South Dakota Women’s Basketball to Host Air Force in Program First
Vermillion, S.D. – A new chapter unfolds for South Dakota Women’s Basketball as the Coyotes prepare to welcome the Air Force Academy for a groundbreaking matchup this Friday morning. This contest represents the first time in program history that a service academy will compete at the Sanford Coyote Sports Center,setting the stage for a unique Education Day event.
Game Details and Broadcast Data
fans can catch all the action live on midco Sports, with jay Elsen and Brad Newitt providing commentary. A streaming option will also be available through the Summit League Network powered by Midco Sports Plus. For those preferring radio, the game will be broadcast on the Coyotes Sports Network powered by Learfield on KVHT 106.3 FM, featuring the voice of the Coyotes, Jerry Palleschi.
Education Day & Community Engagement
Friday’s game, scheduled to tip off at 11:00 a.m. local time, is the second annual Education Day hosted by the USD women’s basketball team. Local schools will be invited to experience a Division I sporting event and engage in specially designed in-game activities.Further details about Education Day can be found on the official USD Athletics website.
Coyotes Kick Off Season with Record-Breaking Win
South Dakota Women’s Basketball launched its 55th season with a dominant 104-33 victory over York University on Monday night. This marked the highest point total scored by the team during the tenure of head coach Carrie Eighmey. Every player who saw action contributed to the scoring effort, with 13 Coyotes recording assists and 12 snatching rebounds in a display of well-rounded teamwork.
Key Player performances
Elise Turrubiates and Katy Reyerson led the scoring with 16 points apiece,while freshman Alyssa Bartlett added 11 points to the tally. Defensively, the Coyotes showcased their strength, setting a new Sanford Coyote Sports Center record with 12 blocked shots. Olivia Kieffer spearheaded the defensive effort with a career-high three blocks.
Team Composition & New Additions
This year’s roster boasts a mix of experience and fresh talent, with 13 of the 15 players being new to the program. This includes nine transfers and four freshmen who made their debut in Monday’s game. notable transfers include Angelina Robles and Jenna Hope, both previously competing in the Summit League, and Josie Hill, a South Dakota native.
Series History & Mountain West Conference Rematch
The Coyotes and Falcons are set to meet for the third time in series history, with the series currently tied at 1-1. Last season’s encounter saw Air Force emerge victorious with a 73-66 win. South Dakota is looking to even the score and improve upon its 7-6 all-time record against teams from the Mountain West Conference,hoping to avenge previous losses to both Air Force and Wyoming from the prior season. For insight into the Mountain West Conference, see The Mountain West Conference website.
Player Career Bests & Notable Achievements
Monday’s game was marked by several career-best performances. Katy Reyerson set a new personal record with 16 points, while Olivia Kieffer recorded a career-high three blocks, and Alex Flattery also achieved a personal best with two blocks.
Summit League Preseason Recognition
The South Dakota Women’s Basketball team was selected fourth in the Summit League preseason poll, following a seventh-place finish in the conference tournament last season. The defending champions, South Dakota State, are favored to repeat their success, followed by North Dakota State and Oral Roberts. Angelina Robles earned a second team preseason all-Summit League selection.
Sanford Coyote Sports Center Legacy
The Sanford Coyote Sports Center is celebrating its 10th season as the home of the South Dakota Women’s Basketball team.The Coyotes have maintained a stellar record of 108-24 within the SCSC’s walls, demonstrating a consistent home-court advantage.
The Transfer Portal Landscape
The Coyotes’ roster conversion reflects a broader trend in women’s college basketball, with over 1,500 players entering the transfer portal following the 2024-25 season. USD is among a select group of programs integrating 13 or more newcomers.
New Coaching Staff Additions
Head coach Carrie Eighmey has bolstered her staff with the additions of Paul Fessler and Dalton Smith. Fessler brings extensive coaching experience, including a successful 16-year tenure at Concordia-St. Paul. Smith returns to USD as the direction of video and analytics, having previously worked with Coach Eighmey at Nebraska-Kearney.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Program’s 55th Season | Yes |
| Points Scored in Last Game (vs. York) | 104 |
| New Players on Roster | 13 |
| Record at Sanford Coyote Sports Center | 108-24 |
Did You Know? The Sanford Coyote Sports Center,home to the USD Women’s Basketball team,has witnessed an extraordinary 8-0 record against north Dakota and a 4-0 record against Kansas City.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on transfer Angelina Robles, named to the second-team preseason all-Summit league, as a potential key contributor for the Coyotes.
Looking Ahead: Women’s Basketball Trends
The increasing use of the transfer portal continues to reshape the landscape of college basketball, allowing teams to quickly address roster needs and pursue specific skill sets. The ability to attract and integrate transfers, like those joining the Coyotes, is becoming increasingly crucial for success. Additionally, the emphasis on balanced team play, as demonstrated by the Coyotes’ all-around performance in their season opener, is a hallmark of competitive teams at all levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the meaning of this game against Air Force? This marks the first time a service academy will compete at the Sanford Coyote Sports Center, making it a historic occasion for the program.
- Where can fans watch the South Dakota vs. Air Force game? The game will be broadcast on Midco Sports and streamed on the Summit League network.
- How many new players are on the South Dakota Women’s Basketball roster this season? There are 13 new players, consisting of nine transfers and four freshmen.
- What was the outcome of South Dakota’s season opener against York University? The coyotes achieved a decisive 104-33 victory.
- What is the coyotes’ record at the Sanford Coyote Sports Center? The team boasts an impressive 108-24 record within the SCSC.
- What impact do transfers have on a team’s success in women’s college basketball? Transfers can quickly elevate a team’s skill level and fill critical roster gaps,becoming major contributors.
- How has the coaching staff evolved for the South Dakota Women’s Basketball team? New assistant coaches Paul Fessler and Dalton Smith have joined Coach Eighmey’s staff this season.
Will the Coyotes capitalize on their home-court advantage and secure a victory against Air Force? What impact will the influx of both transfers and freshmen have on the team’s overall performance this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
