Mankato, Minn. ---The Mavericks open the 2022-23 season at home facing North Central this Monday at 6:00 p.m. MSU then continues the road in Hays, Kan., facing Fort Hays State at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 18, and Northwest Missouri State on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 1:00 p.m. 
 

Stat Pack: As a team last season, Minnesota State averaged an NSIC-leading 78.0 points per game. The Mavericks averaged 37.5 rebounds a game. The Mavericks dished out 420 assists while recording 40 blocks and a conference-leading 388 steals.  

Preseason Outlook: The Mavericks are picked to finish first in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll receiving a total of 216 points along with eight first-place votes. 

Minnesota State History: The 2022-23 season marks the 58th season in Minnesota State women's basketball program history, dating back to 1966. During that span, the Mavericks own a record of 778-649 (.545). 

Returning Mavericks: The Minnesota State women's basketball team welcomes back nine players and two starters from last years' team. Junior Joey Batt started all 28 games and averaged 15.5 points per game, had 72 steals, and averaged 3.4 rebounds while junior Taylor Theusch started in 21 games and averaged 8.6 points per game and 1.5 rebounds. Sophomore Destinee Bursch played in all 28 games and averaged 11.6 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. 

Fresh Faces: The Mavericks welcome six freshmen for the 2022-2023 season. Natalie Bremer from Lake City, Minn., Delayne Luneckas from Iowa City, Iowa., Hannah Herzig from Lino Lakes, Minn., Mackenzie Schweim from Mankato, Minn., Lilly Nuytten from Hastings, Minn., and lastly Ava Stier from Waconia, Minn. 

Walking the Sidelines: Head Coach Emilee Thiesse is in her 11th season at the helm. She has amassed a 170-106 (.615) overall record, including three NCAA Tournament appearances in the 2012-13, 2014-15, and 2021-22 seasons. In NSIC games, she owns a 130-80 (.619) career record. 

Player to Watch: Sophomore Joey Batt was named the NSIC Player of the Year and MSU's Player to Watch. Started and played in all 28 games and was named to 1st team All-NSIC. Led the Mavericks' number-one ranked NSIC offense in scoring averaging 15.5 points per game. Placed second in the NSIC in free throw percentage shooting 81.9% and set a career high in scoring with 32 points against Concordia-St. Paul (11.23.21). First in the NSIC and 12th in the nation in assist/turnover ratio at 2.31. Second in NSIC in steals with 67 averaging 2.6 per game and hauled in 94 rebounds averaging 3.4. For the first round of the NCAA tournament, she led Mavericks in scoring in NCAA Tournament against Fort Hays with 21. Named to NSIC All-Academic Team of Excellence. 

About North Central: The Rams are part of the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (DIII) and hold a record of 0-1 (0-0 UMAC). The team is coached by Leah Szabla who enters her first season as a Ram. 

The Rams averaged 77.7 points per game with a scoring margin of 23.3 points. Also, averaged 40.4 rebounds per game and 16.2 assists per game. 

Joelle Talso started 27 games and averaged the previous season 6.1 points per game and 5.7 rebounds per game. 

This game will be the first time both teams will face each other. 

About Fort Hays State: The Tigers are part of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association and hold a record of 1-1 (0-0 MIAA). The team is coached by Tony Hobson who enters his 15th season as a Tiger. 

The Tigers won the 2022 MIAA Conference Tournament. The team averages 51.5 points per game this season.  

Katie Wagner started both games played and is averaging 13 points per game and 12.5 rebounds. Ellie Stearns has averaged 9.0 points and 2.0 assists per game. 

The last match-up between the Mavericks and the Tigers was in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in the 2021-22 season where the Tigers prevailed by five points. The Tigers lead the all-time series 2-1. 

About Northwest Missouri State: The Bearcats are part of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association and hold a record 0-0 (0-0 MIAA).  

The team is coached by Austin Meyer who enters his fourth season as a Bearcat. 

The Bearcats went 17-12 (12-10 MIAA) in the 2021-22 season averaging 59.6 points per game. 

Sophomore Molly Hartnett averaged last season 11.7 points per game and added 74 assists in total. 

This game will be the first meeting between the Mavericks and the Wildcats. 

Coming up: Minnesota State opens NSIC play on Nov. 22 as it hosts Concordia-St. Paul at 7:30 p.m., in Taylor Center. The Mavericks finish the week on the road at UW-Parkside on Nov. 26 at 2:00 p.m.