THE LOOK AHEAD

The Southwest Minnesota State University women's basketball team begins the 2026-27 campaign with a Monday (Nov. 9) matchup against Division III Bethany Lutheran. 

Tipoff is slated for 11 a.m., and admission is free for all fans.

A preview for Bethany Lutheran can be found on page 3. 

GAME COVERAGE 

Most games will be broadcast on 105.1 FM KARL with Ryan Rohlik providing play-by-play.

Live stats, radio and video broadcasts of all games can be found at SMSUmustangs.com.

SERIES HISTORY

SMSU and Bethany Lutheran meet for the third time on Monday, with SMSU leading the series 2-0.

The Mustangs and Vikings first played in 2023, and will meet for the third time in four years. SMSU won the last meeting 111-58 in 2024.

An all-time results list of Bethany Lutheran can be found on page 18.

2026-27 SEASON OUTLOOK

SMSU was picked to finish sixth overall and fifth in the NSIC South Division in the annual 16-team Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll announced on Oct. 15

The Mustangs are coming off a 17-12 season, which included a fifth-place NSIC and third-place NSIC South Division finish with a 14-8 conference record. SMSU defeated Minnesota Crookston in the first round of the NSIC Tournament before losing to UMary in the quarterfinal contest.

Fifth-year forward Natalie Nielsen was named as a 'Player to Watch' in the Preseason Poll. Nielsen was named to the All-NSIC second team last season averaging 13.2 ppg (T-third on the team) and leading the team grabbing 8.7 rpg. A native of Akron, Iowa, Nielsen had nine double-doubles last season, and in conference play, finished second in rebounding (8.5 rpg), and third in field goal percentage (.568). Her overall field goal percentage of 54.5 is the fifth highest in a season in SMSU history.

SMSU's squad includes four seniors, led by guard Brynn Busse, who averaged 4.6 ppg and 2.1 apg playing just over 20 mpg. Forward Elizabeth Wagner returns after averaging 3.1 ppg and rpg last season. Elizabeth's sister Christina Wagner also returns, who appeared in 20 games in 2024-25. Guard Allison Milbrandt is the last senior on the team and has played in 32 games across the last two seasons.

Guard Nicole Maenke is one of two juniors on the 2026-27 team and looks again to be a key contributor on this year's squad, after averaging 14.2 ppg last season. Maenke was one of three players to start ever game in 2025-26, and was the team's primary three-point shooter, leading the team with 63 made field goals from behind the line. The native of Shakopee, Minn., also led the team in free throw percentage, shooting 90.8 from the charity stripe.

The other junior returner for the Mustangs is forward Kylan Gerads, who tied with Nielsen averaging 13.2 ppg, and finished third averaging 6.1 rpg. Gerads recorded three double doubles last season and had seven games of 20+ points while shooting 44.7 percent from the field. The product of Albany, Minn., along with Maenke started all 29 games for SMSU last season and averaged 29.7 mpg.

The Mustangs also retain a pair of sophomore guards in Allie Haabala, who appeared in all 29 games last season off the bench, averaging 14.4 mpg, 3.2 ppg, and 1.2 apg, and Logan Smidt returns after appearing in six games in 2025-26.

SMSU's team is rounded off by five freshmen, four of which are guards, and one center. Taleigha Bigler from Marshall, Minn., Kaia Anderson from Perham, Minn., Lily Hubin from Hector, Minn., and Mataya Messer from Bismarck, N.D., are the four incoming guards, while Elly Herickhoff from Villard, Minn., is the other newcomer for the Mustangs.

SMSU HEAD COACH TOM WEBB

Tom Webb is in his 11th season as head coach at SMSU with a 141-131 record, including 105-103 in NSIC play. 

Webb is 232-254 overall in his 17th season as head coach at the Division II level after compiling a record of 91-123 in eight seasons (2008-16) as head coach at Cameron University (Okla.). 

In the 2025-26 season, SMSU recorded a 17-12 record, including a 14-8 conference record. The Mustangs advanced to the NSIC Tournament for the fifth straight season.

In 2024-25, SMSU advanced to the NSIC championship, and the NCAA Central Region Championship, the first time for Coach Webb at SMSU.

Webb's complete bio is found on page 17.

MUSTANG TIP-OFF TIDBITS

In the final NSIC stats (league games only), SMSU finished first in team free throw percentage (82.8) and 3-point percentage (36.3), second in field goal percentage (44.9) and in 3-pointers made per game (8.5), as well as being fourth in scoring offense (73.3).

Nicole Maenke finished first in free throw percentage (94.0), sixth in 3-pointers per game (2.1), seventh in 3-point percentage (34.6), and is No. 20 in scoring average (14.4).

Natalie Nielsen finished second in free throw percentage (92.8) and in rpg (8.5), and third in field-goal percentage (56.8).

 SMSU has shot 50 percent or better from the field six times this season, shooting a season-high 57 percent and dishing out a season-high 21 assists against Minnesota Crookston (2/25).

MUSTANGS BY THE NUMBERS

SMSU finished the 2025-26 regular season with four players averaging double figures in points. Nicole Maenke with eight 20+ point games was second on the team with 14.1 ppg, while Natalie Nielsen averaged both 13.2 ppg and 8.7 rpg ,while shooting 54.5 percent from the field, and lead the team with 21 blocks.

Sophomore Kylan Gerads had six games of 20+ points and averaged 12.9 ppg.

The Mustangs shot 44 percent from the field, 35 percent from 3-point shots, 80 percent from the free throw line and finished +4.9 in the rebound margin. SMSU averaged 72 ppg while opponents were held to 69 ppg.

SMSU IN THE NCAA STATS 

In the final Division II national statistics, SMSU ranked fourth in free throw percentage (80.4), 14th in 3-pointers per game (8.3), 18th in 3-point percentage (34.8), 26th in field goal percentage (44.1) and 46th in scoring offense (72.2).

Natalie Nielsen finished fifth in free throw percentage (90.6), 38th in double doubles (9) and 36th in offensive rebounds per game (3.4).

Nicole Maenke finished second in free throw percentage (91.6).

KAIA ANDERSON NOTES

In her first season with SMSU.

TALEIGHA BIGLER NOTES

In her first season with SMSU.

BRYNN BUSSE NOTES

Appeared in all 29 games, starting in three. Averaged 4.6 ppg, 2.1 apg, and 1.9 rpg.

Career-high 14 points against Minot State (1/16) shooting 4 of 4 from 3-point range.

Career-high seven assists against St. Cloud State (12/20)

89 games played across three seasons at SMSU.

KYLAN GERADS NOTES

Started in all 28 games in 2025-26, shooting 45 percent from the floor (135 of 301) and 35 percent from 3-point range (36 of 102).

23 points against Winona State (12/14), tying her career-high.

Career-high 14 rebounds vs. Washburn (11/15).

Played 29 games as a true freshman at St. Cloud State, averaging 8 ppg and 5.3 rpg, before transfering to SMSU. 

ALLIE HAABALA NOTES

Appeared in all games in the 2025-26 season as a true freshman averaging 14.6 minutes per game.

Shot 42 percent from the floor (34 of 82) and 34 percent from deep (11 of 32).

ELLY HERICKHOFF NOTES

In her first season with SMSU.

LILY HUBIN NOTES

In her first season with SMSU.

NICOLE MAENKE NOTES

Started in all 29 games last season, averaging 32.3 minutes per game.

43.7 percent (138 of 316) shooting from the field,  90.8 percent free throw shooter in 2025-26.

Career-high 28 points, with seven 3-pointers, and a season-high six rebounds against Sioux Falls (11/25).

Played in all 33 games two seasons ago as a true freshman, shooting nearly 44 percent from deep (43.7, 68 of 149).

MATAYA MESSER  NOTES

In her first season with SMSU.

ALLISON MILBRANDT NOTES

Appeared 15 times in 2025-26, tallying 45 minutes.

Played in 15 games last season after redshirting her freshman season.

Six points against Bethany Lutheran (11/30/24).

NATALIE NIELSEN NOTES 

Started in 23 games last season, missed five due to injury.

All-NSIC second team honoree in 2025-26.

54 percent shooter (109 of 200) from the field, averaging 13.2 ppg..

Averaging 8.7 rpg, season-high 14 rebounds against Minnesota Crookston (1/24).

Started all 33 games two seasons ago averaging 10.5 ppg and 7.3 rpg.

Spent two seasons at South Dakota State before transfering to SMSU.

LOGAN SMIDT NOTES

Appeared in six games as a true freshman.

Five points against Minnesota State (12/19) with one steal.

CHRISTINA WAGNER NOTES 

Played in 18 games last season.

Three points against Minot State (1/16) and Northern State (1/31).

Four rebounds vs. Minnesota State (12/19) and NSU (1/31).

Appeared in three games two seasons ago before sitting out due to injury.

ELIZABETH WAGNER NOTES 

Appeared in 26 games this past season, averaging 11.5 minutes per game.

Season-high 10 points against Minnesota Crookston (2/25).

Missed all of 2024-25 season due to injury.

Played in 30 games as a true freshman in 2023-24, averaging 3.6 ppg and 4.0 rpg.
 

WORKING OVERTIME 

SMSU is 13-31 all-time in overtime games, the first overtime game in three seasons. SMSU was 1-1 in 2022-23 defeating MSU Moorhead 82-75, and suffering a loss to St. Cloud State 70-59. 

SMSU is 4-4 all-time in double OT games.

HOME AND AWAY  

SMSU was 10-3 at home last season after finishing 12-1 at home two seasons ago.

The Mustangs were 6-6 in road games during the 2025-26 season after recording an 11-3 mark in road games in 2024-25.

SMSU was 1-3 in neutral site contests last season.

SMSU ALL-TIME IN THE NSIC 

The 2026-27 campaign marks the 48th season SMSU has competed in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.

SMSU has an all-time record of 327-437 in conference games and have won four regular season championships (1979-80, 1980-81, 2000-01, 2001-02) and one NSIC Tournament championship (2002).

MUSTANG HISTORY

SMSU is in its 58th season of women's basketball in 2026-27.

SMSU has played 1,450 games compiling an all-time record of 715-735.

SMSU has recorded 31 winning seasons, including five of the past six seasons. 

BETHANY LUTHERAN NOTES  

2025-26 Record: 15-11, 12-0 UMAC

Head Coach: Emma Purfeerst, 4th season (33-44)

Third year forward Arinn McGee returns for the Vikings after leading the team in scoring (11.0 ppg) and rebounds (6.8 rpg) last season. The native of Pipestone, Minn., had five games of 15 or more points, and recorded three double-doubles in 2025-26.

Junior forward Kenadi Arndt and sophomore guard Morgan Hulke look to be key contributors this season after both averaged over 10 ppg in 2025-26. Arndt was second in rebounding averaging 5.7 rpg, while Hulke was a 38 percent 3-point shooter. Both led the team dishing the rock with 49 assists a-piece.

The Vikings finished their confernce campaign undefeated in the UMAC last season, however Bethany Lutheran was upset in the conference tournament semifinals by North Central, ending their season at 15-11.