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Dickinson, N.D. (AP) Authorities have been searching southwestern North Dakota for three members of the Dickinson State softball team after a friend of the women reported getting a call from them asking for help.

The women were believed to have been driving a white 1997 Jeep Cherokee. They're identified as 22-year-old Kyrstin Gemar, 21-year-old Ashley Neufeld and 20-year-old Afton Williamson.

Stark County Sheriff Clarence Tuhy said the women called their friend Sunday night but the line went dead and the friend then called police. The friend reported that the women appeared to be frantic and mentioned water.

The sheriff said no crime is suspected. He said authorities have been searching an area in a 30-mile radius of a cell tower north of Dickinson where the call came through.

Authorities said Gemar is from Grossmont, Calif., Neufeld is a native of Brandon, Manitoba, and Williamson is from Lake Elsinore, Calif.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-02-09 1747CST | save this article / add to your favorites list