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All notes courtesy of SMSU athletics communications.
MARSHALL - The Southwest Minnesota State University women’s basketball team (1-0) opened its 2026-27 season in impressive fashion on Monday afternoon, cruising to an 87-42 victory over Bethany Lutheran at the R/A Facility. The game, while regular season for SMSU, was counted as an exhibition for BLC.
Nicole Maenke led the Mustangs with 17 points, shooting a perfect 6 of 6 from the field, including 3 of 3 from 3-point range. Elizabeth Wagner added 13 points on a perfect 6 of 6 shooting. Freshman Taleigha Bigler scored 10 points and dished out four assists while Kylan Gerads contributed nine points and a team-high eight rebounds.
The Mustangs shot 57 percent from the field (34 of 60) and 50 percent from 3-point range (8 of 16). SMSU outrebounded BLC 46-37 and forced 23 turnovers, converting those opportunities into 33 points. The Mustangs also recorded 14 steals and five blocks, while holding the Vikings to just 20 percent shooting from the field (12 of 60). The Vikings was led in points by Morgan Hulke with 11.
SMSU got off to a strong start in the opening quarter, holding BLC to just four points while scoring 20 of its own. Gerads helped establish the early advantage with a pair of baskets in the opening three minutes, while Wagner added multiple baskets inside to extend the lead. The Mustangs continued to find success offensively throughout the quarter, with contributions from across the lineup, taking a 20-4 lead into the second.
The Mustangs continued their offensive production in the second quarter, scoring 24 points to extend their advantage. After Bethany Lutheran found more success offensively, SMSU responded with a strong stretch midway through the period. Lily Hubin converted a 3-pointer before adding a fast-break layup, followed by another transition basket from Mataya Messer. Gerads and Bigler then connected on back-to-back 3-pointers, pushing the Mustangs’ lead to 39-10. SMSU carried a commanding 44-23 advantage into halftime.
SMSU maintained control in the third quarter, outscoring the Vikings 21-11. The Mustangs continued to capitalize on Bethany Lutheran turnovers and generated opportunities in transition. Maenke remained efficient offensively, while Gerads and Allie Haabala contributed to the scoring effort. The Mustangs entered the final quarter with a 65-34 lead.
The Mustangs put the game away in the fourth quarter, outscoring Bethany Lutheran 22-8 to secure the 87-42 victory. SMSU continued to apply defensive pressure, forcing additional turnovers and converting them into points. Elizabeth Herickhoff provided a strong finish inside, scoring seven of her seven points in the second half while adding two blocks. Bigler also connected on a 3-pointer late in the quarter as the Mustangs closed out their season-opening victory.
SMSU is back in the R/A Facility this weekend, hosting the four-game NSIC/MIAA challenge. The Mustangs face Northwest Missouri State on Friday at 5 p.m., and Washburn the following afternoon at 3.