MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State women's basketball team will open its 2021 season schedule with a pair of non-conference road games against NSIC North opponent Bemidji State.
 
About Bemidji State: Last season Bemidji State finished with a 9-18 record including 6-16 in conference play. The Beavers are led by fifth year head coach Chelsea DeVille.
 
In one head-to-head matchup last season, Minnesota State defeated Bemidji State 84-62 in Mankato, Minn. Maddy Olson and Kristi Fett combined to score 42 points in the Maverick win.
 
The Beavers return their top four scorers Trinity Myer(13.6 ppg), Rachael Heittola (10.9 ppg), Taylor Bray (9.9 ppg) and Brooklyn Bachmann (9.4 ppg). Heittola and Bachman both led Bemidji State in rebounds averaging 5.7 per game

Minnesota State History: The 2020-21 season marks the 56th season in Minnesota State women's basketball program history, dating back to 1966. During that span the Mavericks totaled an all-time record of 746-633 (.540).
 
Pre-Season Poll: The Mavericks have been picked to finish first in the NSIC South Division pre-season coaches' poll for this upcoming season, earning three first place votes. Due to the shortened schedule for the 2020-21 season, there is no NSIC regular season overall champion and postseason eligibility and seeding will be determined by division records.

Player to Watch: Senior wing Tayla Stuttley was named the Mavericks player to watch this season. Last year Stuttley led the Mavericks in three pointers made for the second straight year while also leading the team in assists.
She scored a career high 21 points to go along with nine rebounds and three assists in a road win over Wayne State last year and has been named to the NSIC All-Academic Team the last two seasons.
 
Looking Ahead: After the two-game series with the Beavers, the Mavericks will open conference play with a pair of games against the Augustana Vikings in Sioux Falls, S.D. Friday night's game is scheduled to tip-off at 7:00 p.m. before the teams return to action Saturday afternoon with tip-off scheduled for 3:00 p.m.