SPEARFISH, SD – The University of Mary Women's Basketball team is set to finally begin the regular season Wednesday, November 16, when they take on Black Hills State University (1-1). The Marauders will take the court against the Yellow Jackets at 7 pm central time from the Donald E. Young Center in Spearfish.

EAGER TO START
The Marauders first non-conference game of the season comes six days after the 2022 Central Region Challenge was canceled due to the historic Bismarck blizzard in which UMary was set to host the University of Central Oklahoma, Northeastern State University, and Northwestern Oklahoma State University. "We're definitely ready to play a game," said UMary head coach Rick Neumann. "Last year I think we played the second game in the country and this year I think we are the last team to open up."

HIGH HOPES
The Marauders return twelve players from the 2021-2022 season, each of whom saw ample playing time. That experience helped them earn a preseason nod from the Northern Sun which tabbed UMary to finish 2^nd in the NSIC North division behind Minnesota Duluth and 8^th overall in the conference. The Marauders are looking to improve from last season which saw them return to the Sanford Pentagon after winning their first-ever road game in the NSIC tournament, a 62-55 win over the University of Sioux Falls.

A STRIKING PREVIEW
The UMary women's basketball team already gave the hometown crowd a preview of what they are capable of this season. The Marauders picked up an 84-55 exhibition victory over the College of St. Scholastica on November 6. Megan Voit hit three treys and made four steals on the way to 11 points. Madison James had an impressive shooting performance as the freshman led all players with 14 points. Reese Wishart helped the Marauders pull away in the second quarter with 13 points and three rebounds.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Among the Marauders returners is sharpshooting guard Megan Voit. The senior guard from Sauk Rapids, MN, was the top 3-point shooter in the NSIC last season as Voit averaged 11.0 points per game and led the NSIC in made treys (2.9/game) and 3-pt field goal percentage (.379).

Megan Zander enters her second season for the Marauders as an athletic threat capable of scoring inside and out. The senior guard from Mandan, ND, scored 11.3 points per game in her first year with the Marauders after transferring from the University of North Dakota.

Ryleigh Wacha was a standout freshman for the Marauders last season as the wing from Fargo, ND, averaged 8.1 ppg, led the team in blocks (24), and was second in rebounding (5.7/game).

Carly Kottsick returns as a senior guard who already showcased notable point guard work with eight assists against College of St. Scholastica on November 6.

ABOUT THE OPPOSITION
Black Hills State enters Wednesday 1-1 overall following an 80-60 win over Texas A&M International University and a 65-71 loss to Texas A&M University – Kingsville. Senior guard Danica Kocer is off to a solid start averaging 20.0 points through the first two games and leads the Yellow Jackets with nine steals. Morgan Hammerbeck also looks solid early in the post with 11.5 points through two games and a team-high 14 rebounds. "We expect to play 11 kids against a very good BHSU team," said Coach Neumann. "The environment will be challenging but I'm excited to see our team compete and look forward to beginning this journey with this squad."

THE STAFF
Rick Neumann enters his tenth season at the helm of UMary Women's Basketball. Through the years, Neumann has enjoyed many successful years as the Marauders fourth-winningest coach in program history with a career record of 147-133. Neumann joined his alma mater as an assistant coach in 2003, taking over the head coaching role in the 2012-2013 season, and has coached numerous All-Conference and All-American players.

Reigning Summit League Player of the Year Chloe Lamb enters her first season as the Marauders assistant coach. Lamb comes to UMary fresh after capping off a historic career at the University of South Dakota where she earned the 2022 Summit League Tournament MVP as the Coyotes won both Summit regular season and tournament titles. She is a four-time All-Summit League selection, earning 1st team honors in her last two seasons at USD.

Phydel Nwanze enters her first season as a Marauders assistant coach and graduate assistant. She played collegiately at St. Edwards University and earned a BA in kinesiology and exercise science.

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