Riley returns to the floor for the Warriors following a strong 2021-22 campaign in which she averaged just over 25 minutes a contest, scoring nine points per game and hitting .330 from behind the three-point line.
Head coach Ana Wurtz, heading into her first season at the helm after a long career as the WSU associate head coach, said, “Caitlin has played key minutes for us since her freshman season. She is one of the most prolific shooters in the league, connecting on 118 3s already in her career.”
Riley's range from behind the arc is just one of several weapons Wurtz, and first-year assistant coach Hannah McGlone, have at their disposal. Riley is one of a handful of upperclassmen that will be key to Winona State success this season.
Players bringing significant experience to the McCown Gymnasium floor include Lauren Fech, a transfer last season from MSU Moorhead who started strong in the 2021-22 campaign before an injury derailed her year. Also back is Mattie Schimenz, an experienced guard who started 19 times in 2021-22 and played in 26 contests overall, as well as Lindsey Hahn, another guard that played in 26 games.
Vanessa Alexander, Alex Dornfeld and Kaitlyn Schrimpf all saw significant time last year, and each will have an increased opportunity to expand their contributions under Wurtz and McGlone. Alexander hauled in 44 rebounds in 2021-22 and had seven blocked shots for the Warriors.
Rounding out the returners for Winona State are Naomi Breunig, a sophomore from Sauk City Wis., and a 6-1 center, Stephanie Dasbach who hails from Lombard, Ill. Shea Dechant, a 5-7 guard from Kimberly, Wis. Center, saw time in several games in 2021-22 and center Ava Sergio played in seven contests last year before being sidelined by injury. Sergio has played 43 games overall in her Warrior career, scoring 163 total points and hauling in 94 rebounds over that time.
Several new faces join Winona State, including Minnesota Crookston transfer Emma Carpenter who brings NSIC experience as a three-year starter for the Golden Eagles. Former Kimberly (Wis.) High School standout Emmaline Kilpatrick adds depth to the WSU guard corps, as does Hailey Markworth, from Lyons Township (Ill.) High School, and Paige Peaslee (North Branch, Minn.) are also in their first seasons with the Warriors. The Winona State fan base and coaching staff is also excited to watch the development of Malia Nelson, a local product from Dover-Eyota High School.
When asked about the 2022-23 Winona State women's basketball squad, Coach Wurtz added, "This group has been an absolute joy to work with this pre-season. It has been exciting to watch new leaders emerge throughout the course of the off-season."
