LA CROSSE, Wis. - The 2021-22 Winona State University women's basketball season begins this weekend, as the Warriors compete in the Viterbo Classic. WSU defeated Dakota State, 84-46 in their opening game of the tournament and are set to take on host Viterbo University on Saturday, Nov. 13.
Emma Fee and
Caitlin Riley each scored 19 points against the DSU Trojans, while
Taylor Hustad added eight points and four assists. Read more on Friday's victory
at this link.
Head coach
Scott Ballard and his team look to earn a trip back to the 2021-22 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference women's basketball postseason and the WSU staff will get a first look at their team on Friday and Saturday in the first step of their collective journey.
Read on for more regarding the upcoming Winona State women's basketball weekend. Go Warriors!
Who: The Winona State Warrior women's basketball team opens play in their 2021-21 regular season with a pair of exhibition contests in their own backyard, traveling to La Crosse, Wis. to take on NAIA programs Dakota State University and Viterbo University.
What: In competing at the Viterbo Classic, Winona State will see two NAIA schools that already have several games under their belt. The Dakota State Trojans are currently 4-3, while the V-Hawks are 2-2 overall. The action this weekend will be the first games against outside competition for Winona State this season and both games are exhibition contests.
When: Winona State is scheduled to play Dakota State University on Friday, Nov. 12 at 1 pm and will face VU at 3pm on Saturday.
Where: Both Warrior contests will occur in the Varsity Athletics Center, located at 900 Viterbo Dr, La Crosse, Wis.
Warrior notables: The 2021-22 season is a welcome sight for the Warriors, having last played a full season in 2019-20, going 17-11 and qualifying for the NSIC postseason. In the pandemic-shorted 2020-21 season, WSU saw four games canceled due to Covid-19 protocols. Playing just 12 contests last year, Winona State finished 5-7 overall, 5-6 in NSIC play.
Player-to-Watch: This season, veteran head coach Scott Ballard and his staff have a deep roster of 17 student-athletes, led by WSU Player to Watch Taylor Hustad, an experienced Warrior whose all-round game reflects strong outings in points, rebounds and floor burns. Hustad's hustle sets the bar for Winona State and raises the level of play within the team.
Defense wins championships: Speaking of experience, a new face with a veteran game is Lauren Fech, a transfer from MSU Moorhead who adds an element of NSIC knowledge to the team. The coaching staff are excited about the defensive presence that Fech brings and could be an X-factor for the team.
Post-age due: Winona State post player Emma Fee had some strong outings last season, highlighted by a 30-point outburst at Sioux Falls and an 11-rebound effort at Upper Iowa. WSU is poised to attack opponents with a balanced inside-outside game in which Fee will be a key part in the paint.
HOF'er: This past fall has been full of practices and preparation for Winona State, but also offered a chance to reflect on some important history as well. Associate head coach Ana Wurtz was inducted to the Winona State Athletics Hall of Fame in October. Wurtz was a key component of the first NCAA Division II tournament team in 2008-09 and has been on the Winona State sideline since 2010, working her way up to her current associate head coaching role.
More of that, please: This weekend, head coach Scott Ballard and his staff will look to replicate recent history in terms of season openers against non-NCAA Division II opponents. In 2019-20, Winona State beat both Saint Mary's University and Viterbo University to start season, downing the Cardinals 86-53 and earning a victory over the V-Hawks, 80-66.
Something New, Something Old: The contest against Dakota State marks the first time the two schools have competed against each other in women's basketball. WSU and Viterbo have faced off three times since 2014-15, with the Warriors winning on all three occasions.
Around the Corner: After this weekend's exhibition games, Winona State will lace them up for real on Friday, Nov. 19 and Saturday, Nov. 20 when they take on McKendree University and Quincy University in Quincy, Illinois. WSU will tip-off vs. McKendree at 5pm Friday and will take on host Quincy at 4pm on Saturday.
For the most up to date news in Warrior Athletics, please visit: www.WINONASTATEWARRIORS.com and @WinonaStateATH.
About Winona State University Athletics:
The Winona State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, as an integral part of the educational mission of the institution, is committed to offering opportunities to experience academic and athletic excellence for our student-athletes through two simple words: Graduate Champions.
Fourteen Warrior programs compete at the NCAA Division II level within the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Winona State University competes as an affiliate member of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) in the sport of women's gymnastics.
