PREVIEW: Huskies host pair of non-conference games this week

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HOUGHTON, Mich. - The Huskies return home this weekend to host a pair of Northern Sun Conference opponents including Minnesota Crookston (Friday at 5:30 p.m.) and Minnesota Duluth (Saturday at 5:30 p.m.). Michigan Tech (2-0) hopes to keep its offense rolling after posting 75 points against both Lewis and William Jewell to start the season in the NMU Invitational. Note Saturday's game time has been recently changed to 5:30 p.m. eastern time as the Huskies also play host the GLIAC Volleyball tournament inside the SDC Gymnasium this week.

LAST TIME OUT

- Sara Dax posted 17 points and shot 7-for-9 to help Michigan Tech to a 75-49 win over William Jewell Sunday afternoon at Berry Events Center. The Huskies dominated the Cardinals 23-12 in the second quarter and caused 20 turnovers to prevail in their second and final NMU Tournament game.

- Tech shot 42-percent from the field and created 15 assists compared to nine turnovers. The Huskies went on a 16-0 run to lead 41-28 by halftime. 

- Isabella Lenz finished with 13 points (5-10) and went 3 of 6 from the 3-point arc. Clara Johnson posted 15 points and Katelyn Meister nabbed four of Michigan Tech's 14 steals.

HEALTH & SAFETY LEVEL TWO
- Michigan Tech is currently at Health & Safety Level Two.
- Face coverings are recommended in the SDC regardless of vaccination status.
- Tech encourages all fans to please continue frequent handwashing (especially before and after meals), hand sanitization, and to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

2021-22 SEASON OVERVIEW

- Michigan Tech women's basketball returns in 2021-22 as reigning Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tournament champions. Head coach Sam Clayton begins her fourth season as head coach after capturing the GLIAC Regular Season North Division title and making a trip to the NCAA Midwest Region Semifinals.

- The Huskies bring a mix of experience and youth and are led in part by captains Ellie Mackay (Novi, Michigan), Jordan Ludescher (Glen Flora, Wisconsin), and Katelyn Meister (Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin). All three were integral starters and will share a heavy workload this season following the departures of seniors Bailie McGirk and Cassidy Trotter.

- Tech finished 20-2 overall, including 17-1 in the GLIAC and unseated perennial powerhouse Ashland in the conference championship 74-63. The Eagles got their revenge in Springfield, Missouri when they edged the Huskies 74-65 in the NCAA Tournament.

- Mackay (Junior – Guard) earned WBCA Division II Honorable Mention All-America as well as GLIAC Player of the Year, GLIAC Tournament Most Valuable Player, and GLIAC Player of the Week. She started all 22 games and averaged 15.0 points per game with a career-high 31 points at Ferris State on January 30. She also scored the winning basket as time expired to help the Huskies overcome No. 9 Grand Valley State on the road. This will be Mackay's fourth season with the Huskies after she began as the GLIAC's Freshman of the Year.

- Ludescher (Sophomore – Forward) returned following a redshirt season in fine form last winter and provided much of Michigan Tech's inside presence in the post. Ludescher started all 22 contests and averaged 13.4 points and a team-high 6.4 rebounds. She was named to the GLIAC All-Tournament Team, All-GLIAC Second Team, and GLIAC All-Academic Team. Ludescher also posted 22 points in the conference championship on March 7.

- Meister (Junior – Guard) started 18 games last season and averaged five points and five rebounds per game. She scored a season-high 13 points at Saginaw Valley State on February 6. Other notable returners with experience include junior Clara Johnson (Guard – Negaunee, Michigan), junior Sloane Zenner (Guard – Houghton, Michigan), sophomore Alex Rondorf (guard – sophomore), and redshirt freshman Sara Dax (forward – Kewaunee, Wisconsin).

SCOUTING MINNESOTA-CROOKSTON

- The Eagles continue their six-game road excursion in non-conference play and play Northern Michigan Thursday night before they see the Huskies Friday.

-The Huskies won the last meeting between the two 68-52 on November 17, 2017.

- Bren Fox returns for her fourth year in the Golden Eagle uniform. She is a redshirt junior this year and the 6-3 native of Norwood Young America, Minn., has been a stand-out through two exhibitions and two non-conference games. 

- Fox is averaging 12.0 points and 6.0 rebounds coming into the week. She is shooting 40.9 percent from the field. Fox had 10 points and nine rebounds against Nebraska Kearney and notched 14 points versus Northwest Missouri State.

- Abi Fraaza had a strong debut overall as a freshman playing her first official collegiate game last week. Fraaza comes into the week notching 8.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. She shot 42.9 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc.

- UMN Crookston senior Kylie Post has been a staple in the Golden Eagle line-up for the last four years. She will look to cap off her career with a strong senior season. Post is averaging 7.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game coming into Thursday.

- Senior Mary Burke has been a lynchpin in the line-up and is looking to end her career on a strong note. Burke tallied 7.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game in the first week. She showed a nice touch from outside, shooting 50.0 percent from beyond the arc.

SCOUTING MINNESOTA DULUTH

- The Bulldogs finished the shortened 2021 season 14-2, which included a regular season and postseason NSIC Championship. Minnesota Duluth returns 13 players from last year's team and are ranked No. 18 in the WBCA Division II preseason coaches poll. UMD was also selected to repeat as NSIC regular season champions. 

- Senior forward Brooke Olson was selected as North Division preseason player of the year, a title she has already held for two seasons.

- The Bulldogs fell 65-58 to No. 2 Drury University on November 16 in their season opener. Olson had 17 points and sophomore Ella Gilbertson and junior Madelyn Granica added seven points apiece for UMD. Olson also tallied 11 rebounds for a double-double.

-Minnesota Duluth plays Wisconsin-Parkside on Thursday, November 18 before heading up to the U.P. to play the Huskies.