The preseason chatter around the Yotes following their historic 30-2 campaign was not only what they lost, but what was returning. As the season kicked off we all learned that a key returner Monica Arens was sidelined indefinitely with a knee injury. It’s no small loss. If you watch the non conference schedule from a year ago, you quickly realize that Arens is a major piece to what the Yotes do. Early last year, she carried the Coyotes to victory more than once. As they year progressed gals named Duffy, Fredrick, Sjerven, Lamb helped the cause.
Hannah Sjerven deservedly so garned the preseason POY award. Through three games, however, it is apparent with Arens out, the Yotes will rely on freshman to secure win. Liv Korngable, in her senior season has shown to be an effective scorer, Sjerven is as advertised, and Chloe Lamb will be among the Leagues best come March without question. It is with the freshman that perhaps the Yotes fate may lie. Maddie Krull has started all 3 games and surely doesn’t look out of place in those starts. Rapid City native Kyah Watson earned her first career start and always seems to be around the ball. Natalie Matzurek and Morgan Hansen have also seen minutes early on. Jeniah Ugofsky (sophmore) started the first two before injuring a wheel in practice.
The Yotes looked the part of preseason favorites at home in a game with Lipscomb. As the schedule currently sits, they don’t return home til Jan in the conference opening back to back versus Denver.
The development of the youth dressed in red will be a huge part of what this teams accomplishes.