Michigan Tech Women’s Basketball Secures Win Against St. Cloud State

(Credit: David Archambeau/For the Gazette)

Early Momentum Leads to Victory

The Michigan Tech Huskies women’s basketball team demonstrated strength and resilience in their recent matchup against St. Cloud State, securing a thrilling 69-66 victory at the SDC Gym in Houghton. This win marks their fourth consecutive victory of the season, an improvement over last year’s record where they required ten games to achieve the same milestone.

Coaching Reflections on Progress

Head coach Sam Clayton expressed his pride in the team’s development, highlighting the stability they have achieved compared to last season’s challenges. “Last year was honestly unbelievable how bad things were for us, and I’m not talking record-wise; I’m talking about off-the-floor issues… Being able to compete and win these close games this year is fantastic,” Clayton remarked.

Outstanding Performances

Ella Mason, a sophomore guard, played a pivotal role in the game, following up a strong performance from the previous outing. After scoring just six points in the last game, Mason exploded for 24 points against St. Cloud, showcasing her shooting prowess particularly in the second half.

“I knew Ella would bounce back,” Clayton noted, commending Mason’s dedication and practice routine. Mason’s skill was evident as she connected on six three-pointers, significantly impacting the game.

Team Dynamics and Contributions

Mason’s initial off-night gave way to a productive scoring spree after halftime, further fueled by encouragement from teammate Soraya Timms, who assisted Mason in finding her rhythm. Mason explained, “So, I knew I was eventually gonna start hitting them… She gave me confidence.”

In addition to Mason, the scoring spread across the team, with notable contributions from Timms and junior guard Alyssa Wypych, both scoring 13 points, and Janie Tormanen, who added 10 points and secured 10 rebounds, marking a double-double for her.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite facing scoring droughts in the latter parts of both the second and third quarters, the Huskies managed to maintain control of the game. Clayton credited the team’s unity and chemistry for their ability to mitigate setbacks, stating, “You can tell our team is just so united; they believe in each other.”

Looking Ahead

The Michigan Tech Huskies are set to continue their season on the road next weekend, facing challenges against Concordia-St. Paul on Friday and Winona State on Saturday.