SAINT PETER, Minn. – One season removed from capturing the 2022-23 MIAC regular season and playoff championships, the Gustavus women’s basketball team is set to tip off its ’23-’24 campaign Wednesday night at home against UW-Stout. The Gusties, who also reached the second round of the NCAA tournament last season, return a handful of starters and role players this season with the hopes of taking another step forward.
“I believe we play great team basketball and statistically I think it’s fun to watch,” said Head Coach Laurie Kelly, who is in her 12th season at Gustavus. “Our players love playing that way and the depth we have has been key to our success.”
Gustavus, who finished 26-3 overall and 20-2 in the MIAC last season, brings back three starters and five of its top six scorers. The returning starters include All-Conference performers Kylie Baranick, Emma Kniefel, and Rachel Kawiecki, all of which started every game last year.
Baranick, who also earned Region 9 Third Team accolades, averaged 11.0 points and shot 33.6 percent from three-point range. Baranick also led the team with 112 assists, including a 3.33 assist/turnover ratio, which ranked sixth in Division III. Kniefel averaged 10.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and shot 47.5 percent from the floor. Kawiecki led the team with a 58.2 field goal percentage while averaging 8.2 points and 5.8 rebounds.
“You have to look to those three to lead our group this season,” Kelly said. “Kylie can compete for the best guard in the league, Emma is so consistent, and Rachel brings high energy and is an explosive player.”
Kelly also acknowledged returners Syd Hauger, Morgan Kelly, Lexi Schermann, Riley Queensland, and Izzy Quick, who is back after sitting out most of last season due to injury. The Gusties also have the support of eight new first-years to the group, who will be counted on to play some minutes and mesh well with the returners.
As defending conference champions and having boasted a 48-8 overall record (37-5 MIAC) over the past two seasons, the target is on the Gusties’ backs and Coach Kelly recognizes both the high expectations and the work that goes into a long season.
“You don’t want your team to be complacent and you have to stay really focused on what you can control today while not looking too far ahead,” she said. “We have a tough schedule this year and really tough non-conference opponents, so every day you step on the floor it’s a battle for sure.”
The Gusties, who open the season ranked No. 15 in the D3hoops.com Top 25 and No. 23 in the WBCA Coaches Poll, have UW-Stout, Rhode Island College, and Simpson on their non-conference schedule. They begin MIAC play Nov. 21 at home against St. Olaf.