Complete Release

MARSHALL, Minn. - The Southwest Minnesota State (12-15, 4-13 NSIC) women's basketball team travels to Minnesota State, Mankato (23-1, 16-1 NSIC) on Saturday to square off with the NSIC-leading Mavericks at 6 p.m.

About SMSU
The Mustangs enter this weekend's match-up with a 12-15 record and 4-13 mark in the NSIC, putting them in 12th place in the conference.  Sara Leidall sits atop the scoring column for SMSU, averaging 13.2 points per game.  She is the lone Mustang averaging in double figures.

Laura Kramer leads SMSU with 6.0 rebounds per outing and is shooting a team-best 49.5 percent from the field.  Junior point guard Megan Stadler has dished out 118 assists this season as the quarterback of the Mustang offense.   From behind the arc, Abby Oakland has drilled a Mustang-best 35 three-pointers on the season.

Last Week's Recap
SMSU 82, St. Cloud State 73
A balanced Southwest Minnesota State offensive effort, featuring four players scoring in double figures, helped the Mustangs pull off an upset and defeat St. Cloud State 82-73 last Friday in Marshall.

A foursome clipped the double figure scoring mark for SMSU as Abby Oakland finished with 20 points, Sara Leidall with 13, Laura Kramer with 12 and Heather Smith with 11.

Kramer also grabbed a game-high 12 points to post her third career and season double-double.

SMSU's Megan Stadler was just three points short of posting a double-double, finishing with seven points and a career-high 10 assists.  Tori Fink was also just shy of  hitting double figures, netting nine points for the Mustangs.

Concordia-St. Paul 81, SMSU 72
Concordia University, St. Paul's Gillian Bjerke netted a team-high 16 points to lead her Golden Bears to a 81-72 conference victory over the Southwest Minnesota State women's basketball last Saturday  in Marshall.

SMSU had three players in double figures as Sara Leidall finished with 19 points, Tori Fink had 14 and Laura Kramer added 10.

Opponent Information
Minnesota State:  A 23-1 record and 16-1 mark in the NSIC puts the Mavericks in sole possession of first place in the conference.  Senior guard Heather Johnson averages a team-best 15.9 points per game, while fellow senior guard Joanne Noreen is not far behind with 14.4 points per outing.  Senior forward Alex Andrews gets the nod as MSU's sharp shooter, converting 54.7 percent of her attempts from the field.  She's the NSIC's second-best shooter and leads the Mavericks with 7.0 rebounds a game.  Junior guard Tiffany Moe has dished out a Maverick-best 95 assists on the season.

The MSU offense is tops in the NSIC, putting up 78.5 points per tilt.  The Mavericks are also beating their opponents by the largest margin in the conference, winning games by an average of 13.6 points.  Finally, the Mavericks shoot a NSIC-best 45.9 percent from the field.

Pam Gohl is in her inaugural season as the head coach of the Mavericks and has an impressive 23-1 record at the school.

Series Information
The Mavericks lead the series with the Mustangs 22-17.  A Dec. 6 meeting between the two schools resulted in a 74-63 victory for MSU.  SMSU head coach Mike Jewett is 0-3 against the Mavericks.

Five By Five or Less
“Close, but no cigar” might be a fitting theme for a handful of SMSU's losses this season.  The Mustangs have lost five games this season by five or less points:
Jan. 3 vs. Minnesota, Crookston    76-73 (-4)
Jan. 17 vs. Concordia        60-55 (-5)
Jan. 30 vs. Minnesota Duluth    57-53 (-4)
Feb. 6 vs. MSU Moorhead    59-57 (-2)
Feb. 7 vs. Minnesota, Crookston    65-63 (-2)

Oakland Named Academic All-District
Abby Oakland was named to the 2009 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District V College Division third team on Feb. 5, 2009.

Oakland, a 5-foot-8 guard from Fulda, Minn., boasts a 3.98 grade point average as a sports management major. 

A Grand for Leidall
Sara Leidall reached the 1,000-point mark in SMSU's 107-45 win over Mayville State (N.D.) on  Nov. 18, scoring 11 points in 14 minutes.  She became the 16th player in school history to reach that milestone.  She currently has 1,269 points (ranks 10th) and 580 rebounds (11th) in her career.  She became the ninth player in school history to reach the 1,000 points/500 rebounds club with her 500th career rebound on Dec. 12 against Northern State.
1,000 Points and 500 Rebounds Club
    Pts.    Reb.
Julie Thein (1987-91)    1,800    913
Lillie Brown (1992-96)    1,759    895
Michelle Bruns (2001-05)    1,635    596
Andrea Schreier (1997-01)    1,570    689
Shelli Schoeneck (1999-03)    1,488    506
Cindy Olson (1976-80)    1,463    655
Sara Leidall (2005-current)    1,269    580
Regan French (2001-05)    1,018    633
Amy Boman (1998-02)    1,009    589

Sharp Shooters
Megan Wittkop, Abby Oakland, Sara Leidall and Kady Telschow rank among SMSU's best all-time shooters.  Wittkop is currently fourth in career free throw percentage and fourth in three-point percentage.  Leidall also ranks in the top-10 in free throw percentage.  Telschow is currently the career three-point percentage record holder at 45.9 percent (50-of-109).  Oakland is first in career free-throw percentage and also ranks in the top-10 in three-point field goals made.

Free throw percentage (minimum 100 made)
.851    Abby Oakland (120-141)    2005-09
.842    Mary Roddel (256-304)    2000-04
.833    Shannon Dunse (120-144)    1989-93
.813    Megan Wittkop (132-162)    2005-09
.785    Nicole Bullock (117-149)    1998-02
.785    Andrea Schreier (409-521)    1997-01
.777    Shelli Schoeneck (380-489)    1999-03
.771    Amy Buschow (168-218)    1990-93
.763    Sara Leidall (183-240)    2004-09
.760    Traci Robinson (193-254)    1988-90

3-point field goals made
190    Michelle Bruns (119 games)    2001-05
177    Dani Coleman (110 games)    1996-00
169    Mary Roddel (121 games)    2000-04
142    Kelly Crimi (105 games)    2002-06
114    Erin Frye (107 games)    1997-01
113    Megan Wittkop (107 games)    2005-09
109    Andrea Schreier (111 games)    1997-01
91    Abby Oakland (111 games)    2005-09
84    Shelli Schoeneck (122 games)    1999-03
72    Darcy Peterka (101 games)    1988-92

3-point FG percentage (minimum 50 made)
.464    Kady Telschow (51-110)    2006-09
.427    Andrea Schreier (109-255)    1997-01
.390    Dani Coleman (177-454)    1996-00
.387    Megan Wittkop (113-292)    2005-09
.379    Michelle Bruns (190-501)    2001-05
.379    Haneefah McNair (55-145)    1993-96
.378    Shelli Schoeneck (84-222)    1999-03
.378    Mary Roddel (169-447)    2000-04
.362    Kelly Crimi (142-392)    2002-06
.361    Sara Leidall (70-194)    2005-09

Big Numbers
The Southwest Minnesota State scored over 100 points in consecutive games for the first time in school history after defeating Chadron State (Neb.) 111-75 on Nov. 15 and Mayville State (N.D.) 107-45 on Nov. 18.  The 100-point games were the sixth and seventh in program's history.  The Mustangs also put up 105 against Minnesota-Morris on Dec. 19

100-point games
2/15/88    Sioux Falls (S.D.)    W 105-80
11/19/88    at Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.)    W 104-102 ot
1/14/00    Minnesota, Crookston    W 108-51
12/8/00    at Minnesota-Morris    W 110-47
2/19/08    North Central (Minn.)    W 116-42
11/15/08    Chadron State (Neb.)    W 111-75
11/18/08    Mayville State (N.D.)    W 107-45
12/19/08    Minnesota-Morris    W 105-64

Dishing it Out
Abby Oakland has crept into the top-10 in career assists at SMSU.  She currently has 324 to rank sixth in school history. 

History of the Program
Southwest Minnesota State is in its 40th season of women's basketball and has played 982 games, compiling an all time record of 528-456.  SMSU has racked up 25 winning seasons with 10 coming in the last 15 years.  The 2000-01 squad won a school record 25 games and made an appearance at the NCAA Tournament.

Mustangs Home and Away
The Mustangs are currently 8-6 in home games, 1-7 in away games and 3-2 in games played at a neutral site.  The following is a breakdown of statistics for home, away and neutral site games this season:
SMSU's stats:

Home    W-L    FG%    FT%    REB    PTS    TO
SMSU    8-6    .425    .665    39.5    77.8    13.7
Opponents        .382    .779    40.2    66.1    20.1

Away    W-L    FG%    FT%    REB    PTS    TO
SMSU    1-7    .367    .661    39.0    59.0    16.0
Opponents        .376    .684    41.5    62.9    16.8

Neutral    W-L    FG%    FT%    REB    PTS    TO
SMSU    3-2    .390    .753    36.4    65.4    64.6
Opponents        .393    .757    37.4    64.6    17.0

Mustangs at Home
The R/A Facility, the home of SMSU basketball has been a tough place to play for opponents since opening its doors for the 1996-97 season.   In 11 seasons of playing in the Mustang home arena, SMSU women's basketball has compiled a record of 102-64.

Year    Overall    NSIC    Non-Conf.
1996-97    6-6    2-4    4-2
1997-98    5-6    3-3    2-3
1998-99    11-2    6-0    5-2     
1999-00    11-3    7-2    4-1     
2000-01    12-0    9-0    3-0
2001-02    11-2    8-1    3-1
2002-03    11-3    7-2    4-1
2003-04    3-7    2-6    1-1     
2004-05    10-4    5-2    5-2
2005-06    5-9    3-4    2-5
2006-07    5-8    3-6    2-2
2007-08    4-8    2-5    2-2
2008-09    8-6    3-6    5-0
Totals    102-64    60-41    43-22

SMSU Late in the Game
The following is SMSU's offensive and defensive statistical averages in the final five minutes of its games during the 2008-09 season:

<5 min.    FG%    3-FG%  FT%    REB    PTS    TO
SMSU    .390    .238    .769    5.3    9.9    1.4
Opponents    .432    .333    .696    5.1    10.1    1.9







In the Reserves
SMSU's bench has outscored its opponent's bench by  an average of 12 points this season.  Taylor Voss has been SMSU's top reserve, averaging 5.1 points off the bench.  The following is a statistical comparison of SMSU's bench versus its opponent's bench this season:

    FG%    3pt%    FT%    PTS    REB    AST    TO    STL
SMSU    .378    .327    .646    25.8    17.6    5.7    5.8    3.8
Opp.    .342    .269    .683    17.0    14.9    2.6    5.7    3.1

Jump Start
SMSU has played well in season openers recently, winning 11 of its last 12 season-opening games after defeating No. 9 Delta State on Oct. 31 at the Disney Classic.  Last season, Southwest won 72-54 at Chadron State (Neb.) to open the 2007-08 season.

Among the Best
Sara Leidall was named honorable mention All-NSIC last season after the leading the Mustangs in scoring and rebounds.  She became the first player in two seasons to earn postseason honors from the NSIC.   Kelly Crimi and Leidall were each named second team All-NSIC in 2005-06.

Going Big Time
It is believed that Heather Smith is SMSU women's basketball's first-ever NCAA Division I transfer.  Records going back through the mid-1980s show no women's basketball players transfering to SMSU from a Division I school.  Smith transfered to SMSU during the spring of 2008 from Liberty University (Va.).

SMSU Picked Ninth in Preseason Poll
The Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs women's basketball team was picked to finish ninth in the Preseason Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Coaches' Poll.  The announcement came from the NSIC offices in St. Paul.

SMSU received 91 points in the poll, while first place Minnesota State, Mankato had 179 points and 11 first-place votes.  Augustana was picked to finish second and received three first-place votes.  Defending NSIC champion Concordia-St. Paul was third.

Minnesota State, Mankato guard Heather Johnson was picked as the NSIC Preseason Player of the Year.  Johnson led MSU in scoring last season, averaging 16.9 points.  She also set a school record with 81 three-pointers last season.

2008-09 Season Player Notes
#21 Andrea Fennern: Averaging 6.4 minutes ... has played in 18 of 27 games ... averaging 2.6 points and 1.0 rebounds... shooting 37.5 percent from the floor ... scored nine points against Chadron State (Neb.) on Nov. 15 and season-high 11 points with five rebounds in 11 minutes against Mayville State (N.D.) on Nov. 18.

#11 Tori Fink: Has started 20 of 27 games ... averaging 8.4 points ...  second on the team with 71 assists (2.6 per game) ... scored  15 points in overtime loss against Mary on Dec. 13 ... scored season-high 15 points, grabbed career-high eight rebounds and dished out five assists in victory of Cardinal Stritch (Wis.) on Dec. 29 ... put up 11 points in victory over No. 11 MSU Moorhead on Jan. 2 ... had 13 points and five rebounds against Minnesota Duluth on Jan. 30 ... netted career-high 16 points against MSU Moorhead on Feb. 6 ... has a 1.29 assist-to-turnover ratio.

#5 Abby Kenealy: Has played in 26 of 27 games and is averaging 12.8 minutes off the bench ... averaging 4.9 points and 2.7 rebounds ... has blocked 10 shots ... scored career-high 16 points, hitting 8-of-9 free throws against Augustana on Nov. 29 ... scored 10 points in 26 minutes against Minnesota, Crookston on Jan. 3 ... had 11 points against Bemidji State on Jan. 31 ... shooting 43.4 percent from the field.

#45 Laura Kramer: Has played in all 27 games, starting 20 ... averaging 22.2 minutes, 7.6 points and 6.0 rebounds ... leads the team in rebounding and blocked shots with 27 ... shooting 49.5 percent from the field ... grabbed career-high 12 rebounds in start against Upper Iowa on Nov. 30 ... scored 10 points against No. 17  Minnesota State, Mankato on Dec. 6 and against Cardinal Stritch (Wis.) on Dec. 29  ... had nine points and 11 rebounds against Mary on Dec. 13 ... had career-high 15 points against Winona State on Jan. 9 ... posted first career double-double (12 points, 12 rebounds) against Winona State on Jan. 11. ... grabbed 10 rebounds against St. Coud State on Jan. 16.

#33 Sara Leidall: 1,000 points and 500 rebounds in career ... scored 1,000th point against Mayville State (N.D.) on Nov. 18 and grabbed 500th rebound against Northern State on Dec. 12 ... for the season, leads the team in minutes per game (27.2) and scoring (13.2) ... shooting 43.8 percent from the field ... has scored over 20 points twice this season ... scored 20 points in win over American International (Mass.) on Nov. 1 ... scored 21 points in win over Upper Iowa on Nov. 30, scoring seven points in the final five minutes to help SMSU close the game on a 15-2 run ... scored 10 points in SMSU's upset of No. 11 MSU Moorhead on Jan. 2 ... dropped 16 points on Uper Iowa on Jan. 10 and 15 points on Wayne State on Jan. 24 ... netted 15 points against Minnesota Duluth on Jan. 30 ... scored 16 points versus Minnesota, Crookston on Feb. 7 ... had game-hihg 19 points in loss to Concordia-St. Paul on Feb. 14.

#34 Abby Oakland:  Has started 24 of 27 games this season ... second on the team in minutes per game (26.2), third in rebounding (4.7) and fourth in scoring (7.6 points per game)... first on the team in free throw percentage (.896) ... scored career-high 22 points, hitting, 8-of-13 from the field, in win over Mount Mercy (Iowa) on Nov. 22  ... has dished out 67 assists ... sank career-high six three-pointers for game-high 20 points against Wayne State on Jan. 24 ... scored 20 points in 82-73 upset of St. Cloud State on Feb. 13.

#25 Annie Smith: Has played in 21 of 27 games, averaging 9.6 minutes, 3.2 points and 2.3 rebounds ... has blocked 15 shots, ranking second on the team ... scored six points against Chadron State (Neb.) and Mayville State (N.D.) ... also pulled down four rebounds and had two blocked shots against Chadron State on Nov. 15 ... scored five points in nine minutes against Northern State on Dec. 12 ... scored career-high 12 points against Minnesota-Morris on Dec. 19 ... had seven points and eight rebounds against Cardinal Stritch (Wis.) on Dec. 29.

#20 Heather Smith: Has played in 26 of 27 games, averaging 12.4 minutes off the bench ... averaging 3.8 points ... scored career-high 29 points on 9-of-12 shooting with four steals in win over Chadron State (Neb.) on Nov. 15 ... transfer from NCAA Division I Liberty University (Va.) ... scored 13 points on 3-of-5 shooting from behind the arc against Minnesota-Morris on Dec. 19 ... had 11 points versus St. Cloud State Feb. 13.
#3 Megan Stadler: Has started 23 of 27 games, averaging 24.5 minutes  ... also averaging 6.9 points ... leads the team in assists with 118 and second in steals with 34 ... first on the team in three-point percentage (.519) and is shooting 82.1 percent from the line ... dished out seven assists in wins over Chadron State (Neb.) and Mayville State (N.D.) ... scored career-high 20 points, hitting 4-of-4 from the outside, in win over Upper Iowa on Nov. 30  ... scored 11 points and hit game-winning free throws against No. 11 MSU Moorhead on Jan. 2... scored 15 points and had five assists against Minnesota, Crookston on Jan. 3 ... dished out eight assists against Upper Iowa on Jan. 10 ... had career-high 10 assists against St. Cloud State on Feb. 13.

#10 Aneshia Starks: Has started 14 of 19 games this season, averaging 14.6 minutes, 3.8 points and 2.3 rebounds ... leads the team with 31 steals ... shooting 35.4 percent from the field ... did not start a game last season ... has been a defensive stopper this season, frequently guarding the opponent's top player ... scored season-high nine points against Chadron State (Neb.) on Nov. 15 ... had 10 steals in three-game stretch from Nov. 15 - Nov. 22 ... missed the second half of Upper Iowa game on Nov. 30 due to injury ... tied a career-high with four steals against Minnesota-Morris on Dec. 19 ...  has sat out last eight games with an injury.

#42 Kady Telschow: Has played in 15 of 27 games ... averaging 6.1 minutes and 1.4 points ... scored season-highs four points and grabbed five rebounds against Mayville State (N.D.) on Nov. 18 ... drilled a 3-pointer against Northern State on Dec. 12, her first 3-pointer since Nov. 30, 2007 against Bemidji State after leading the NSIC in 3-point shooting as a true freshman in 2006-07.

#14 Trisha Van Dusseldorp: Redshirting.

#32 Taylor Voss:  Has played in all 27 games, starting one ... averaging 14.4 minutes and 5.3 points per game ...  shooting 34.8 percent from the outside and second the team in three-pointers made with 32 ... has forced 18 steals and blocked seven shots ... scored 11 points, connecting on 4-of-8 shots, to go with three steals, in win over Mount Mercy (Iowa) on Nov. 22 ... pulled down season-high five rebounds against Mary on Dec. 13 ... poured in career-high 14 points  against Cardinal Stritch (Wis.) on Dec. 29. 

#24 Megan Wittkop: Ranks fourth in school history in free throw percentage (.815), sixth in three-pointers made (113) and fourth in three-point percentage (.387) ... has played in 23 games as a reserve ... averaging 2.2 points and 2.2 rebounds in 9.8 minutes per game.