EDINBORO, Pa. — The Minnesota State women's basketball team (1-0, 0-0 NSIC) opened its season with a dominant 113-71 win over Edinboro (0-1, 0-0 PSAC) on Friday, Nov. 7. The Mavericks capitalized on 43 points off turnovers and received 60 points from their bench in the victory.

Senior Natalie Bremer scored 24 points, hitting 9 of 12 from the field, including four 3-pointers. Elisabeth Gadient contributed with 12 points and recorded five steals while freshman gaurd Haylee Stokes provided seven points, five assists, and two steals. Hannah Herzig added to the defense with two steals and one block.

Minnesota State began the first quarter with a strong offensive performance, highlighted by Bremer's early 3-pointer assisted by Gadient at 9:37. The visitors maintained momentum through effective scoring in the paint, with Mallory Czinano and Herzig contributing key buckets that widened the gap. Gadient was instrumental in extending the lead further with a 3-pointer at 3:54, pushing the Mavericks' advantage to double digits. The quarter concluded with Minnesota State leading 32–16 over Edinboro, establishing a significant lead to enter the next phase.

The Mavericks surged in the second quarter with a dominant offensive display, highlighted by a 16–2 run beginning at 8:14, spearheaded by Bremer's three consecutive successful shots, including two 3-pointers. The team excelled in ball movement, recording 12 assists on 13 baskets made during the quarter, and capitalized on Edinboro's turnovers, leading to a significant number of points off turnovers. The period concluded with the Mavericks holding a commanding 69–32 lead.

MSU extended their lead significantly in the third quarter with a strong offensive performance. The team opened with a layup by Bremer just six seconds into the quarter, setting the tone for the remainder of play. A key sequence saw the Mavericks capitalize on turnovers, highlighted by a layup from Gadient at 7:05, assisted by Adeline Kent, increasing their momentum. 

The visiting team dominated the paint, scoring 20 points there and benefiting from strong bench contributions. Their defensive efforts were evident with eight steals, which contributed to Edinboro's 14 turnovers. MSU closed the quarter leading 32-16.

Minnesota State sustained their lead with a key stretch early in the fourth quarter as Hannah Leverson, Rhyan Holmgren, and Stokes each contributed layups, expanding the advantage to 107-50. Despite a late surge by Edinboro, which cut into the margin, the Mavericks remained unfazed, with Payton Morgan sealing the quarter with a 3-pointer at 2:11. The game concluded with MSU securing a decisive 113-71 victory.

"When you can lean on the type of experience and depth that we have, it makes our system seamless! Our entire team brought incredible energy and relentless effort tonight and it was a great game to build from," said Head Coach Emilee Thiesse. "We want to see improvement in our half-court defense with finishing more plays, but all in all, this was a great Maverick win to start the season," Thiesse adds. 

Their next game will take place on Saturday, Nov. 8, as the squad faces California, Pa. at 4 p.m. inside Highmark Events Center in Erie, Pa.