For most programs, Northern State's 9-3 mark in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play and second place conference finish would be considered a good – even great – season. For the Wolves' women, however, expectations were higher. The Wolves came into the season returning all five starters from a team that won the conference title and made a lot of noise in the 1997-98 North Central Regional.

Having tasted the post-season success as a very young team, anything less was a disappointment, yet NSU finished with an 82-70 victory over Winona State and will go into next season on a positive note.

The season ended with NSU winning six of its last seven games and was in the thick of the conference race for what would have been its third straight NSIC crown until the final week of play. The Wolves finished 15-12 on the year.

The same group of players, minus one player lost to graduation in senior post Crystal Bonnichsen (Highmore), will get another chance next winter to put it all together and reach the lofty goals they set this season.

Junior guards Jammie Coyle, Belle Fourche, and Amanda Mikuska, Platte, continued their assault on NSU's record books. Coyle broke the 1,000-point barrier early in the season and ended the year ranked 11th on NSU's career scoring chart with 1,298 points. She also ended the year ranked third in career steals at 196. Mikuska ended the year sixth in all-time assists with 323. She joins Coyle in the top 10 on the steals list, ranking fifth with 167 career thefts. Mikuska will very likely break the 1,000 point barrier next season, ending this season with 915 career points. Mikuska ranks second in school history in 3-pointers made with 180. Coyle is right behind with 163 treys.

The lethal backcourt tandem began playing together on the varsity as freshmen and will look to lead NSU back to the conference championship next season as seniors. Sophomores with starting experience heading into next season are Memory Johannsen, Tolstoy, S.D., who earned her current small forward role as a freshman and also filled in at point guard when Mikuska went down with an injury this season. Natalie Braun, Warner, found herself in the starting lineup late in the season and has earned significant playing time ever since she was a freshman. Posts Beth Carlson, Coon Rapids, Minn., and Jennifer Murphy, Aberdeen, also saw a lot of minutes the past two seasons and have starting experience. They will be looked to even more next season with the departure of Bonnichsen.

A talented group of freshmen led the junior varsity to an undefeated season and will be looked to for varsity depth next year, along with another strong recruiting class.

Top

--Press Release--

WOLVES TO FINISH SEASON AGAINST WINONA STATE

Feb. 21, 1999

Schedule – Northern State University hosts Winona State University Wednesday, Feb. 24 in the season finale for both teams. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in the Barnett Center.

Records – Northern State is 14-12 overall and 8-3 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Winona State is 12-14 overall and 4-7 in conference play.

Conference picture – Minnesota-Duluth won the NSIC title outright last week by finishing its conference schedule with a 10-2 mark. Northern State sits safely in second place at 8-3, followed by Southwest State at 6-5.

Last week – Northern fell at Southwest State 80-86 before winning at Minnesota-Morris 70-51.

Mikuska healing – Junior guard Amanda Mikuska (Platte, S.D.) injured her shoulder at Bemidji State Feb. 6 and is not yet 100 percent, but started her first game since the injury at Morris last week. She missed the game vs. Wayne State Feb. 10 before gutting out 24 reserve minutes and an unlikely double-double (10 rebounds and 10 assists to go with four points) in a win against Duluth Feb. 13. Mikuska's absent minutes at the point have been taken by sophomore Memory Johannsen (Tolstoy, S.D.), with sophomore forward Natalie Braun (Warner, S.D.) taking Johannsen's vacated post at small forward. In her first start this season and second of her career, Braun nearly tallied a triple-double (13 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists) against Wayne State. With Mikuska returning to the starting lineup and Johannsen returning to the small forward in NSU's last game, Braun still retained her starting status, beginning the Morris game at power forward.

Warrior Notes – In the teams' first meeting this season, Winona State came away with a hard-fought 73-69 win over Northern in Winona Jan. 30. Junior guard Amanda Mikuska (Platte, S.D.) led the Wolves with 15 points, while sophomore forward Memory Johannsen (Tolstoy, S.D.) hauled down eight rebounds. Winona State is led by 6-2 sophomore center sensation Amanda Brown, who averages a double with 16.2 points per game while shooting 57 percent from the floor and also hauls down 10.3 rebounds per contest. Brown also ranks 13th in the nation in blocks, averaging 2.7 per game. Also looming in the paint is 6-1 junior post Lesley Miller, who nets 12 points per game to go along with 5.7 rebounds. Providing perimeter punch is 5-4 sophomore guard Heather Livingstone with 12.9 points per game. Livingstone shoots 47 percent from 3-point range (ranks 6th in the nation) and also leads the team with nearly four assists per game.

History – Last season NSU swept the Warriors, first winning at home 95-71 before coming out on top 94-81 in the season finale in Winona. In Aberdeen, now-senior post Crystal Bonnichsen (Highmore, S.D.) and now-sophomore forward Memory Johannsen (Tolstoy, S.D.) led Northern with 22 points apiece. Bonnichsen also came down with 11 rebounds. Winona State has never beaten NSU in the Barnett Center (0-11), which opened for the 1987-88 season.

Mikuska milestones – Junior guard Amanda Mikuska (Platte, S.D.) has 318 career assists, breaking herself into 7th in that career category against Minnesota-Morris (passing Renae Osthus, who tallied 312 assists from 1991-95). Standing at sixth is current NSU assistant coach Paula Krueger, who recorded 320 assists from 1990-94. Mikuska needs 3 more assists to break Krueger's mark. Mikuska is currently sixth on the all-time steals list with 163. Against Southwest State she passed Michele Lick, who tallied 159 steals from 1988-90 and 1991-93. At fifth is Laura Hummel with 164 steals from 1980-84. Mikuska needs just two more steals to break into the fifth slot all time. At fourth is Julie Jensen, who tallied 172 steals from 1991-95. Mikuska also reached the 900-point career barrier against Morris, now sitting at exactly 900 career points. That ranks 22nd on NSU's all-time scoring list. At 21st on the list is Michelle Lick, who rang up 988 points from 1988-90 and 1991-93. Mikuska's career high in points is 27, set earlier this season against Missouri Western.

Coyle milestones – Junior guard Jammie Coyle (Belle Fourche, S.D.) is at 1,276 career points (she broke 1,000 at the West Texas A&M game) … she broke into the 12th slot on NSU's career scoring list against Minnesota-Morris (passing is Jenny Seesz, who scored 1,269 points from 1991-95). Currently at 11th is Beth Barnes, who scored 1,287 points from 1976-1980. Coyle needs 12 more points to take over the 11th slot. At 10th is Michelle Cox with 1,328 points from 1984-88. Coyle is also currently ranked 3rd on NSU's career steals list with 192 thefts. She broke into sole possession of 3rd place at Bemidji State (passing current NSU head assistant women's coach Paula Krueger, who recorded 185 thefts from 1990-94). She has a way to go before breaking into NSU's top two, however. Sitting at second on the steals list is Renee Ruesink, who recorded an amazing 309 steals from 1984-88. Coyle needs 118 more steals to move into second.

Bombers – Mikuska and Coyle are ranked second and third, respectively, in 3-pointers made for a career. Mikuska has 187 treys, while Coyle has connected on 163 shots from downtown. Both have a way to go before dethroning NSU's top all-time bomber Barb Schmidt, however. Schmidt hit 319 trifectas during her career from 1989-93.

Conference Leaders – According to the latest conference statistical package, Northern State is among the conference leaders in most team categories. The Wolves lead the NSIC in field goal percentage defense (holding teams to 38.6 percent shooting) and assist/turnover ratio (1.35 team assists to every turnover). NSU is second in scoring offense (75.3 pg), scoring defense (allowing 65.5 ppg), scoring margin (winning by 9.7 ppg), steals (9.73 spg) and turnover margin (+4.91). Individually, junior guard Amanda Mikuska (Platte, S.D.) is first in steals (3.18 spg) and assist/turnover ratio (3.5 assists to every one turnover) as well as second in assists (5.1 apg). Junior guard Jammie Coyle (Belle Fourche, S.D.) ranks sixth in the conference in scoring (15.9 ppg) and is third in steals (2.73 spg). Sophomore forward Natalie Braun (Warner, S.D.) is second in assist/turnover ratio (2.5 assists to every one turnover).

Nationally speaking – Junior guard Jammie Coyle dropped three spots and is now ranked 42nd in the nation in scoring, according to the latest NCAA Leaders Statistics released last week, with 18.2 points per game.

Coach – NSU head coach Curt Fredrickson is in his 20th season as head coach at Northern State. His career coaching record (all at NSU) entering this week stands at an amazing 480-108. During his two decades on the sidelines for Northern State, he has won two national championships and is currently ranked third among all active Division II coaches in victories and fourth in winning percentage. Fredrickson is assisted by Paula Krueger (second year).

Probable starters – Fredrickson's probable starters for this week:
PG 3/13 Amanda Mikuska, 5-4 junior (Platte, S.D.) … 11.1 ppg; 2.4 spg; 4.5 apg; 4.7 rpg
G 20/21 Jammie Coyle, 5-7 junior (Belle Fourche, S.D.) … 17.7 ppg; 5.7 rpg; 2.7 spg; 1.6 apg
F 30/31 Memory Johannsen, 5-9 sophomore (Tolstoy, S.D.) … 10 ppg; 5 rpg; 3.3 apg; 1.4 spg
F 32-33 Natalie Braun, 5-10 sophomore (Warner, S.D.) … 6.8 ppg; 4.9 rpg; 2.9 apg; 4 GS
OR 40/40 Nikki Jensen, 5-11 junior (Pollock, S.D.) … 4.9 ppg; 3 rpg; 21 GS
C 42/42 Crystal Bonnichsen, 6-2 senior (Highmore, S.D.) … 7.4 ppg; 6.9 rpg; 24 GS
Key Reserves:
PG 10/11 Holly Schaunaman, 5-8 freshman (Leola, S.D.) … 2.9 ppg; 1.7 rpg, 15 GP
F 32-33 Natalie Braun, 5-10 sophomore (Warner, S.D.) … 6.8 ppg; 4.9 rpg; 2.9 apg; 4 GS
F/C 54-53 Jennifer Murphy, 6-1 sophomore (Aberdeen, S.D.) … 6 ppg; 2.9 rpg; 3 GS
C 53-55 Beth Carlson, 6-2 sophomore (Coon Rapids, Minn.) … 4.3 ppg; 2.5 rpg; 3 GS

Regional Rankings to be updated on NSU homepage – Check out NSU's athletics website at www.northern.edu/athletic.html for the latest regional rankings, updated soon after their release every Wednesday.

Broadcast – Rob Waltman handles play-by-play duties on 93 KSDN radio (94.1 FM). Pre-game starts 20 minutes before tip-off.

Next – Northern will bid a fond farewell to senior captain Crystal Bonnichsen and look toward next season.

Top

--Press Release--

WOLVES LOOK TO TAKE  CARE OF BUSINESS ON ROAD TRIP

Feb. 16, 1999

Schedule – Northern State University travels to Southwest State University Wednesday, Feb. 17; travels to Minnesota-Morris Saturday, Feb. 20. Tip-off for both games is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

Records – Northern State is 13-11 overall and 8-2 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Southwest State is 11-13 overall and 4-5 in the NSIC. Minnesota-Morris is 11-13 overall and 3-7 in the conference entering Wednesday's game at Winona State.

Conference picture – Northern stayed alive in the conference race with its win over conference-leading Minnesota-Duluth last week. The Bulldogs are still in the driver's seat for the conference championship, however. UMD closes the regular season by hosting games against Bemidji State Wednesday and Moorhead State Saturday. UMD (16-9, 8-2 NSIC) would win a tiebreaker between the teams due to its better record overall according to the current NCAA Division II Championship Strength of Schedule Index.

Mikuska healing – Junior guard Amanda Mikuska (Platte, S.D.) injured her shoulder at Bemidji State Feb. 6 and is not yet 100 percent, but is expected to play. She missed the game vs. Wayne State last week before gutting out 24 minutes and an unlikely double-double (10 rebounds and 10 assists to go with four points) against Duluth. Mikuska's absent minutes at the point have been taken by sophomore Memory Johannsen (Tolstoy, S.D.), with sophomore forward Natalie Braun (Warner, S.D.) taking Johannsen's vacated post at small forward. In her first start this season and second of her career, Braun nearly tallied a triple-double (13 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists) against Wayne State.

Last week – Northern defeated touring Wayne State in a non-conference affair 79-55 before defeating Minnesota-Duluth 82-74 at home Saturday.

Mustang Minutes – Southwest State is led by 5-7 junior guard Dani Coleman, who averages 15.7 points and 4.5 assists per game. Next on the scoring list is 5-11 sophomore forward Andrea Schreier, who nets 13.3 points per game and leads the team in rebounding with 6.2 boards per contest. Rounding out the double-digit scorers for SSU is 5-8 sophomore guard Erin Frye, who nets 12.8 ppg to go along with 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. Kelly Kruger guides the Mustangs in his eighth season.

NSU leads the all-time series between the teams 30-1, with SSU's only win coming in Marshall during the 1995-96 season. Earlier this season, NSU scored a tight 66-63 win over SSU in Aberdeen. Sophomore forward Memory Johannsen (Tolstoy, S.D.) led the Wolves with 19 points. Senior post Crystal Bonnichsen (Highmore, S.D.) added a double-double with 10 points and a game-high 11 rebounds. Last year, the Wolves swept SSU, first 79-68 in Marshall, then 86-74 in Aberdeen. Now-sophomore center Jennifer Murphy (Aberdeen, S.D.) had a breakout game in Marshall last season, leading the team with 18 points and eight rebounds.

Cougar Tracks – Minnesota-Morris is led by 6-0 senior center Anna Townsend, who leads the team in scoring with 17.3 ppg, rebounding with 6.9 rpg and steals with 2.3 spg. The other double-digit scorer for the Cougars is 5-8 senior guard Laurie Plahn, who nets 14 ppg to go along with a team-high 3.4 assists per contest. UMM is coached by Carol Thelen (1st season).
The Wolves have won the last 12 meetings between the teams, with UMM's last victory coming during the 1992-93 season. UMM defeated NSU 77-72 that season in Morris despite 27 points from Julie Jensen. Earlier this season, NSU scored a 91-61 win in Aberdeen over UMM. Junior guard Jammie Coyle (Belle Fourche, S.D.) led the way with 21 points. Last season, the Wolves swept UMM, first 75-66 in Aberdeen before winning 71-54 in Morris. Then a sophomore, Coyle led the way in Morris with 18 points, while now-senior Crystal Bonnichsen (Highmore, S.D.) and now-sophomore Jennifer Murphy (Aberdeen, S.D.) led team with six rebounds apiece.

Coyle milestones – Junior guard Jammie Coyle (Belle Fourche, S.D.) is at 1,252 career points (she broke 1,000 at the West Texas A&M game), breaking into the 14th slot on NSU's career scoring list against Minnesota-Duluth (passing Myrna Becker, who scored 1,243 points from 1976-1980). Sitting at 13th on the scoring list is Chris Swanhorst, who rang up 1,260 points from 1993-97. At 12th on the list is Jenny Seesz, who scored 1,269 points from 1991-95. Coyle is also currently ranked 3rd on NSU's career steals list with 188 thefts. She broke into sole possession of 3rd place at Bemidji State (passing current NSU head assistant women's coach Paula Krueger, who recorded 185 thefts from 1990-94). She has a way to go before breaking into NSU's top two, however. Sitting at second on the steals list is Renee Ruesink, who recorded an amazing 309 steals from 1984-88.

Conference Leaders – According to the latest conference statistical package, Northern State is among the conference leaders in most team categories. The Wolves lead the NSIC in scoring offense (75.3 pg), field goal percentage defense (holding teams to 39.2 percent shooting) and assist/turnover ratio (1.35 team assists to every turnover). NSU is second to league-leading Minnesota-Duluth in four conference categories: scoring defense (allowing 64.9 ppg), scoring margin (winning by 10.4 ppg), steals (9.89 spg) and turnover margin (+5.88). Individually, junior guard Amanda Mikuska (Platte, S.D.) is first in steals (3.33 spg) and assist/turnover ratio (3 assists to every one turnover) and is second in assists (5 apg). Junior guard Jammie Coyle (Belle Fourche, S.D.) ranks fourth in the conference in scoring (16.8 ppg) and is second in steals (2.9 spg).

Nationally speaking – Junior guard Jammie Coyle dropped three spots and is now ranked 42nd in the nation in scoring, according to the latest NCAA Leaders Statistics released today, with 18.2 points per game.

Coach – NSU head coach Curt Fredrickson, is in his 20th season as head coach at Northern State His career coaching record (all at NSU) entering this week stands at an amazing 479-107. During his two decades on the sidelines for Northern State, he has won two national championships and is currently ranked third among all active Division II coaches in victories and fourth in winning percentage. Fredrickson is assisted by Paula Krueger (second year).

Probable starters – Fredrickson's probable starters for this week:
PG 3/13 Amanda Mikuska, 5-4 junior (Platte, S.D.) … 11.4 ppg; 2.4 spg; 4.4 apg; 4.8 rpg
OR
 30/31 Memory Johannsen, 5-9 sophomore (Tolstoy, S.D.) … 9.8 ppg; 5 rpg; 3.3 apg; 1.3 spg
G 20/21 Jammie Coyle, 5-7 junior (Belle Fourche, S.D.) … 18.2 ppg; 5.6 rpg; 2.8 spg; 1.6 apg
F 30/31 Memory Johannsen, 5-9 sophomore (Tolstoy, S.D.) … 9.8 ppg; 5 rpg; 3.3 apg; 1.3 spg
OR
 32-33 Natalie Braun, 5-10 sophomore (Warner, S.D.) … 6.5 ppg; 4.8 rpg; 2.8 apg; 2 GS
F 40/40 Nikki Jensen, 5-11 junior (Pollock, S.D.) … 5 ppg; 3.1 rpg; 20 GS
C 42/42 Crystal Bonnichsen, 6-2 senior (Highmore, S.D.) … 7.3 ppg; 6.9 rpg; 22 GS

Key Reserves:
PG 10/11 Holly Schaunaman, 5-8 freshman (Leola, S.D.) … 2.6 ppg; 1.8 rpg, 13 GP
F 32-33 Natalie Braun, 5-10 sophomore (Warner, S.D.) … 6.5 ppg; 4.8 rpg; 2.8 apg; 2 GS
F/C 54-53 Jennifer Murphy, 6-1 sophomore (Aberdeen, S.D.) … 6.2 ppg; 3 rpg; 3 GS
C 53-55 Beth Carlson, 6-2 sophomore (Coon Rapids, Minn.) … 4.4 ppg; 2.6 rpg; 3 GS

Regional Rankings to be updated on NSU homepage – Check out NSU's athletics website at www.northern.edu/athletic.html for the latest regional rankings, updated soon after their release every Wednesday.

Broadcast – Rob Waltman handles play-by-play duties on 93 KSDN radio (94.1 FM). Pre-game starts 20 minutes before tip-off.

Next – Northern State closes the regular season with a home date against Winona State Feb. 24.

Top

--Press Release--

NSIC TITLE CHASE RUNS THROUGH WACHS ARENA

Feb. 9, 1999

Schedule – Northern State University hosts Wayne State College Wednesday, Feb. 10 before hosting Minnesota-Duluth Saturday, Feb. 13. Tip-off for both games is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

Records – Northern State is 11-11 overall and 6-2 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Wayne State, which has been a member of the NSIC since last year but won't be eligible for the NSIC hoops championships until next season, stands at 13-9 overall. The Wildcats are 5-2 against NSIC competition this season. Minnesota-Duluth is 15-8 overall and 7-1 in the NSIC. The Bulldogs and Wolves are first and second in the conference, respectively.

Mikuska injured – Junior guard Amanda Mikuska (Platte, S.D.) injured her shoulder at Bemidji State last week and went to the doctor late Tuesday to get it checked out. She is questionable for Wednesday's game.

Wildcat Preview – Wayne State was perfect against their future conference opponents until dropping its last two games against NSIC opponents, one at Southwest a week ago and the last against Minnesota-Morris in Wayne Saturday. The Wildcats defeated Northern 66-54 in Wayne Jan. 20 led by Ami Pendry's 16 points. Sophomore forward Memory Johannsen (Tolstoy, S.D.) led what was an anemic Wolves' offensive attack that night with 12 points to go along with a game-high eight rebounds. NSU's offense couldn't find its mark in Wayne, shooting a dismal 33 percent from the field. Last season, NSU swept Wayne in the teams' two meetings, which included an 85-51 win in Aberdeen. Johannsen, then a freshman, also led the Wolves on that day with 15 points. Now-senior Crystal Bonnichsen (Highmore, S.D.) led the boards crew with nine rebounds. The Wildcats have never scored a victory over NSU in the Barnett Center.

WSC features a balanced attack. The only player to average in double digits is 5-10 senior wing Stefanie Sjuts with 10.7 points per game to go with 4.1 rebounds. Two other players average over nine points and two average eight or more for the Wildcats. Leading the way in the paint is 6-2 sophomore center Katie Sperling, who pulls down a team-high 6.2 rebounds per game to go with 6.9 points per contest.

Bulldog Bits – The first game between these teams this season resulted in a 73-72 win for UMD in Duluth. The Wolves hung on and had a chance to win despite getting out-rebounded 45-32 in the game (Duluth pulled down 19 offensive boards). Sue Fiero led the Bulldogs with 17 points, while junior guards Amanda Mikuska (Platte, S.D.) and Jammie Coyle (Belle Fourche, S.D.) led the Wolves with 16 points apiece. Last season the teams split, with NSU pulling out a 70-61 win in Aberdeen before falling 76-58 in Duluth. In the Aberdeen win, then-freshmen Jennifer Murphy (Aberdeen) and Memory Johannsen (Tolstoy, S.D.) led NSU with 13 points apiece.

Duluth is led by stellar post play. Senior 6-1 forward/center All-America candidate and NSIC MVP performer Stacy Nelson, who averages 19.6 points (21st in the nation) and also owns team-highs in rebounds (9.2 rpg) and steals (1.9 spg). She ranks fifth in the nation in field goal percentage at 63.7 percent. As if her presence in the paint alone weren't enough, the Bulldogs also have 6-0 junior post Sue Fiero to throw into the mix. Fiero scores 14.6 points per game to go along with 4.5 rebounds. Providing the outside punch for UMD is 5-11 sophomore guard Laura Hanson, who averages 10.4 points per game and has sunk a team-high 46 treys this season.

Coyle milestones – Junior guard Jammie Coyle 1,221 career points (she broke 1,000 at the West Texas A&M game) … she broke into the 15th slot on NSU's career scoring list at Bemidji State (passing Deb Esche, who tallied 1,203 points from 1980-84). Sitting at 14th is Myrna Becker, who scored 1,243 points from 1976-1980. Coyle needs 23 more points to surpass Becker. Coyle is also currently ranked 3rd on NSU's career steals list with 186 thefts. She broke into sole possession of 3rd place at Bemidji State (passing current NSU head assistant women's coach Paula Krueger, who recorded 185 thefts from 1990-94). Sitting at second on the steals list is Renee Ruesink, who recorded an amazing 309 steals from 1984-88. Coyle needs a whopping 123 more steals to move into second.

Mikuska milestones – Junior guard Amanda Mikuska (Platte, S.D.) has 297 career assists, breaking into 8th in that career category against Southwest State (surpassing Michele Lick, who had 287 assists from 1988-90 and 1991-93). Standing at seventh is Renae Osthus, who tallied 312 assists from 1991-95. Mikuska needs 16 more assists to move into eighth … Mikuska is currently tied for seventh on the all-time steals list with 155. Barb Schmidt also recorded 155 thefts from 1989-93. Sitting at sixth on the steals list is Michele Lick, who tallied 159 steals from 1988-90 and 1991-93.

Conference Leaders – According to the latest conference statistical package, Northern State is among the conference leaders in most team categories. The Wolves lead the NSIC in field goal percentage defense (holding teams to 38 percent shooting) and assist/turnover ratio (1.35 team assists to every turnover). NSU is second to UMD in five conference categories: scoring offense (74.5 points per conference game), scoring defense (allowing 63.8 ppg), scoring margin (winning by 10.8 ppg), steals (10.63 spg) and turnover margin (+5.88). Individually, junior guard Amanda Mikuska (Platte, S.D.) is first in steals (3.39 spg), second in assists (4.38 apg), assist/turnover ratio (2.69 assists to every one turnover). Sophomore forward Natalie Braun (Warner, S.D.) is first in the latter category at 2.80. Mikuska is also first in steals (3.17 spg) and second in assists (5.17 apg). Jammie Coyle ranks fifth in the conference in scoring (16.3 ppg).

Nationally speaking – Junior guard Jammie Coyle dropped two spots and is now ranked 39th in the nation in scoring, according to the latest NCAA Leaders Statistics released today, with 18.4 points per game.

Coach – NSU head coach Curt Fredrickson, is in his 20th season as head coach at Northern State His career coaching record (all at NSU) entering this week stands at an amazing 477-107. During his two decades on the sidelines for Northern State, he has won two national championships and is currently ranked third among all active Division II coaches in victories and fourth in winning percentage. Fredrickson is assisted by Paula Krueger (second year).

Probable starters – Fredrickson's probable starters for this week:
PG 3/13 Amanda Mikuska, 5-4 junior (Platte, S.D.) … 11.7 ppg; 2.4 spg; 4.2 apg; 4.6 rpg
OR
PG 10/11 Holly Schaunaman, 5-8 freshman (Leola, S.D.) … 2.2 ppg; 1.6 rpg, 12 GP
G 20-21 Jammie Coyle, 5-7 junior (Belle Fourche, S.D.) … 18.4 ppg; 5.6 rpg; 3 spg; 1.7 apg
F 30-31 Memory Johannsen, 5-9 sophomore (Tolstoy, S.D.) … 9.2 ppg; 4.9 rpg; 3.3 apg; 1.3 spg
F 40-40 Nikki Jensen, 5-11 junior (Pollock, S.D.) … 5 ppg; 3.1 rpg; 18 GS
C 42-42 Crystal Bonnichsen, 6-2 senior (Highmore, S.D.) … 7.1 ppg; 6.8 rpg; 20 GS

Key Reserves:
F 32-33 Natalie Braun, 5-10 sophomore (Warner, S.D.) … 6 ppg; 4.4 rpg; 2.6 apg
F/C 54-53 Jennifer Murphy, 6-1 sophomore (Aberdeen, S.D.) … 6.2 ppg; 3.2 rpg; .9 spg; 3 GS
C 53-55 Beth Carlson, 6-2 sophomore (Coon Rapids, Minn.) … 4.3 ppg; 2.6 rpg; 3 GS

Regional Rankings to be updated on NSU homepage – Check out NSU's athletics website at www.northern.edu/athletic.html for the latest regional rankings, updated soon after their release every Wednesday.

Broadcast – Rob Waltman handles play-by-play duties on 93 KSDN radio (94.1 FM). Pre-game starts 20 minutes before tip-off.

Next – Northern State travels to Southwest State Feb. 17 and Minnesota-Morris Feb. 20.

Top

--Press Release--

WOLVES HOST MOORHEAD BEFORE HEADING TO BEMIDJI

Feb. 2, 1999

Schedule – Northern State University hosts Moorhead State University Wednesday, Feb. 3; travels to Bemidji State University Saturday, Feb. 6. Tip-off for both games is at 5:30 p.m.

Fredrickson notches 475th career win – NSU head coach Curt Fredrickson, in his 20th season as head coach at Northern State, won his 475th game last week against Southwest State. His career coaching record (all at NSU) entering this week stands at an amazing 475-107. During his two decades on the sidelines for Northern State, he has won two national championships and is currently ranked third among all active Division II coaches in victories and fourth in winning percentage. Fredrickson is assisted by Paula Krueger (second year).

Records – Northern State is 9-11 overall and 4-2 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Moorhead State is 10-10 overall and 1-5 in the NSIC. Bemidji State is 8-12 overall and 1-5 in the NSIC entering Wednesday's game against Winona State in Bemidji.

Dragon Notes – One of Moorhead State's five conference losses this season was a 78-69 decision to Northern State Jan. 13. Junior guard Jammie Coyle led the Wolves with 23 points and five rebounds to help NSU come out with the road victory. Last season in Aberdeen, NSU overwhelmed MSU 77-48 behind 22 points from Coyle and 11 rebounds from now-senior Crystal Bonnichsen. This season the Dragons are led by 5-10 sophomore guard Kristin Engeldorf, who scores a team-high 15.4 points per game to go along with 5.7 rebounds per contest. In the paint looms 6-3 senior center and two-time all-conference selection Kristie Stangl, who nets 13.6 points per contest and grabs a team-high 7.8 rebounds per game. She broke the career 1,000-point barrier this season and stands at 1,148 points, ranking fourth on MSU's scoring chart.

History – The teams meet for the 31st time Wednesday, with Northern leading the series 24-6. The Wolves have won the last six contests between the teams, with MSU's last win a 60-51 triumph in Moorhead during the 1995-96 season. The last time MSU won in Wachs Arena was during the 1992-93 season. Despite 40 points by Julie Jensen, the Dragons won by a count of 94-84 to hand the Wolves their only home loss of the season.

Beaver Notes – The first time BSU and NSU went at it this season, the Wolves came out on top with a 78-54 victory in Aberdeen. NSU sophomore center Jennifer Murphy and junior guard Jammie Coyle led the way with 15 points apiece, while sophomore forward Natalie Braun recorded her first career double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Jennifer Ohme netted 16 and Jodi Haugen grabbed 10 boards to lead BSU. Last season in Bemidji, the Beavers upset NSU in the conference opener 80-76. The Wolves split the season series later in the season with an overwhelming 100-60 victory.

BSU is led by 5-8 junior guard Erin Walker, who ranks third in conference scoring at 17 points per conference game. Junior 5-7 guard Jennifer Ohme is second on the team in points per game but has been out of the lineup as of late due to a knee injury. Her prognosis for this week is questionable. Junior 5-11 forward Peggy Hammel leads the team in rebounding with 6.5 boards per game.

Coyle milestones – Junior guard Jammie Coyle is at 1,185 career points (she broke 1,000 at the West Texas A&M game) … she broke into 17th on NSU's career scoring list at Winona State last weekend (passing Shari Carney, who. scored 1,180 points from 1993-97). Sitting at 16th is Tanna Negaard, who scored 1,192 points from 1986-90. Coyle could break into NSU's top 15 scorers by the end of the week (at 15 currently is  Deb Esche, who tallied 1,203 points from 1980-84) … Coyle is also currently ranked 4th on NSU's career steals list with 176 thefts. She broke into sole possession of 4th place against Southwest State last week (passing Julie Jensen, who tallied 172 steals from 1991-95). Currently in third place on the steals list is current NSU head assistant women's coach Paula Krueger, who recorded 185 thefts from 1990-94.

Mikuska milestones – Junior guard Amanda Mikuska has 293 career assists, breaking into 8th in that career category against Southwest State last week (surpassing Michele Lick, who had 287 assists from 1988-90 and 1991-93). Standing at seventh is Renae Osthus, who tallied 312 assists from 1991-95. Mikuska is currently eighth on the all-time steals list with 147. She passed Jenny Seesz (138 steals from 1991-95) during the Minnesota-Morris game earlier this season. Next on the list is No. 7 Barb Schmidt, who recorded 155 thefts from 1989-93.

Conference Leaders – According to the latest conference statistical package, Northern State is among the conference leaders in most team categories. The Wolves lead the NSIC in scoring offense (75.7 points per conference game), are second in scoring defense (allowing 65.5 ppg), second in scoring margin, first in field goal percentage defense (opposing teams shooting .363 percent), as well as first in assists (18.17 per game) and assist/turnover ratio (1.36 team assists to every turnover). Individually, junior guard Amanda Mikuska is first in assist/turnover ratio (2.82 assists to every one turnover). Sophomore forward Natalie Braun (Warner, S.D.) is second in that catergory at 2.75. Mikuska is also first in steals (3.17 spg) and second in assists (5.17 apg). Jammie Coyle ranks seventh in the conference in scoring (15.7 ppg).

Nationally speaking – Coyle dropped 13 spots and is now ranked 37th in the nation in scoring, according to the latest NCAA Leaders Statistics released today, with 18.5 points per game.

Probable starters – Fredrickson's probable starters for this week:
PG 3/13 Amanda Mikuska, 5-4 junior (Platte, S.D.) … 11.9 ppg; 2.2 spg; 4.4 apg; 4.6 rpg
G 20-21 Jammie Coyle, 5-7 junior (Belle Fourche, S.D.) … 18.5 ppg; 5.8 rpg; 2.8 spg; 1.8 apg
F 30-31 Memory Johannsen, 5-9 sophomore (Tolstoy, S.D.) … 9 ppg; 5.1 rpg; 3.2 apg; 1.4 spg
F 40-40 Nikki Jensen, 5-11 junior (Pollock, S.D.) … 5.2 ppg; 3 rpg; 16 GS
C 42-42 Crystal Bonnichsen, 6-2 senior (Highmore, S.D.) … 6.8 ppg; 6.7 rpg; 18 GS

Key Reserves:
F 32-33 Natalie Braun, 5-10 sophomore (Warner, S.D.) … 5.9 ppg; 4.3 rpg; 2.6 apg
F/C 54-53 Jennifer Murphy, 6-1 sophomore (Aberdeen, S.D.) … 6.3 ppg; 3.5 rpg; 1 spg; 3 GS
C 53-55 Beth Carlson, 6-2 sophomore (Coon Rapids, Minn.) … 4.4 ppg; 2.8 rpg; 3 GS

Regional Rankings to be updated on NSU homepage – Check out NSU's athletics website at www.northern.edu/athletic.html for the latest regional rankings, updated soon after their release every Wednesday.

Broadcast – Rob Waltman handles play-by-play duties on 93 KSDN radio (94.1 FM). Pre-game starts 20 minutes before tip-off.

Next – Northern State enjoys a week at home, hosting Wayne State Feb. 10 and Minnesota-Duluth Feb. 13.

Top

--Press Release--

WOLVES TO WRAP UP FIRST HALF OF CONFERENCE SEASON

Jan. 26, 1999

Schedule – Northern State University hosts Southwest State University (Marshall, Minn.) Wednesday, Jan. 27; travels to Winona State University Saturday, Jan. 30. Tip-off for both games is 5:30 p.m.

Fredrickson to hit 475 career wins – NSU head coach Curt Fredrickson, in his 20th season as head coach at Northern State, will hit a prelude to 500 with his next win. His career coaching record (all at NSU) entering this week stands at an amazing 474-106. During his two decades on the sidelines for Northern State, he has won two national championships and is currently ranked third among all active Division II coaches in victories and fourth in winning percentage. Fredrickson is assisted by Paula Krueger (second year).

Records – Northern State is 8-10 overall and 3-1 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Southwest State is 8-10 overall and 2-2 in the NSIC. Winona State is 9-9 overall and 2-2 in the conference heading into Wednesday's matchup at Minnesota-Morris.

Mustang Minutes – After bursting out of the gates, the Mustangs have slowed as of late but have also proven capable of knocking off any team in the conference. SSU won five of its first six games, but just three of their last 12. One of those wins, however, was against perennial conference powerhouse Minnesota-Duluth. The Bulldogs defeated NSU 73-72 in a nailbiter at Duluth.

With no seniors on the squad, veteran leadership comes in the form of 5-7 junior guard Dani Coleman, who leads the team with 17.5 points and 4.5 assists per game in conference play. Next on the scoring list and leading the team in rebounding is 5-11 sophomore forward Andrea Schreier, who nets 13.8 points and 6.3 boards per game. Schreier was the NSIC Newcomer of the Year last season, while Coleman garnered the same award for the 1996-97 season. Rounding out the double-digit points performers for SSU is sophomore 5-8 guard Erin Frye, who averages 12.4 points to go with 3.8 assists per game.

Warrior notes – Winona State has won five of its last seven games. The Warriors are led by 6-2 sophomore center Amanda Brown, who averages a double-double in leading her team in points (16.1 ppg) and rebounds (10.9 rpg, 19th in the nation). Brown shoots an amazing 60 percent from the field (15th in the nation in FG percentage). Another force in the paint is 6-1 junior post Lesley Miller, who nets 11.6 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. From the perimeter looms sophomore 5-4 guard Heather Livingstone, who balances out fhe post attack by shooting 47 percent from 3-point range (7th in the nation in 3-pt FG percentage).

Last year – The Wolves defeated Southwest 79-68 in Marshall and 86-74 at home. NSU also swept Winona 95-71 at home and 94-81 in Winona. Now-junior guard Amanda Mikuska led NSU against SSU in Aberdeen last season with 23 points, while now-senior post Crystal Bonnichsen ripped down 12 rebounds. In Winona, now-junior guard Jammie Coyle racked up what still stands as a career-high 29 points.

Coyle milestones – Junior guard Jammie Coyle is at 1,166 career points (she broke 1,000 at the West Texas A&M game) … that's 18th on NSU's career scoring list. Coyle will break into 17th all-time with 15 more points (currently held by Shari Carney, who scored 1,180 points from 1993-97). Coyle's career high is 29 points, set last season at Winona … Coyle needs 34 more points to break the 1,200 point barrier … Coyle is also currently ranked 5th on NSU's career steals list with 167 thefts. She broke into sole possession of 5th place against Minnesota-Morris (passing Laura Hummel, who tallied 164 steals from 1980-84). Julie Jensen is fourth on the list with 172 steals from 1991-95. Coyle needs six more steals to break into the fourth slot.

Mikuska milestones – Junior guard Amanda Mikuska has 281 career assists, breaking into 9th in that career category at Wayne State (she surpassed Toni Schmidt, who tallied 276 steals from 1993-97). At No. 8 on the assists list is Michele Lick, who had 287 assists from 1988-90 and 1991-93. Mikuska needs seven more assists to break into eighth … Mikuska is currently eighth on the all-time steals list with 139. She passed Jenny Seesz (138 steals from 1991-95) during the Minnesota-Morris game. Next on the list is No. 7 Barb Schmidt, who recorded 155 thefts from 1989-93. Mikuska needs 17 more steals to move into seventh.

Conference Leaders – According to the latest conference statistical package, Northern State dominates the league statistically in most team categories. The Wolves lead the NSIC in scoring offense (79.8 points per conference game), scoring defense (allowing 64.3 ppg), scoring margin, field goal percentage (.452), field goal percentage defense (opposing teams shooting .364 percent), assists (19.75 per game), assist/turnover ratio (1.58) and 3-pointers made per game (5). Individually, Sophomore forward Natalie Braun (Warner, S.D.) is first in assist/turnover ratio (2.5 assists to every one turnover). Amanda Mikuska is second in the conference in both steals (2.75 spg) and assist/turnover ratio (2.38). She is also third in assists (4.75 apg). Jammie Coyle ranks third in the conference in scoring (18.9 ppg).

Nationally speaking – Coyle dropped three spots and is now ranked 24th in the nation in scoring, according to the latest NCAA Leaders Statistics released today, with 19.4 points per game.

Probable starters – Fredrickson's probable starters for this week:
PG 3/13 Amanda Mikuska, 5-4 junior (Platte, S.D.) … 12.1 ppg; 2 spg; 4.2 apg; 4.3 rpg
G 20-21 Jammie Coyle, 5-7 junior (Belle Fourche, S.D.) … 19.4 ppg; 5.9 rpg; 2.6 spg; 1.9 apg
F 30-31 Memory Johannsen, 5-9 sophomore (Tolstoy, S.D.) … 8.7 ppg; 5 rpg; 3.3 apg; 1.4 spg
F 40-40 Nikki Jensen, 5-11 junior (Pollock, S.D.) … 5.1 ppg; 3.1 rpg; 14 GS
C 42-42 Crystal Bonnichsen, 6-2 senior (Highmore, S.D.) … 6.8 ppg; 6.6 rpg; 16 GS
Key Reserves:
F 32-33 Natalie Braun, 5-10 sophomore (Warner, S.D.) … 5.5 ppg; 4.4 rpg; 2.4 apg
F/C 54-53 Jennifer Murphy, 6-1 sophomore (Aberdeen, S.D.) … 6.5 ppg; 3.4 rpg; 1.1 spg; 3 GS
C 53-55 Beth Carlson, 6-2 sophomore (Coon Rapids, Minn.) … 4.2 ppg; 2.8 rpg; 3 GS

Regional Rankings to be updated on NSU homepage – Check out NSU's athletics website at www.northern.edu/athletic.html for the latest regional rankings, updated soon after their release every Wednesday.

Broadcast – Rob Waltman handles play-by-play duties on 93 KSDN radio (94.1 FM). Pre-game starts 20 minutes before tip-off.

Next – Northern hosts Moorhead State Feb. 3 before traveling to Bemidji State Feb. 6.

Top

--Press Release--

WOLVES INVADE WAYNE BEFORE RETURNING HOME

Jan. 19, 1999

Records – Northern State is 7-9 overall and 2-1 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Wayne State, which will be eligible for the NSIC championship next season, is 11-7 overall. Minnesota-Morris is 8-8 overall and 1-1 in the conference.

Wildcats Beat – Wayne State ran its win streak to three games with a sweep of Southwest State and Rockhurst last week. The Wildcats forced the Mustangs to shoot just 37 percent from the field while the 'Cats hit 45 percent of their shots. The win gave the Wildcats their first 10-win season since the 1995-96 season. WSC, which becomes a full-fledged member of the NSIC next year, is faring well against its future conference foes, already having beaten Winona State, Minnesota-Morris and Southwest State this season. The Wildcats feature a very balanced attack. In 18 games, a total of seven different players have led the team in scoring. Senior 5-10 reserve guard Stefanie Sjuts leads the way, averaging 10.9 points per game to go along with 4.1 rebounds per game. Sjuts is closely followed by 5-9 sophomore forward Krista Bernardt, who nets 9.9 points per game and junior 5-4 guard Erin Aakre, who scores 9.2 points per game and leads the team in assists (3.2 apg) and steals (1.5 spg). Sophomore 6-2 center Katie Sperling leads the team in rebounding with six boards per game to go along with 6.6 points per contest.

Cougar Tracks – Minnesota-Morris picked up a huge conference win over Southwest State last week, proving the parity in this year's NSIC title chase. SSU defeated Minnesota-Duluth on opening night in conference play. The Bulldogs then rebounded four days later to defeat Morris. UMM is led by the senior tandem of Laurie Plahn (5-8 guard) and Anna Townsend (6-0 post). Plahn averages just under 15 points per game for the year and has stepped up in conference competition with 20 points per game vs. NSIC opponents. Townsend is averaging just under 17 points per game for the season and nets 18 during conference play. Townsend also leads the team in rebounding with seven boards per game.

Last year – Northern swept both Wayne State and Minnesota-Morris last season. The Wolves went to Wayne and came out with an 81-59 win. Later in the year, NSU won 85-51 in Aberdeen. The Wolves defeated Minnesota-Morris 75-66 at home before winning 71-54 in Morris. Now-senior Crystal Bonnichsen (Highmore, S.D.) led NSU in rebounding all four games, including a career-high 14-board performance against Morris at home. Bonnichsen and now-junior Jammie Coyle (Belle Fourche, S.D.) netted 15 points apiece at Wayne last year, while Coyle led NSU with 21 points at home against Morris last season.

Mikuska milestones – Junior guard Amanda Mikuska will break into the ninth spot on NSU's career assists list with her next dish. She currently has 276 career assists, making her 10th in that career category (she surpassed Kris Johnson, who tallied 269 assists from 1987-91, last week) With her next assist she'll surpass Toni Schmidt, who also tallied 276 steals from 1993-97 … Mikuska also has 135 career steals. She broke into the ninth spot on NSU's career leader list in that category last week, breaking Royaune Riss' career mark of 128 steals from 1981-85. Jenny Seesz is eighth all-time with 138 steals from 1991-95. Mikuska needs four steals to move into eighth.

Coyle milestones – Junior guard Jammie Coyle is currently ranked 6th on NSU's career steals list with 162 thefts. She'll break into 5th place with three more steals (Laura Hummel holds the fifth slot now with 164 steals from 1980-84) … Coyle is at 1,134 career points (she broke 1,000 at the West Texas A&M game) … she moved into 18th on NSU's career scoring list last week, breaking Tami Jones mark of 1,117 points from 1987-99. Coyle will break into 17th all-time with 47 more points (currently held by Shari Carney, who scored 1,180 points from 1993-97). Coyle's career high is 29 points, set last season …

Conference Leaders – According to the latest conference statistical package, Northern State dominates the league statistically in most team categories. The Wolves lead the NSIC in scoring offense (76 points per conference game), scoring defense (allowing 65.3 ppg), scoring margin, field goal percentage (.441), field goal percentage defense (opposing teams shooting .346 percent), assists (19.7 per game) and assist/turnover ratio (1.44). Individually, Amanda Mikuska leads the conference in steals (3 spg) and is second in assists (5.33 apg). Jammie Coyle ranks fifth in the conference in scoring (18 ppg). Sophomore forward Natalie Braun (Warner, S.D.) is second in assist/turnover ratio (2.4 assists to every one turnover).

Nationally speaking – Coyle jumped two spots and is now ranked 21st in the nation in scoring, according to the latest NCAA Leaders Statistics released today, with 19.9 points per game.

Coach – Curt Fredrickson is in his 20th season as head coach at Northern State. Entering this season, he has compiled an amazing 466-96 record, ranking third among active NCAA II coaches in winning percentage (.83) and victories. Fredrickson is assisted by Paula Krueger (second year). Ryun Williams is in his first season at Wayne State, while Carol Thelen is also in her inaugural campaign at Morris.

Probable starters – Fredrickson's probable starters for this week:
PG 3/13 Amanda Mikuska, 5-4 junior (Platte, S.D.) … 13.0 ppg; 2 spg; 4.4 apg; 4.2 rpg
G 20-21 Jammie Coyle, 5-7 junior (Belle Fourche, S.D.) … 19.9 ppg; 6.3 rpg; 2.6 spg; 2.1 apg
F 30-31 Memory Johannsen, 5-9 sophomore (Tolstoy, S.D.) … 8.4 ppg; 4.9 rpg; 3.1 apg; 1.4 spg
F 40-40 Nikki Jensen, 5-11 junior (Pollock, S.D.) … 5.4 ppg; 3.2 rpg; 12 GS
C 42-42 Crystal Bonnichsen, 6-2 senior (Highmore, S.D.) … 6.7 ppg; 6.6 rpg; 14 GS
Key Reserves:
F 32-33 Natalie Braun, 5-10 sophomore (Warner, S.D.) … 5.6 ppg; 4.1 rpg; 2.4 apg
F/C 54-53 Jennifer Murphy, 6-1 sophomore (Aberdeen, S.D.) … 6.2 ppg; 3.4 rpg; 1.1 spg; 3 GS
C 53-55 Beth Carlson, 6-2 sophomore (Coon Rapids, Minn.) … 3.9 ppg; 2.8 rpg; 3 GS

Regional Rankings to be updated on NSU homepage – Check out NSU's athletics website at www.northern.edu/athletic.html for the latest regional rankings, updated soon after their release every Wednesday.

Broadcast – Rob Waltman handles play-by-play duties on 93 KSDN radio (94.1 FM). Pre-game starts 20 minutes before tip-off.

Next – Northern hosts Southwest State Jan. 27 before traveling to Winona State Jan. 30.

Top

--Press Release--

WOLVES FACE KEY EARLY CONFERENCE ROAD TEST

Jan. 12, 1999

Schedule – Northern State University travels to face Moorhead State Wednesday, Jan. 13 at 5:30 p.m.; travels to face Minnesota-Duluth Saturday, Jan 16. at 1 p.m.

Records – Northern State is 6-8 overall and 1-0 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Moorhead State is 8-6 overall and 0-1 in the NSIC. Minnesota-Duluth is 7-8 overall and 0-1 in the conference heading into Wednesday's game against Minnesota-Morris.

Dragon Scout – Moorhead State, ranked ninth in the North Central Region in a tie with Bemidji State, is coming off a 76-66 loss in the conference opener against Winona State. That loss wasn't for lack of production out of 6-3 senior center Kristie Stangl, who scored 17 points and pulled down a whopping 16 rebounds to go along with five assists. On the year, Stangl averages 14.6 points and 8.4 boards per game. Sophomore 5-10 guard Kristin Engeldorf averages 14.7 points per game and is among the team leaders in rebounding (5.5 rpg), assists (3 apg) and steals (1.7 spg).

Duluth in unfamiliar territory – After losing 85-77 in overtime at Southwest State in the conference opener, perennial conference power Minnesota-Duluth will be looking to rebound quickly this week. The Bulldogs are led by senior 6-1 forward/center Stacy (Ruberg) Nelson, who is ranked 16th in the nation in scoring at 20.6 points per game. She's also ranked sixth in the nation in field goal percentage, knocking down an incredible 63 percent of her shots. If that weren't enough, Nelson also leads the team in rebounding with 9.2 boards per game. Junior 6-0 guard Sue Fiero is the team's other double-digit scorer, averaging 14.4 points per game to go along with 4.5 rebounds per contest. Fiero also leads the team in assists with five per game. no one is taking UMD lightly because of its sub-.500 record. Before the loss to Southwest State, the opponents to defeat UMD had lost only a combined six games this season. The Bulldogs have played the likes of defending Division II champion and undefeated North Dakota twice and Michigan Tech twice (one loss on the season), not to mention currently undefeated Northern Michigan and North Dakota State (one loss to UND).

Series – Northern leads the series with Moorhead State 23-6. The Wolves also hold a slight edge in the series with Duluth at 14-13.

Last year – Northern swept Moorhead State and split with Minnesota-Duluth. In the game at Moorhead State last season, now-junior guard Amanda Mikuska (Platte, S.D.) exploded for a then-career-tying high 24 points (she broke her career high this season with 27 points against Missouri Western). She was six-of-eight from 3-point land at MSU. At Minnesota-Duluth, the Wolves were dumped 76-58 despite 18 points from now-junior guard Jammie Coyle and nine boards from now-sophomore center Jennifer Murphy.

Last week – The Wolves bounced back from a five-game skid by pounding Northland College 72-43, then dispatching Bemidji State 78-54 in the conference opener. A lot of players got to see playing time last week (16 vs. Northland, 14 vs. Bemidji State) as the Wolves gained control of both games early. Sophomore 5-10 forward Natalie Braun (Warner, S.D.) recorded her first career double-double against BSU with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Mikuska milestones – Junior guard Amanda Mikuska has 129 career steals. She broke into the ninth spot on NSU's career leader list in that category last week, breaking Royaune Riss' career mark of 128 steals from 1981-85. Jenny Seesz is eighth all-time with 138 steals from 1991-95. Mikuska needs 10 steals to move into eighth … Mikuska also has 263 career assists, and will move into 10th on NSU's career list in that category with seven more assists (10th spot currently held by Kris Johnson, who tallied 269 assists from 1987-91.

Jammie Coyle is at 1095 career points (she broke 1,000 at the West Texas A&M game); she is 19th on NSU's career scoring list … Will break into 18th all-time (currently held by Tami Jones, who scored 1,117 points from 1987-91) with 23 points … her career high is 29 points, set last season …

Other Coyle milestones -- Coyle is also currently ranked 6th on NSU's career steals list with 159 thefts. She'll break into 5th place with six more steals (Laura Hummel holds the fifth slot now with 164 steals from 1980-84).

Nationally speaking – Coyle is ranked 23rd in the nation in scoring, according to the latest NCAA Leaders Statistics released today, with 19.9 points per game. That was a drop from the 11th slot she held last week.

Coach – Curt Fredrickson is in his 20th season as head coach at Northern State. Entering this season, he has compiled an amazing 466-96 record, ranking third among active NCAA II coaches in winning percentage (.83) and victories. Fredrickson is assisted by Paula Krueger (second year). Jean Roise is in her fifth season at the helm of Moorhead State. Karen Stromme is in her 15th season as coach of Minnesota-Duluth.

Probable starters – Fredrickson's probable starters for this week:
PG 3/13 Amanda Mikuska, 5-4 junior (Platte, S.D.) … 13.1 ppg; 1.9 spg; 4.1 apg; 4.4 rpg
G 20-21 Jammie Coyle, 5-7 junior (Belle Fourche, S.D.) … 19.9 ppg; 6.5 rpg; 2.7 spg; 1.9 apg
F 30-31 Memory Johannsen, 5-9 sophomore (Tolstoy, S.D.) … 8.4 ppg; 5.1 rpg; 3.4 apg; 1.6 spg
F 40-40 Nikki Jensen, 5-11 junior (Pollock, S.D.) … 5.3 ppg; 3.4 rpg; 10 GS
C 42-42 Crystal Bonnichsen, 6-2 senior (Highmore, S.D.) … 6.1 ppg; 6.8 rpg; 12 GS

Key Reserves:
F 32-33 Natalie Braun, 5-10 sophomore (Warner, S.D.) … 5.8 ppg; 4.4 rpg; 2.1 apg
F/C 54-53 Jennifer Murphy, 6-1 sophomore (Aberdeen, S.D.) … 5.9 ppg; 3.3 rpg; 1.3 spg; 3 GS
C 53-55 Beth Carlson, 6-2 sophomore (Coon Rapids, Minn.) … 3.9 ppg; 2.6 rpg; 3 GS

Regional Rankings to be updated on NSU homepage – Check out NSU's athletics website at www.northern.edu/athletic.html for the latest regional rankings, updated soon after their release every Wednesday.

Broadcast – Rob Waltman handles play-by-play duties on 93 KSDN radio (94.1 FM). Pre-game starts 20 minutes before tip-off.

Next – Northern travels to Wayne State Jan. 20; hosts Minnesota-Morris Jan. 23. There is a misprint on NSU's pocket athletic schedules saying the Morris game on the 23rd is away.

Top

-- Press Release --

WOMEN'S GAME MOVED TO SUNDAY AT 1 PM

Jan. 5, 1999

Schedule Change – The conference opener with Bemidji State University has been moved from Saturday at 5:30 p.m. to Sunday at 1 p.m. to accomodate the funeral arrangements for the father of one of BSU's players.

Records – Northern State is 4-8 overall. Northland College is 4-9 overall, while Bemidji State is 7-6.

About the opponents – Without a senior on the roster, Northland College leans on underclassmen. The Lumberjills are led by 5-5 junior guard Beth Tanula, who averages 15.7 points per game. Junior 5-10 forward Diana Ryback cleans up on the boards, averaging 9.5 rebounds per game to go along with 9.8 points per game. Junior 5-10 forward Becky Brun is second on the team in rebounding with 6.6 per game to go along with 8.4 points per game. Sophomore 5-1 guard Jacky Staff leads the team in steals (3 per game) and assists (4.3 per game). Despite the early season struggles, Northland has out-rebounded its opponents so far and shoots 73 percent from the foul line as a team.

Bemidji State posted a 2-0 record en route to the Tarpon Division Championship at the Land of Magic Classic Dec. 28-30 at Daytona Beach, Fla. The Beavers have won six of their last eight games, and come into the conference season riding a high after their successful southern excursion. BSU is led by 5-8 junior guard Erin Walker, who averages 15.7 points per game and posted 24 in the team's last game. Walker shoots 48 percent from the field, 42 percent from 3-point range and 88 percent from the stripe. Jennifer Ohme, a 5-7 junior guard, is the other player to average double digits in points with 10.8 per game. She also leads the team in steals (2.5 spg) and assists (4.9 per game). Junior 5-11 forward Peggy Hammel leads the team in rebounding, averaging 7.5 boards a game to go along with 6.6 points. Without a senior in the starting lineup, the Beavers should be a force to reckoned with in the NSIC this season and beyond. That was evident already last season when BSU defeated NSU 80-76 in the conference opener in Bemidji with basically the same young team the Beavers have now. The Wolves would answer later in the year with a 100-60 victory in Aberdeen. Now-junior Jammie Coyle (Belle Fourche, S.D.) led NSU in that game with 22 points, while now-sophomore Natalie Braun (Warner, S.D.) led the effort on the boards with five rebounds.

Last week – For the first time in head coach Curt Fredrickson's 20-year tenure, Northern State lost five consecutive games. The last two in that run came last week in hard-fought battles against No. 8 Nebraska-Kearney (72-71 loss at home) and Augustana College (61-57 in Sioux Falls, S.D.).

NSIC Media Poll – The media covering NSIC teams has picked NSU to claim its third straight Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference title this season. The 28th annual NSIC pre-season media poll, released last week, picked the Wolves to come out on top, followed by Minnesota-Duluth, Southwest State, Bemidji State, Moorhead State, Minnesota-Morris and Winona State.

Coyle wins NSIC Player of the Week – After averaging 27 points, 6.5 rebounds and three steals per game in two tough losses last week, junior guard Jammie Coyle (Belle Fourche, S.D.) earned Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Player of the Week laurels. That marked the second straight such award for an NSU player. Junior guard Amanda Mikuska (Platte, S.D.) earned the same honor for her play for the week prior to the holiday break.

Coyle shoots up to 11th in national scoring – Coyle is ranked 11th in the nation in scoring, according to the latest NCAA Leaders Statistics released today, with 21.2 points per game. In addition, junior guard Amanda Mikuska is ranked 10th in the nation in 3-pointers made per game with 3.1. As a team, Northern is ranked 23rd in the nation in treys made per game at 6.1.

Coach – Curt Fredrickson is in his 20th season as head coach at Northern State. Entering this season, he has compiled an amazing 466-96 record, ranking third among active NCAA II coaches in winning percentage (.83) and victories. Fredrickson is assisted by Paula Krueger (second year). Rob Robinson coaches Northland, while Doreen Zierer is in her ninth season at the helm of Bemidji State.

Probable starters – Fredrickson's probable starters for this week:
PG 3/13 Amanda Mikuska, 5-4 junior (Platte, S.D.) … 14.7 ppg; 1.9 spg; 4.5 apg; 4.8 rpg
G 20-21 Jammie Coyle, 5-7 junior (Belle Fourche, S.D.) … 21.2 ppg; 6.5 rpg; 2.8 spg; 1.8 apg
F 30-31 Memory Johannsen, 5-9 sophomore (Tolstoy, S.D.) … 8.8 ppg; 4.8 rpg; 3.3 apg; 1.4 spg
F 40-40 Nikki Jensen, 5-11 junior (Pollock, S.D.) … 4.6 ppg; 3.4 rpg; 8 GS
C 42-42 Crystal Bonnichsen, 6-2 senior (Highmore, S.D.) … 6.1 ppg; 7.4 rpg; 10 GS

Key Reserves:
F 32-33 Natalie Braun, 5-10 sophomore (Warner, S.D.) … 5 ppg; 4.1 rpg; 2.3 apg
F/C 54-53 Jennifer Murphy, 6-1 sophomore (Aberdeen, S.D.) … 5.2 ppg; 3.4 rpg; 1.4 spg; 3 GS
C 53-55 Beth Carlson, 6-2 sophomore (Coon Rapids, Minn.) … 3.8 ppg; 2.8 rpg; 3 GS
Broadcast – Rob Waltman handles play-by-play duties on 93 KSDN radio (94.1 FM). Pre-game starts 20 minutes before tip-off.

Next – Northern travels to Moorhead State Jan. 13; goes to Minnesota-Duluth Jan. 16.

-- Press Release --

WOLVES TAKE SHORT BREAK BEFORE RESUMING SCHEDULE

Dec. 21, 1998

Schedule – Northern State University (4-6) hosts Nebraska-Kearney Monday, Dec. 28 at 7 p.m.; travels to Sioux Falls, S.D. to take on Augustana College Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 6 p.m.

About the opponents – The 8th-ranked Lopers are 9-1 entering Monday's game with Chadron State. The NSU/UNK game will be a rematch of last season's NCAA II North Central Region semifinal game, which the Lopers won 81-78 in overtime. Now-junior guard Jammie Coyle (Belle Fourche, S.D.) scored 27 points in the loss. Now-senior Crystal Bonnichsen led the boards crew with 11. This season, UNK is led by 5-7 junior guard Darcy Stracke, who is ranked second in the nation in scoring with a whopping 27.4 points per game. Stracke has exploded on teams this pre-conference season, already recording games of 43, 41, 32 and 31 points. Senior 6-0 forward/center Tara Streit leads UNK on the boards with 5.9 per game to go along with 11.4 points. In the middle, 6-2 freshman center Anne Bomstad has already made her presence felt, averaging 13.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per game on 62 percent shooting.

Augustana is 8-2 overall and boasts five players averaging double digits in points. The Vikings are led in the paint by 6-1 sophomore center Brittani Janssen, who averages 13.7 points per game to go along with 7.7 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. Sophomore 5-10 forward Kari Stratton leads the team in rebounds with 9.3 per game to go along with 11.9 points. Junior 5-11 guard/forward Kim Meyer adds 13 points per game to go along with a team-high 2.1 steals per game.

Last week – For the first time since Jan. 20, 1996, NSU lost a women's basketball game inside the Barnett Center and Wachs Arena. Missouri Western, ranked 10th in the nation, shot 49 percent from the field and 50 percent from 3-point range to defeat Northern 75-62 and end the Wolves' 29-game home winning streak. The loss was only the seventh the Wolves have ever had to endure inside Wachs Arena. Since play began there during the at the beginning of the1987-88 season, NSU is a remarkable 156-7 (96 percent) in the building.

The Wolves played even with the Lady Griffons the first half and grabbed a 44-40 lead four minutes into the second stanza. But from there MWSC scored 15 unanswered points to grab an 11-point lead that was too big to overcome for NSU.

NSU held the nation's 11th-ranked scorer in MWSC's Becky Reichard to just 10 points on 3-of-11 shooting (she averages 21.9 ppg on 58 percent shooting), but four other Lady Griffons scored in double digits to make the difference. Sara Elgin and Danielle Kneib scored 13 points apiece to lead Missouri Western.

Junior guard Amanda Mikuska (Platte, S.D.) went down firing for NSU with a game-high 27 points on 10-of-16 shooting. By nailing seven from dowtown,  Mikuska ended up one shy of the school record for treys made in a single game (Barb Schmidt hit eight 3-pointers in a game during the 1989-90 season).

Junior guard Jammie Coyle (Belle Fourche, S.D.) led the NSU boards squad with nine rebounds to go along with 12 points. Sophomore forward MemoryJohannsen (Tolstoy, S.D.) rounded out NSU's double-digit scorers with 10points.

Nationally speaking – The latest NCAA national leaders report for this season included several highlights from NSU. Jammie Coyle is ranked 15th in the nation in scoring with 20.9 points per game. Amanda Mikuska is ranked 8th in the nation in 3-pointers made per game with 3.2. As a team, the Wolves are ranked 20th in the nation in 3-pointers made per game with 6.4.

Coach – Curt Fredrickson is in his 20th season as head coach at Northern State. Entering this season, he has compiled an amazing 466-96 record, ranking third among active NCAA II coaches in winning percentage (.83) and victories. Fredrickson is assisted by Paula Krueger (second year). UNK is coached by Amy Stephens (fifth season). Augustana is guided by Dave Krauth (10th season).

Probable starters – Fredrickson's probable starters for this week:
PG 3/13 Amanda Mikuska, 5-4 junior (Platte, S.D.) … 17.2 ppg; 2.3 spg; 3.8 apg; 4.4 rpg
G 20-21 Jammie Coyle, 5-7 junior (Belle Fourche, S.D.) … 20 ppg; 6.5 rpg; 2.8 spg; 2 apg
F 30-31 Memory Johannsen, 5-9 sophomore (Tolstoy, S.D.) … 9.6 ppg; 4.8 rpg; 3.4 apg; 1.6 spg
F 40-40 Nikki Jensen, 5-11 junior (Pollock, S.D.) … 4.5 ppg; 3.4 rpg; 6 GS
C 42-42 Crystal Bonnichsen, 6-2 senior (Highmore, S.D.) … 5 ppg; 6.9 rpg; 8 GS

Key Reserves:
F 32-33 Natalie Braun, 5-10 sophomore (Warner, S.D.) … 4.6 ppg; 4.1 rpg; 2.2 apg
F/C 54-53 Jennifer Murphy, 6-1 sophomore (Aberdeen, S.D.) … 5 ppg; 3.8 rpg; 1.4 spg; 3 GS
C 53-55 Beth Carlson, 6-2 sophomore (Coon Rapids, Minn.) … 4.4 ppg; 2.7 rpg; 3 GS

Broadcast – Rob Waltman handles play-by-play duties on 93 KSDN radio (94.1 FM). Pre-game starts 20 minutes before tip-off.

Next – Northern hosts Northland College (Ashland, Wis.) Wednesday, Jan. 6 at 5:30 p.m.; then opens the conference season at home against Bemidji State Saturday, Jan. 9 at 5:30 p.m.

-- Press Release --

WOLVES LEGENDS TO REVISIT WACHS ARENA IN ALUMNI GAME

Dec. 16, 1998

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Wachs Arena will be filled with memories of seasons past Saturday, Dec. 19 when former women's basketball greats from Northern State University will suit up again to compete in an alumni game. Action is set to begin at 3 p.m. before the women's varsity game against Missouri Western, which is slated to begin at 5:30 p.m.

Considering the fact NSU has lost only six women's basketball games in Wachs Arena since it's construction in 1987, the alumni game will definitely feature something out of the ordinary as one half of the alumni players will have to stomach a loss on their former home court. In the varsity women's game to follow, NSU will be gunning for the program's 30th consecutive home win against 10th-ranked Missouri Western.

Here are the rosters for Saturday's alumni game (maiden names in parenthesis):

Maroon Team:

Name	Graduated
Kris Krouse (Johnson)	1990
Paula Krueger (Stolsmark)	1994
Renae Luitjens (Osthus)	1995
Jenny Seesz-Jones	1995
Kari Fuhrman (Schlagel)	1990
Barb Undlin (Johnson)	1995
Tanna Zabel (Neegard)	1989
Steph Campbell (Franzen)	1995
Nancy King	1995
Julie Rozell (Jensen)	1995
Denise Clemens (Ruhland)	1992

White Team:

Name	Graduated
Steph Popelar (Hengel)	1989
Shelli Krause-Bull	1996
Barb Schmidt	1993
Mel Daughty (Schott)	1996
Toni Schmidt	1996
Renee Ruesink	1988
Chris Burkhard (Swanhorst)	1996
Rachelle Lesnar	1996
Shari Carney	1996
Erin Smith	1997
Chris Scheff	1993

Coaches: Connie Kusler (Hoffman), 1992; Janelle Barondeau, 1983; Michelle DeVries (Lick), 1993.

-- Press Release --

WOLVES FACE MISSOURI WESTERN BEFORE TAKING HOLIDAY RESPITE

Dec. 15, 1998

Schedule – Northern State University hosts Missouri Western Saturday, Dec. 19 at 5:30 p.m. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 in Wachs Arena (8,000).

Records – Northern State is 4-5 overall. Missouri Western is 7-0 overall.

About Missouri Western – The undefeated and 10th-ranked Lady Griffons will come into Aberdeen Saturday looking for their first win against the Wolves, who lead the all-time series between the teams 2-0. MWSC is led by 5-6 senior guard Becky Reichard, who is ranked 11th in the nation in scoring with 21.9 points per contest. Reichard shoots an incredible 58 percent from the field (49-84 on the season), including a scorching 61 percent from 3-point range (20-33). Three other players on the team average double digits in points, including 5-9 senior forward Sara Elgin. In addition to her 11.3 ppg, Elgin also leads the team with 6.6 rebounds per contest. As a team, Missouri Western is outscoring opponents by an average of 18 points per game.

Last week – The Wolves defeated Dakota Wesleyan 75-66 at home last week before competing in the West Texas A&M Lady Buff Classic in Canyon, Texas. NSU went 1-2 at the tournament, defeating Southeastern Oklahoma State 68-57 on Thursday before falling to Wayland Baptist 73-90 Friday and losing to host West Texas A&M 51-66 Saturday.

Mikuska, Coyle honored – Junior guards Amanda Mikuska (Platte, S.D.) and Jammie Coyle (Belle Fourche, S.D.) were named to the 7-Up Lady Buff Classic All-Tournament Team last week. Mikuska averaged 14.3 points and six boards per tournament game from her point guard position, while Coyle netted 19.7 points and 6.3 rebounds per game from her off-guard spot.

Raining 3's – Northern tied a school record by draining 12 3-pointers against Wayland Baptist last week. Coyle and Mikuska hit six apiece. As a team, the Wolves were 12-of-26 from downtown that game. The Wolves hit 12 3-pointers last season against Winona State to set the record.

The Big 3-0? – The Wolves will go for their 30th consecutive home win Saturday against Missouri Western. NSU has won its last 29 games in Wachs Arena. The last Wolves’ loss at home was a 72-56 defeat at the hands of Minnesota-Duluth Jan. 20, 1996. Since play began there during the beginning of the 1987-88 season, the Wolves are an unbelievable 156-6 (96 percent) within the friendly confines of the Barnett Center and Wachs Arena. The Wolves have went undefeated at home the past two seasons (11-0 last season and 10-0 in 1996-97).

Nationally speaking – The first NCAA national leaders report for this season released today included several highlights from NSU. Jammie Coyle is ranked 15th in the nation in scoring with 20.9 points per game. Amanda Mikuska is ranked 8th in the nation in 3-pointers made per game with 3.2. As a team, the Wolves are ranked 20th in the nation in 3-pointers made per game with 6.4.

Coach – Curt Fredrickson is in his 20th season as head coach at Northern State. Entering this season, he has compiled an amazing 466-96 record, ranking third among active NCAA II coaches in winning percentage (.83) and victories. Fredrickson is assisted by Paula Krueger (second year). MWSC is coached by Dave Silfer.

Probable starters – Fredrickson's probable starters for this week:
PG 3/13 Amanda Mikuska, 5-4 junior (Platte, S.D.) … 16.1 ppg; 2 spg; 3.8 apg; 4.6 rpg
G 20-21 Jammie Coyle, 5-7 junior (Belle Fourche, S.D.) … 20.9 ppg; 6.2 rpg; 2.7 spg; 2 apg
F 30-31 Memory Johannsen, 5-9 sophomore (Tolstoy, S.D.) … 9.6 ppg; 4.9 rpg; 3.4 apg; 1.5 spg
F 40-40 Nikki Jensen, 5-11 junior (Pollock, S.D.) … 4.2 ppg; 3.1 rpg; 5 GS
C 42-42 Crystal Bonnichsen, 6-2 senior (Highmore, S.D.) … 5.6 ppg; 7.1 rpg
Key Reserves:
F 32-33 Natalie Braun, 5-10 sophomore (Warner, S.D.) … 5 ppg; 4.3 rpg; 2.2 apg
F/C 54-53 Jennifer Murphy, 6-1 sophomore (Aberdeen, S.D.) … 5.3 ppg; 4 rpg; 1.4 spg; 3 GS
C 53-55 Beth Carlson, 6-2 sophomore (Coon Rapids, Minn.) … 4.7 ppg; 2.9 rpg; 2 GS

Missouri Western Probable Starters:
G 10 Annie Heithoff, 5-8 sophomore (Council Bluffs, Iowa) … 6.3 ppg; 3.6 rpg; 2.7 spg
G 20 Becky Reichard, 5-6 senior (Newburg, Mo.) … 21.9 ppg; 3 rpg; 3.6 apg
F 31 Shanon Wahlert, 5-6 senior (St. Joseph, Mo.) … 4.1 ppg; 2.9 rpg
F 42 Sara Elgin, 5-9 senior (Bankston, Iowa) … 11.3 ppg; 6.6 rpg
C 25 Lakiya Miller, 6-2 senior (Trenton, N.J.) … 10.3 ppg; 4.9 rpg
Key Reserves:
F 3 Consquela Brown, 5-10 senior (Birmingham, Ala.) … 7.4 ppg; 3 rpg
G 44 Sasha Porter, 5-8 junior (Shreveport, La.) … 4 ppg; 1.4 rpg
F 32 Danielle Kneib, 6-0 sophomore (St. Joseph, Mo.) … 4 GP; 11.5 ppg; 3.5 rpg

Broadcast – Rob Waltman handles play-by-play duties on 93 KSDN radio (94.1 FM). Pre-game starts 20 minutes before tip-off.

Next – Northern hosts Nebraska-Kearney Monday, Dec. 28 in a rematch of last season's NCAA II North Central Regional semifinal. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Wachs Arena.

-- Press Release --

WOLVES HOST WESLEYAN; HEAD SOUTH FOR TOURNEY

Dec. 7, 1998

Schedule – Northern State University hosts Dakota Wesleyan Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 5:30 p.m; travels to the West Texas A&M Tournament in Canyon, Texas Dec. 10-12. The round-robin tournament schedule is as follows (all times Central, first teams listed wearing white uniforms):

Thursday, Dec. 10
Game 1, 5 p.m.: Northern State University vs. Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Game 2, 7 p.m.: West Texas A&M University vs. Wayland Baptist University

Friday, Dec. 11
Game 1, 5 p.m.: Wayland Baptist vs. Northern
Game 2, 7 p.m.: WTAMU vs. Southeastern Oklahoma

Saturday, Dec. 12
Game 1, 5 p.m.: Southeastern Oklahoma vs. Wayland Baptist
Game 2, 7 p.m.: WTAMU vs. Northern

Team with best record will win tournament. In case of a tie, the winner is determined by which team won in head-to-head competition.

Last week – The Wolves dropped a 68-65 decision at Jamestown College before rebounding at home against Minnesota State-Mankato 70-63. The win snapped a three-game losing streak for NSU, the longest such streak for the program since the 1988-89 season.

Records – Northern State is 2-3 overall. Dakota Wesleyan is 1-7 overall. Southeastern Oklahoma State University is 3-2. Wayland Baptist University is 9-0. West Texas A&M University is 3-4.

About DWU – Dakota Wesleyan recorded its first win of the season against Valley City State last week. The Tigers are led by 5-10 junior forward Raven Morgan, who averages a team-high 17.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game. Last season, the Wolves defeated DWU 84-35 in Mitchell. Guard Jammie Coyle (Belle Fourche, S.D.) led the way with 20 points, while post Crystal Bonnichsen (Highmore, S.D.) pulled down a team-high 9 rebounds.

Tourney opponents – Southeastern Oklahoma State played at West Texas A&M last week, losing 58-65. Senior 5-10 forward Shasti Pendley scored 21 points in the loss … Wayland Baptist has started the season red hot, winning its first nine games. Junior forward Hazel Taylor is one of the reasons. She earned Sooner Athletic Conference Player of the Week last week … In its first seven games, West Texas A&M has had four different players step up to lead the team in scoring. Three players average in double digits in points. Junior 6-1 post Latraica Spencer leads the team with 14.3 points and seven rebounds per game.

Not in my house – The Wolves have won their last 28 games in Wachs Arena. The last Wolves’ loss at home was a 72-56 defeat at the hands of Minnesota-Duluth Jan. 20, 1996. Since play began there during the beginning of the 1987-88 season, the Wolves are an unbelievable 156-6 (96 percent) within the friendly confines of the Barnett Center and Wachs Arena. The Wolves have went undefeated at home the past two seasons (11-0 last season and 10-0 in 1996-97).

Coach – Curt Fredrickson is in his 20th season as head coach at Northern State. Entering this season, he has compiled an amazing 466-96 record, ranking third among active NCAA II coaches in winning percentage (.83) and victories. Fredrickson is assisted by Paula Krueger (second year).

Probable starters – Fredrickson's probable starters for this week:
PG Amanda Mikuska, 5-4 junior (Platte, S.D.) … 18 ppg; 2.4 spg; 4.4 apg; 4 rpg
G Jammie Coyle, 5-7 junior (Belle Fourche, S.D.) … 22.4 ppg; 5.4 rpg; 3.2 spg; 2 apg
F Memory Johannsen, 5-9 sophomore (Tolstoy, S.D.) … 8 ppg; 4.6 rpg; 3.2 apg; 1.8 spg
F Nikki Jensen, 5-11 junior (Pollock, S.D.) … 4 ppg; 1.8 rpg; 1 GS
C Crystal Bonnichsen, 6-2 senior (Highmore, S.D.) … 7 ppg; 8.6 rpg

Key Reserves:
F Natalie Braun, 5-10 sophomore (Warner, S.D.) … 6.6 ppg; 4.8 rpg; 1.4 apg
F/C Jennifer Murphy, 6-1 sophomore (Aberdeen, S.D.) … 4.4 ppg; 3.6 rpg; 1.8 spg; 3 GS
C Beth Carlson, 6-2 sophomore (Coon Rapids, Minn.) … 4.6 ppg; 3 rpg; 1 GS

Broadcast – Rob Waltman handles play-by-play duties on 93 KSDN radio (94.1 FM). Pre-game starts 20 minutes before tip-off.

Next – Northern hosts Missouri Western Saturday, Dec. 19.

Top

-- Press Release --

WOLVES LOOK TO GET BACK ON TRACK THIS WEEK

November 30, 1998

Last week – Northern State let a 44-29 halftime advantage turn into a 92-85 double-overtime loss Tuesday in Bismarck, N.D. against the University of Mary.

As in the loss to Nebraska-Omaha a week before, rebounding was one of the main factors in the loss to Mary, as the Marauders outboarded the Wolves 54-42. The Wolves' second straight loss marked the first time since the 1995-96 season the Wolves have dropped two straight.

Junior guard Jammie Coyle (Belle Fourche, S.D.) led the Wolves with 24 points, while senior center Crystal Bonnichsen (Highmore, S.D.) led in rebounding with 12 boards.

Records – Northern State is 1-2 overall. Jamestown College is 2-2. Minnesota State-Mankato is 4-1 entering Wednesday's contest at Moorhead State.

About Jamestown College – The Jimmies are led by junior wing Megan Fiechtner and sophomore wing Keri Bakker, who both average over 14 points per game. Seniors Rashel Grindberg and Brooke Treleaven lead the boards crew, both averaging just under seven rebounds per game. Last season, the Wolves dispatched the Jimmies 75-56 in Aberdeen. Then-sophomore guard Jammie Coyle (Belle Fourche, S.D.) led the way with 13 points, while then-junior center Crystal Bonnichsen (Highmore, S.D.) ripped down a team-high nine boards.

About Minnesota State-Mankato – The Mavericks are led by 6-0 junior forward Brenda Stachowski, who averages a team-high 13.6 points per game and also collects 6.6 rebounds per contest. Senior 6-0 forward Amy Hintgen leads the board crew at 8.6 rpg. All four Mavericks wins to this date have been by margins of less than 10 points. Mankato dropped its last game 81-59 to California-Davis. The Mavericks are guided by first-year coach Ann Walker, who inherits a 17-10 team that made strides last season. The Mavericks defeated the Wolves last season 78-69 in Mankato despite 16 points from Coyle and nine rebounds from Bonnichsen.

Not in my house – The Wolves have won their last 27 games in Wachs Arena. The last Wolves’ loss at home was a 72-56 defeat at the hands of Minnesota-Duluth Jan. 20, 1996. Since play began there during the beginning of the 1987-88 season, the Wolves are an unbelievable 156-6 (96 percent) within the friendly confines of the Barnett Center and Wachs Arena. The Wolves have went undefeated at home the past two seasons (11-0 last season and 10-0 in 1996-97).

Probable starters – Fredrickson returns all five starters from last season::
PG -- Amanda Mikuska, 5-4 junior (Platte, S.D.)
G -- Jammie Coyle, 5-7 junior (Belle Fourche, S.D.)
F -- Memory Johannsen, 5-9 sophomore (Hoven, S.D.)
F/C -- Crystal Bonnichsen, 6-2 senior (Highmore, S.D.)
F/C -- Jennifer Murphy, 6-1 sophomore (Aberdeen, S.D.)

Broadcast – Rob Waltman handles play-by-play duties on 93 KSDN radio (94.1 FM). Pre-game starts 20 minutes before tip-off.

Coach – Curt Fredrickson is in his 20th season as head coach at Northern State. Entering this season, he has compiled an amazing 466-96 record, ranking third among active NCAA II coaches in winning percentage (.83) and victories. Fredrickson is assisted by Paula Krueger (second year).

Next – Northern hosts Dakota Wesleyan Tuesday, Dec. 8 before traveling to compete in the West Texas A&M Tournament in Canyon, Texas.

-- Press Release --

WOLVES TRAVEL TO NEBRASKA-OMAHA

November 16, 1998

Last week – The Wolves breezed to a 105-51 win at home in their season opener against Huron University. The junior guard tandem of Jammie Coyle (Belle Fourche, S.D.) and Amanda Mikuska (Platte, S.D.) scored 19 points apiece as the Wolves rolled after a somewhat slow start. Coyle also grabbed a team-high nine rebounds and five steals. Mikuska had a team-high six assists.
After playing even with the Screaming Eagles for the first 10 minutes of the game, the Wolves went on a 20-5 run to turn what was a 20-16 slight edge into a 40-21 comfortable margin and suddenly the makings of a blowout with just under six minutes to go in the first half.

Records – Northern State is 1-0 overall. Nebraska-Omaha is 1-1.

About the Mavericks – UNO lost its season opener to Rockhurst College 73-80, then turned around a day later to defeat Missouri Valley 98-57. The Mavericks have four players averaging double-digit point production, led by 5-11 junior forward Sarah Larson's 19 points per game. Larson, along with 5-10 junior forward Kim Birkel, both average nine boards per game, leading a team that outrebounds its opponents by 12 rebounds per game.

Not in my house – The Wolves have won their last 27 games in Wachs Arena. The last Wolves’ loss at home was a 72-56 defeat at the hands of Minnesota-Duluth Jan. 20, 1996. Since play began there during the beginning of the 1987-88 season, the Wolves are an unbelievable 156-6 (96 percent) within the friendly confines of the Barnett Center and Wachs Arena. The Wolves have went undefeated at home the past two seasons (11-0 last season and 10-0 in 1996-97).

Probable starters – Fredrickson returns all five starters from last season::
PG -- Amanda Mikuska, 5-4 junior (Platte, S.D.)
G -- Jammie Coyle, 5-7 junior (Belle Fourche, S.D.)
F -- Memory Johannsen, 5-9 sophomore (Hoven, S.D.)
F/C -- Crystal Bonnichsen, 6-2 senior (Highmore, S.D.)
F/C -- Jennifer Murphy, 6-1 sophomore (Aberdeen, S.D.)

Broadcast –Rob Waltman handles play-by-play duties on 93 KSDN radio (94.1 FM). Pre-game starts 20 minutes before tip-off.

Coach – Curt Fredrickson is in his 20th season as head coach at Northern State. Entering this season, he has compiled an amazing 466-96 record, ranking third among active NCAA II coaches in winning percentage (.83) and victories. Fredrickson is assisted by Paula Krueger (second year).

Next – Northern travels to take on the University of Mary Tuesday, Nov. 24.

Top

-- Press Release --

WOLVES OPEN SEASON WITH  HURON UNIVERSITY

November 12, 1998

Screaming Eagles to invade Northern – Northern State University will host Huron University in NSU's season opener at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, November 15 in Wachs Arena.

Last year – The Wolves also opened the 1997-98 season against Huron University, coming away with a decisive 96-54 win in Huron. Then-sophomore guard Jammie Coyle (Belle Fourche, S.D.) led the way with 24 points. Coyle and then-freshman forward Natalie Braun (Warner, S.D.) led boards crew with seven rebounds apiece.

Records – Northern State is 0-0 overall. Huron University called off its season opener against Minnesota-Crookston Nov. 11 due to inclement weather and poor road conditions. The Screaming Eagles play in the Dana College (Blair, Neb.) Tournament Nov. 13-14 before visiting Aberdeen.

Not in my house – The Wolves have won their last 26 games in Wachs Arena. The last Wolves’ loss at home was a 72-56 defeat at the hands of Minnesota-Duluth Jan. 20, 1996. Since play began there during the beginning of the 1987-88 season, the Wolves are an unbelievable 155-6 (96 percent) within the friendly confines of the Barnett Center and Wachs Arena. The Wolves have went undefeated at home the past two seasons (11-0 last season and 10-0 in 1996-97).

Last year – Northern State won its second consecutive Northern Sun Intercollegiate title last season, finishing 10-2 in the conference and 23-6 overall. The Wolves advanced into the NCAA II North Central Region playoffs, falling in overtime in the region semifinals to Nebraska-Kearney after knocking off Division II juggernaut North Dakota State in the first round. Considering seven of the past eight national champions –including the last six – have been from the North Central Region, NSU is rapidly becoming a force to be reckoned with in only its fourth year under NCAA II.

Broadcast –Rob Waltman handles play-by-play duties on 93 KSDN radio (94.1 FM). Pre-game starts 20 minutes before tip-off.

Coach – Curt Fredrickson is in his 20th season as head coach at Northern State. Entering this season, he has compiled an amazing 466-96 record, ranking third among active NCAA II coaches in winning percentage (.83) and victories. Fredrickson is assisted by Paula Krueger (second year).

Probable starters – Fredrickson returns all five starters from last season:
PG -- Amanda Mikuska, 5-4 junior (Platte, S.D.)
G -- Jammie Coyle, 5-7 junior (Belle Fourche, S.D.)
F -- Memory Johannsen, 5-9 sophomore (Hoven, S.D.)
F/C -- Crystal Bonnichsen, 6-2 senior (Highmore, S.D.)
F/C -- Jennifer Murphy, 6-1 sophomore (Aberdeen, S.D.)

Next – Northern travels to take on the University of Nebraska-Omaha Thursday, Nov. 19.

Top

1998-99 Season Outlook

With a promising young pool of talent, the Wolves will look for their third consecutive NSIC championship this season and an even stronger showing in the North Central Regional Playoffs. In the region semifinals last season, NSU fell to Nebraska-Kearney in overtime after knocking off Division II juggernaut North Dakota State in the first round. Considering seven of the past eight national champions – including the last six – have been from the North Central Region, NSU is rapidly becoming a force to be reckoned with in only its fourth year under NCAA II.

The Wolves return all five starters from last year's team and have just one senior on the squad this season in 6-2 center and GTE Academic All-America District VII third team selection Crystal Bonnichsen. Junior guard Jammie Coyle won the league scoring title last season (18.8 ppg during conference play) and made the North Central Region All-Tournament team as well as the all-Conference team. Joining Coyle on the all-NSIC squad was point guard Amanda Mikuska, who spent most of last season ranked nationally in 3-pointers made per game. The junior shot over 43 percent from behind the arc in conference action last season. The Wolves also proved to be tough on the boards,  ranking eighth in the nation in rebounding margin (8.3 more rpg than opponent).

With another solid recruiting class this season, the Wolves expect to build on an already solid foundation heading into the 21st century.

STARTERS RETURNING
AMANDA MIKUSKA, JR., G, 5'4  -- 12.6 PPG, 3.6 APG
JAMMIE COYLE, JR., G, 5'8  -- 17.4 PPG, 2.7 SPG, 4.7 RPG
MEMORY JOHANNSEN, SO., F, 5'9  -- 11.3 PPG, 3.1 APG, 5.4 RPG
CRYSTAL BONNICHSEN, SR., F, 6'2  -- 10.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1 BPG
JENNIFER MURPHY, SO., C, 6'0  --  7.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG
 

OTHER KEY RETURNERS
NATALIE BRAUN, SO., F, 5'9 --  5.4 PPG, 3.4 RPG
NIKKI JENSEN, JR., F, 5'11 --  6.1 PPG, 4 RPG
BETH CARLSON, SO., C, 6'2 --  4.8 PPG, 1.5 RPG

NATIONALLY SPEAKING ...
Where the Wolves stood among the nation's best in statistical categories at the end of the 1997-98 season:

Team:
Rebound Margin: 8th (8.3 rpg)
Winning Percentage: T25th (.793)
Scoring Offense: 22nd (79.1 ppg)
Scoring Margin: 23rd (14.1 ppg)
3-point FG made per game: 19th (6.1)

Individual:
Jammie Coyle, 65th in scoring (17.4 ppg)
Amanda Mikuska, 10th in 3-ptrs. per game (2.8)

Northern signs recruits for 1998-99 season

Northern State signed seven recruits during the offseason -- three from Minnesota, three from South Dakota and one from North Dakota -- that will join the two-time defending Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference champion Wolves’ basketball program next season.

Red Lake Falls’ Jodi Purath, Brainerd’s Sara Hemquist, and St. Cloud Apollo’s Shanna Dahl will join the team from Minnesota. Leola’s Holly Schaunaman, Willow Lake’s Tia Michalski and Sioux Falls Washington’s Kersten Coulter are the new additions from South Dakota. Mandan's Amanda Dietrich joins from North Dakota.

"With the graduation of Erin Smith and Jennifer Winckler, we wanted to recruit some quality perimeter players to go along with the outstanding perimeter people we now have." Fredrickson said. Schaunaman, Purath, Hemquist, Coulter and Dietrich give us that needed depth. Michalski and Dahl are inside players that have outstanding potential and give us more height on the inside."

Here is a closer look at the 1998 recruits:

• Holly Schaunaman – A 5-8 point guard who is an outstanding passer, ballhandler and scorer. She is a first-team all-stater who averaged 24 points, 7 rebounds and 5 steals per game from her guard position. She's a complete player who hit 45 3-point attempts this year and had single-game scoring highs of 41 and 38 points.

• Tia Michalski – A 6-4 center who helped her Willow Lake team to consecutive runner-up finishes in the State B Tournament, and a 22-2 record this season. She averaged 14 points and 8 rebounds a game to go along with three blocks and a field goal percentage of 62 percent.

• Kersten Coulter – A 5-8 shooting guard from Sioux Falls Washington that led her team to a state tournament appearance. Kersten averaged 12 points, 4 assists and 3 steals per game from her guard position. She hit 26 3-pointers to go along with a field goal percentage of 41 percent and 76 percent from the free throw line.

• Jodi Purath – Jodi led her Red Lake Falls team to two consecutive runner-up finishes in the Minnesota State A Tournament. She is a 5-9 forward who averaged 15 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists per game, shooting 55 percent from the field and 86 percent from the free throw line. She was selected to the Minnesota Coaches Association All-State team, was an all-tournament player two years, and was named the Grand Forks Herald’s Player of the Year on their all-area team.

• Sara Hemquist – Sara is a very versatile athlete from her point guard position. At 5-9, she averaged 12 points and 7 rebounds per game. She also led the Central Lakes Conference with 8 assists and 6 steals per game. She is a two-time all-conference performer with a lot of tools.

• Shanna Dahl – An outstanding two-sport performer at St. Cloud Apollo, Shanna is a 6-1 forward that has been an All-Central Lakes Conference performer for two years. She led Apollo with 15 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks per game. She was second in the conference in both scoring and rebounding. Shanna was also an outstanding middle hitter on the volleyball team and will also play volleyball for the Wolves.

• Amanda Dietrich –  helped the Braves to a 22-3 overall record and a runner-up finish to Fargo Shanley in the North Dakota State Class A championship. The 5-9 guard averaged four assists, five rebounds, three steals and 13 points per game while shooting 44 percent from the field. Dietrich is also one of the top track athletes in North Dakota, posting personal bests of 2:16 in the 800 meter run and 58 seconds in the 400 meters.