Photo courtesy of South Dakota Women’s Basketball: Former Bishop Garrigan star Molly Joyce dribbles up the court for South Dakota earlier this season.

VERMILLION, S.D. — Postseason basketball has always been a time for Molly Joyce to raise her game to another level.

She did it first at Bishop Garrigan, helping the Golden Bears to back-to-back Class 1A girls state basketball championships.

Now, she’s doing it at the NCAA Div. I level.

Joyce scored 31 points this past Sunday to lift South Dakota past Montana State in the WNIT from the Sanford Coyote Sports Center, 65-56. The Coyotes will now face Illinois State Wednesday night in the Fab Four round back at home.

The point total is the most for Joyce at South Dakota and the third-most in a postseason game in Summit League history.

“We are just super blessed to be in this position,” Joyce said. “We have four seniors who we love so much and we are not ready to be done.

“We are going out there every night and in every practice, giving it are all.”

A 5-foot-7 junior, Joyce joined the program after two seasons with Truman State — where she named the conference freshman of the year. As a sophomore, she averaged 15 points per game, claiming all-GLVC second team status.

“Sunday’s win (over Montana State) was huge for us,” Joyce said. “We knew it was going to be a tough game, so the fact that we could grit it out has shown so much growth for our team.

“It’s a team full of new people and we’re fighting for a smuch time with this group as possible. We aren’t ready to be done yet, so we’re grateful for every opportunity to play another game.”

Joyce was 10 of 19 shooting from the field and 10-for-13 from the free throw line, burying a key 3-pointer to take the Coyote lead from 59-56 to six points with a minute to play.

“For her to step up knowing she had an advantage was huge for our team,” USD head coach Carrie Eighmey said. “She delivered. Some of her finishes were incredible. It goes to show you just how athletic Molly is.

“I’m super happy for her and for our team.”

On the season, Joyce is averaging 13 points per game with 74 total rebounds, 58 assists and 31 made 3-pointers. She has started 24 games and played in all 30, earning conference newcomer of the year honors in addition to making second team all-conference.

“I’ve struggled the past couple games, but my coaches and teammates said they need me,” Joyce said. “They trust me and that helped fuel me.”

Playing alongside current Iowa State standout Audi Crooks at Bishop Garrigan, Joyce was a four-time all-stater and made the all-tournament team four times. She scored over 1,900 points, had more than 500 assists and sank over 250 triples in her career.

South Dakota will now take on Illinois State, which defeated Washington in the semifinals of the WNIT. This is the second WNIT final four appearance for the Coyotes, who won the title in 2016.