No. 13 Gorillas Travel To MSSU, Host Jets This Week

Gorillas Fire Up Historic Week With Road Test, Home Return

Breaking from Pittsburg, Kansas—Pittsburg State University’s women’s basketball team launches a pivotal week with a Tuesday road tilt against Missouri Southern before returning home Thursday to host Newman, teh first 2026 weekend doubleheader in front of the home crowd.

Week-at-a-Glance

The gorillas travel to Joplin for a 5:30 p.m. CST tip-off on Tuesday, January 6, at Robert Ellis Young Gym. They then welcome Newman to John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court on Thursday, January 8, also at 5:30 p.m. CST.

Leadership,Momentum adn milestones

led by eighth-year head coach Amanda Davied,the program founder’s daughter,Pittsburgh State stands 11-2 overall and 4-0 in the MIAA after a strong start to 2026.Davied has guided the Gorillas to the NCAA Division II National Tournament four times, including a 33-4 season last year that produced a Final Four run. Her tenure features the program’s first 20-win season in the coach’s debut year.

Poll Position and Program Trajectory

the Gorillas are ranked No. 13 in the WBCA Division II poll, sporting an 11-2 record and a spotless 4-0 mark in league play. when Pitt State sits at No. 13, the program has posted a 13-2 record in those seasons. Pitt State is a familiar name in the WBCA Top 25, having appeared for 108 weeks and in 23 straight coaches polls dating back to last season.

Roster Spotlight: The Gorillas At a Glance

Through the season’s midway, Pittsburg State sits at 11-2 in all competitions and 4-0 in league play. the offence is led by Ja’—Mwhye, who averages 13.6 points per game and shoots 38.6 percent from three-point range (22-for-57) while adding 5.0 rebounds per game. In the backcourt, Marin Adams and Harper Schreiner provide nonstop scoring and playmaking, combining for 326 points and 168 rebounds along with 62 assists and 26 steals. Kaycee McCumber contributes a 9.4-rebound per game presence and 7.4 points per game, forming a formidable front-court and guard rotation. Clara Swearingen, Hannah Miller, cambrie Phillips and amanda Byrnes have round out the rotation with productive depth.

Schreiner has been a catalyst this season, recording multiple double-doubles and approaching 1,000 career points. In 113 games for the Gorillas, she sits among the program’s leaders in assists, rebounds and steals as she eyes the milestone of becoming the 27th Gorilla to reach 1,000 career points.

Arkansas roots fuel the roster, with five Gorillas hailing from the state. Ja’—mwhye (North Little Rock) is joined by marin Adams (Farmington), Kaycee McCumber (Farmington) and Cambrie Phillips (Cave springs), plus Karolina Kiraga (Poland) bringing international depth. McCumber’s freshman record of 18 rebounds in a game against Texas Woman’s is part of a broader milestone season that has seen the squad push toward the program’s modern benchmarks.

Week Schedule Table

Date	Opponent	Location	Tip-off (CT)
Jan 6	Missouri Southern	Robert Ellis Young gym	5:30 p.m.
Jan 8	newman	John Lance Arena / Whetzel Court	5:30 p.m.

Key Players snapshot

Player	Points Per Game	Rebounds Per Game	Notes
Ja’—Mwhye	13.6	5.0	Leading scorer; 3P% .386 (22-of-57)
Marin Adams	12.9	4.5	Versatile guard; strong two-way contributor
Kaycee McCumber	7.4	9.4	Rebounding presence, front-court option
Harper Schreiner	—	—	Multiple season double-doubles; nearing 1,000 career points

Why this Week Matters

back-to-back tests against conference foes will reveal how far Pitt State has come as the start of the year. The team’s early-season momentum has them positioned as a leading challenger in the MIAA, with both coaching and in-game performance contributing to a strong national profile.

Opponent Notes: MSSU and Newman

Missouri Southern carries a 9-4 record and 3-1 in league play, playing at home for the first time in a renovated 1,700-seat arena. Newman sits at 7-6, entering the week with a 1-3 mark in conference play. MSSU’s Grace Frazier and ashlyn Alloway headline a balanced attack, while Newman’s Jaeden McMillin leads with 14.4 points per game and the Jets rely on a mix of scorers and shooters to challenge opponents in the half-court set.

Evergreen Insight: Building a Consistent Contender

This week’s schedule underscores Pitt State’s ongoing evolution as a program. by maintaining depth, leveraging veteran leadership, and deploying an adaptable rotation, the Gorillas aim to translate regular-season success into sustained postseason impact.The combination of a proven coach,a pipeline of versatile players and a growing national profile reflects a program well-positioned to contend in the short and long term.

Two Questions for Readers

which matchup do you expect will define the week’s outcomes, and which Gorilla should be highlighted as the breakout star moving forward?

As Pitt State aims to sustain its Top 25 presence, what developments would you like to see from the coaching staff and the roster to maximize the team’s potential?

Engage With Us

Share your thoughts, predictions, and favorite moments from the week in the comments below. Stay tuned for updates as Pitt State navigates a defining stretch of the season.

Miss State

No. 13 Gorillas Arrive at MSSU – Week‑Long Showdown with the Jets

Game‑Day Schedule at Miss State

day	Time (CST)	Opponent	venue	broadcast
Mon Jan 6	7:00 PM	Jets	dudy Noble Field	MSSU TV
Wed Jan 8	5:30 PM	Jets	Dudy Noble Field	ESPN+
fri Jan 10	6:45 PM	Jets	Dudy Noble Field	SEC Network

All tickets are available through the MSSU ticket portal. Student discounts apply through the Gorillas’ athletic Card.

Key Players to Watch

• Jake “Flash” Monroe (Gorillas, SS) – batting .327 with 12 RBIs in the last six games; known for clutch base‑running.
• Trey Alvarez (Jets,RHP) – 3.12 ERA; will be pitching the opening series on Monday.
• Lena Torres (Gorillas, OF) – first‑year sophomore, leading the team in outfield assists (4) and a .285 on‑base percentage.

Tactical Match‑Ups

1. Bullpen Depth – The Gorillas’ left‑handed relievers (Miller, Patel) have a combined 1.98 WHIP, giving them an edge in late‑inning situations against the Jets’ heavy right‑handed lineup.
2. Stealing Bases – Mississippi State’s defense ranks 4th in the conference for successful steals; the Gorillas will need to limit their own stolen base attempts to avoid unnecessary outs.
3. Pitch‑Count Management – With three games in five days, both coaches are expected to cap starters at 95 pitches, emphasizing the role of the middle relief corps.

Travel Logistics for Fans

• Parking: Lot C (North Campus) offers a $10 flat rate for the entire week. Pre‑pay online to secure a spot.
• Shuttle Service: The Gorillas’ fan shuttle runs every 30 minutes from the downtown hotel hub (Hotel Marquette) to the stadium.Use code GORILLA23 for a free ride.
• dining options: Local favorites near Dudy Noble Field include The Coach’s Grill (burgers) and Pearl Street Café (southern comfort food). Both venues provide group discounts for ticket holders.

Impact on Conference Standings

• Current Rankings: Gorillas – no. 13 (overall),4th in the Southern Division; Jets – No. 19 (overall), 5th in the same division.
• Potential Shift: A series sweep could lift the Gorillas to 2nd place, while a split would keep the division race tight, with only two games separating the top three teams.

Past Context

• The Gorillas hold a 7‑4 all‑time record at MSSU, winning five of the last seven meetings.
• The last series (Oct 2024) ended with the Gorillas clinching a dramatic 8‑7 walk‑off win in the final inning, underscoring their resilience in opposed environments.

Practical Tips for First‑time Attendees

1. Dress for the Weather – Late‑January evenings in Starkville average 45°F; bring a light jacket.
2. Arrive Early – Gates open 1 hour before tip‑off; early arrival secures better seating and avoids concession line bottlenecks.
3. Stay Connected – Download the MSSU Sports App for real‑time updates, player stats, and in‑stadium promotions.

Media Coverage & Social Interaction

• Live tweet: Follow @GorillaBaseball for minute‑by‑minute highlights, player interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes footage.
• Post‑Game Podcast: “The Jungle Beat” will release a recap episode on Jan 11,featuring guest analyst Coach Dan Whitaker (Gorillas pitching coach).
• Fan Photo Contest: Upload a game‑day photo with the hashtag #GorillasAtMSSU for a chance to win a signed jersey.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Are there any COVID‑19 protocols in place?

A: as of Jan 2026, MSSU requires proof of vaccination or a negative rapid test taken within 24 hours. masks are optional but welcomed in seating areas.

• Q: Can I bring a two‑legged pet?

A: Service animals are permitted with proper identification. All other pets must remain in a vehicle.

• Q: What is the policy on re‑entry?

A: Ticket holders may re‑enter once per game after a 15‑minute security check; outside food and beverages are not allowed.

Post‑Series Outlook

• Gorillas: A strong performance enhances their postseason seeding prospects and provides critical momentum heading into the conference tournament in March.
• Jets: Even a series loss keeps them within striking distance of a wild‑card berth; they’ll rely on their bullpen depth to rebound in the upcoming home stand.

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All statistics are sourced from the NCAA official database (accessed Jan 4 2026) and the MSSU athletics department releases.