With talk of the first snowfall just around the corner, it seems that the winter sports seasons are already upon us. Just this weekend, Stout had four games over a span of two days: two hockey games, one men’s basketball, and one women’s basketball.
MEN’S BASKETBALL
A weakness of the team this year is inexperience. Stout’s roster consists of only two seniors, seven juniors, seven sophomores, and ten freshman. Four of these players are transfers and, for many of them, this will be their first season.
The team is hoping to improve from past struggles. Looking at last season, the Blue Devils struggled a lot with injuries. Stout had a 3-22 record last season and is looking to improve from there as well.
This past weekend, the men’s basketball team hosted a game on Saturday, November 14th in the Johnson Fieldhouse. Stout took on Division II University of Minnesota- Crookston and was defeated 74-51. UM-Crookston seemed to be too much for the Blue Devils and scored 39 of their points from three-point range. Meanwhile, Stout was 3 of 12 for three-pointers. It appears that Stout is still looking for their statement player, as no player reached double digits for scoring. The Blue Devils will have the opportunity to prove themselves this weekend at the Wartburg College Tournament in Iowa.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
There seems to be a trend in the Blue Devil basketball programs here as the women’s team is primarily made up of underclassmen as well. A lack of experience is something this team will also have to overcome. The roster consists of six returning players and 11 newcomers. Three of these six returners were starters last year, so the team will look to them for the most leadership. These players are senior Kyleigh Herbert, junior Jenna Goldsmith, and junior Sarah Shcoch. However, this group holds a lot of potential to be one of the fastest teams, according to Coach Thomas.
Just on Saturday, the Blue Devils opened their season against the College of St. Benedict’s. For two quarters of the game, the women’s team were able to hold a lead. However, in the final quarter, Stout let up and St. Benedict’s took it away with 69-64. Key scorers for the Blue Devils were Kyleigh Herbert with 13 points and Shannan Watkins with 10 points. On Friday, November 20th, Stout will play against hosting team Gustavus Adolphus College. On the following day, Stout will be taking on Simpson College.
MEN’S ICE HOCKEY
The men’s ice hockey season has been ongoing for a while now. Being the first winter sport to open up their season, Stout played against Finlandia University on Friday, October 30th. Stout Blue Devils have had six games and currently possess a 0.500 with a 2-2-2 record, meaning they have lost as many games as they won. After splitting a pair of games this past weekend in Minnesota against Augsburg and St. Olaf, Stout will be hosting their own game this weekend. The night of Saturday, November 21st, the Blue Devils will take on Concordia University of Wisconsin. Following the Concordia game, the next six games for the Blue Devils will be at Fanetti Community Center here in Menomonie, Wisconsin.