The University of Minnesota Duluth women's basketball team begins their 2024-25 season this weekend, taking on Southeastern Oklahoma State on Friday, Nov. 8, at 7:30 PM and Northwestern Oklahoma State on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 5:30 PM as part of the GAC-NSIC Conference Challenge in Alva, OK.
Last Season
The Bulldogs closed out their season with a 19-10 overall record, falling in the semifinal round of the NSIC tournament to the University of Mary Marauders.
UMD carried the momentum from their one point win in their regular season finale against St. Cloud State into a dominant 73-69 home victory in the opening round of the tournament over the University of Sioux Falls.
The Bulldogs stayed alive in their first matchup at the Sanford Pentagon, turning a three point deficit after the third quarter into a nine point comeback victory over Concordia St Paul. UMD would go on to fall 75-83 in their semifinal matchup against the University of Marauders.
Offseason Losses
The Bulldogs graduated a large majority of their veterans, including losing a large majority of their starting five from the previous season.
Taytum Rhoades leaves UMD after a career season with the Bulldogs. Rhoades led the team in total points, assists, steals, and blocks last season, and closed things out with a NSIC All Conference first team nod.
Ella Gilbertson leaves the program after leading the team in total rebounds throughout 2023-24. Gilbertson was the only other Bulldog member to receive an all conference nod, being named to the NSIC All Conference second team last season.
Taya Hakamaki was able to lead the team last season in average points per game despite missing the final 10 games with a knee injury. Hakamaki ended her time at UMD as a career 90.1% free throw shooter.
Madelyn Granica set new career highs in nine different statistical categories throughout the 2023-24 season. Granica closed out her UMD career with 689 total points.
Abby Johnson spent the last two years of her college career with the Bulldogs after transfering from the University of Nebraska Omaha. Throughout her 38 appearances with the Bulldogs, Johnson collected 172 points, 56 rebounds, and 15 blocks.
Gus Boyer made 51 total appearances fro the Bulldogs throughout her college career. A member of the Bulldogs three consecutive conference championship wins, Boyer collected 46 points, 51 rebounds, and 16 steals while at UMD.
Players to Watch
Since graduating six seniors, the Bulldogs will be looking towards a few players to help lead the season.
Myra Moorjani was named this year's NSIC Player to Watch for the Bulldogs. The former two sport athlete for UMD looks to improve 181 point 2023-24 season after finding her way into the starting five in the final ten games of the year.
Lexi Karge started in 28 of the Bulldogs' 29 games last season. Karge collected 248 total points for UMD throughout the season, while also tallying 101 rebounds and 30 assists.
Johanna Miller joins the Bulldogs after spending the first four years of her college career with fellow NSIC member, Augustana University. Miller saw action in 11 games for the Vikings last year, averaging 7.3 points and 3.1 rebounds per game.
Scouting Report
This will be the first matchup against Southeastern Oklahoma State and Northwestern Oklahoma State for the Bulldogs throughout program history.
The Savage Storm collected a 10-18 overall record and 6-16 conference record against the GAC throughout the 2023-24 season, failing to qualify for their conference tournament at the end of the season.
The Rangers collected a 24-7 overall record and a 16-6 record against the GAC throughout 2023-24, losing in the first round of the Great American Conference tournament to Southwestern Oklahoma State.
Looking Ahead
Bulldog women's basketball will play three more non-conference matchups at home before they begin their NSIC schedule, beginning with the Northern Michigan University Wildcats. Tip-off against the Wildcats is currently set for Monday, Nov. 18, at 5:00 PM.
