing to the semifinals to face one of the tournament's top seeds, Williston State College. Despite a determined effort and several late rallies, UTTC would eventually come short, falling 79–51 in a competitive matchup that highlighted the team's defensive intensity and depth.

In Sunday's consolation game, the Thunderbirds bounced back with energy and focus, defeating Jamestown College JV in overtime, 64–62, to secure third place. Sophomore guard Ronessa Sazue led the scoring effort with 27 points, including five three-pointers, and 14 rebounds, while sophomore forward Kaycee Desjarlais contributed 10 points. 

Head Coach Kelsey Peltier praised her team's resilience throughout the weekend.

"I'm incredibly proud of how our players represented United Tribes," said Coach Peltier. "We faced tough competition, but our team battled. Finishing third at this level shows how much we've grown and how bright our future is."

The Thunderbirds' strong tournament performance kicks off their season, 2–1, and provides valuable momentum as they prepare for three games, in the next week, including a two-game road trip to Miles City, MT. The team will return to action at home on Wednesday, November 5, hosting the Dickinson State JV at 5:30 p.m. in the James Henry Gymnasium.

For more information about the UTTC Thunderbirds women's basketball program, please visit www.uttcthunderbirds.com/index.