MARQUETTE, Mich. - The Northern Michigan women's basketball team is set to open up its new season in the Upper Peninsula, as they'll take part in the GLVC/GLIAC Challenge hosted by Michigan Tech this weekend. 

The Wildcats will face Lewis on Friday, November 10 and William Jewell on Saturday, November 11 with the opening tip set for 4 p.m. each day from Houghton. 


Follow The Action
Follow @NMU_WBBall and @NMU_Wildcats on X (formerly known as Twitter) for updates leading up to and during the race. 

Friday, November 10 - vs. Lewis (at Michigan Tech) at 4 p.m.
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Saturday, November 11 - vs. William Jewell (at Michigan Tech) at 4 p.m.
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A Word from Casey Thousand
"We have a good challenge this weekend. When you play back-to-back games, it's a bit of a challenge, but I'm hoping these non-conference games prepare us for the GLIAC."



Last Season
A season ago, the Wildcats went 15-13 overall and 10-8 in the GLIAC. Northern fell to Saginaw Valley State in the tournament quarterfinals and will look to continue to take steps in the right direction after improving its record in each of the past two seasons. 


Cat Nips

• The Green and Gold carry over plenty of firepower to the new campaign, highlighted by three-time All-GLIAC First Teamer Makaylee Kuhn, who has again been selected to the Preseason First Team. The Hilbert, Wisconsin native currently sits at 1,470 career points, 229 back of the all-time lead at Northern Michigan. In 2022-23, Kuhn started all 28 contests and reached double figures in all but three games, averaging 16.3 ppg to go along with 7.4 rpg and 2.8 apg. She has also been near automatic at the charity stripe, going 87-100 (87%) a season ago. In her senior year, Kuhn will continue to be the go-to option for the Wildcats. 
• Along with Kuhn, 6'3 center Ana Rhude returns as a force under the basket, coming off of a season where she was recognized on the GLIAC All-Defensive Team. Rhude also started all 28 games, averaging 4.9 ppg, 5.0 rpg and 1.4 blocks a contest. Rhude was a key contributor to a Wildcat defense that allowed just 58.1 ppg last season, the second-best clip in the conference. Along with Rhude, Mackenzie Holzwart is back after her first full season controlling the point for the Wildcats. She averaged 9.5 ppg, which was second-best on the squad. 
• Northern averaged 60.3 ppg last season and will return 88.4% of its scoring from a season ago, including forward Abi Fraaza (6.9 ppg) and wing Sarah Newcomer (6.4 ppg). In addition, second-year head coach Casey Thousand has a season under her belt and has added assistant coach Jordan Sweeney, who brings collegiate head coach experience with him. The two of them have reinforced the roster from top to bottom, welcoming two transfers and seven newcomers in total. 
• Grad transfer Kennedy Litvinoff joins NMU from Saint Leo and sophomore Jacy Weisbrod, cousin of men's basketball reigning GLIAC Freshman of the Year Max Weisbrod, is also new to the team, coming from Division I Northern Colorado. Both are expected to play a key role on the wing for the 'Cats. Freshman Braelyn Torres, a three-time All-State selection in high school, is expected to step in and contribute as a freshman as well. 

Preseason Poll
The Wildcats, who finished in fourth place a season ago, received 52 votes to slot in where they finished to end last season. Grand Valley State is the reigning regular season and tournament champion in the conference, as they are the favorites to repeat with 79 total points and seven first-place votes. Ferris State follows tightly behind with 73 points and the remaining three first-place votes.

1 Grand Valley State - 79 (7)
2 Ferris State - 73 (3)
3 Michigan Tech - 66
4 Northern Michigan - 52
5 Wayne State - 46
6 Parkside - 40
7 Saginaw Valley State - 37
8 Davenport - 22
9 Purdue Northwest - 19
10 Lake Superior State - 16


Notes on Lewis
The Lewis Flyers enter the 2023-24 season as the favorites to win the GLVC. Last season, Lewis went 21-11 under the first-year leadership of Keisha Newell. 

All four All-GLVC members are back from a season ago. Kathryn Schmidt (15.6 ppg and 8.7 rpg) and Grace Hilber (14.5 ppg) headline the returning core after First Team recognition last season. 

Northern was victorious 77-59 in the matchup at the beginning of 2022-23. Mackenzie Holzwart (21 points) and Kayla Tierney (17 points) led the attack for the 'Cats, while four seaprate Flyers scored 10 points. 


Notes on William Jewell
The Cardinals have been picked to finish in 14th place in the GLVC Preseason Poll. WIlliam Jewell went 4-26 last season and will be guided by first-year head coach Kyley Bachand this season. 

The Cardinals return eight players who played in at least 26 games from a season ago, highlighted by Emree Zars who made the All-Freshman Team last season after averaging 9.7 ppg and 6.3 rpg. Ayden Shannon also returns after leading the team in scoring at 10.1 ppg. 

Last season, the 'Cats bested the Cardinals 70-51, with four scoring in double figures for the Green and Gold.