Huskies WBB Set to Host SMSU and No. 1 Ashland

• Sam Clayton Press Conference | 11.14.23

HOUGHTON, Mich. – The Michigan Tech women's basketball team continues its homestand for the second week of the season, welcoming NSIC foe Southwest Minnesota State on Thursday and No. 1 nationally-ranked Ashland on Sunday.

Thursday's tilt is slated for a 5:30 p.m. tipoff, while the showdown with the Eagles is set for 1 p.m. Sunday. 

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About the Mustangs

Southwest Minnesota State opened the 2023-24 campaign, playing host to the NSIC/MIAA Challenge (Nov. 10-11). The Mustangs sputtered in the opening weekend with losses to Northwest Missouri State on Friday (94-89) and Nebraska Kearney on Saturday (76-68).

The Mustangs shot almost 50 percent from the field against NWMSU on Friday in the high-scoring affair yet struggled to score in Saturday's contest, shooting just 28 percent from the field.

Bri Stoltzman is the heart of the Mustangs offense, producing 26 points per game through the first two contests, while averaging 8.5 rebounds and four assists.

She is joined by the well-balanced attack of Peyton Blandin, Sam Wall, Kenzie Jones and Hannah Parsley, who are all averaging double-figure scoring in the early season.  

SMSU was predicted to finish fourth in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll. Tom Webb enters his 8th season at the Helm of the Mustangs with a record of 77-102 during that time.

About the Eagles 

Ashland, the 2022-23 National Champions return three starters and a sizable supporting cast from the historic run, seeing the Eagles go 37-0 a season ago. The Eagles have been tabbed No. 1 in the WBCA Preseason Coaches' Poll, while being predicted to win the GMAC. 

AU opened the season with two wins at home, scoring over 90 points in both outings. The Eagles first bested Wayne State (98-61) on Friday (Nov. 10), before thumping GLVC (97-71) on Saturday (Nov. 11).

The Eagles showcase a big three on offense, with Zoe Miller averaging 20 points a game. She is joined by Annie Roshak (18) and Hayley Smith (11.5) in double-figure scoring. Smith is also the team leader in rebounds, averaging 10.5 per game so far this season.

The Eagles are coached by Kari Pickens in her sixth season at the helm of the program, boasting the second-winningest NCAA women's basketball coach all-time win percentage, minimum 150 games (.904) with a record of 144-15.

About the Huskies 

Michigan Tech opened the 2023-24 campaign with a 2-0 record, playing host to the GLIAC/GLVC Crossover. The Huskies home win streak has extended to 19 games dating back to Feb. 17, 2022.

The opening weekend saw the Huskies best William Jewell (76-57) on Friday (Nov. 10) before delivering a similar fate to Lewis (83-64) on Saturday (Nov. 11) for a scoring margin of 19 points.

The Black & Gold impressed in multiple facets in the opening weekend. Against William Jewell, MTU grabbed 51 total rebounds, 17 of which were on offense. Saturday's game showcased an excellent shooting night, with the Huskies over 50 percent from the field at 51.8. Tech also shot well from long range, going 10-of-23 from deep.

Additionally, Emma Anderson and Tessa Leece have received early praise from the coaching staff following the Lewis game, where the two combined for 22 points off the bench. Leece's 10 points from 4-for-8 shooting marked a career-high.

Michigan Tech has four players averaging double-figure scoring, with Isabella Lenz leading the way with 15 points. Joining her are Katelyn Meister (14 PPG), Alyssa Wypych (14 PPG) and Alex Rondorf (10.5 PPG). Rondorf currently leads the team with seven rebounds per game.

Wypych, a first-year point guard from Rockford, Michigan, has been poised, starting both games and averaging 30 minutes. She's scored 14 points in both games this season, going 6-of-14 from long range while orchestrating the Huskies offense.

One Last Thing 

Isabella Lenz has 32 double-digit scoring games in her time as a Husky and has scored in double-figures in the past seven games. Alex Rondorf (42) and Sara Dax (32) are the lone Huskies who have achieved that feat, although Lenz's streak of seven games is a team-best.