This is the fifth outing featuring Minnesota and Wyoming. The Gophers are 4-0. In April 2024 Minnesota traveled to Laramie for a WNIT mash-up with the Cowgirls. Rallying from a 40-34 third quarter deficit the Gophers swept to a 65-54 win and a WNIT final four berth.
The Maroon and Gold featured some familiar faces: Battle scored 29, Hart 14, Heyer delivered 8 points and 9 rebounds, while Grocholski grabbed 11 rebounds. Braun ominously sat out with foot soreness,
For the next installment of the series, Wyoming makes the frozen trek to Williams Arena with a much different group of players than suited up for the game two springs ago. The notable exception is the Danish 5’11” guard Malene Pedersen. She is the team’s leading scorer averaging 17.1 points and 4.3 rebounds in 30.9 minutes. And is 17-31 from three. Pedersen was a 2025-26 All Mountain West preseason selection.
The Cowgirls are coached by Heather Ezell now entering her fourth season. She’s finished 3rd, 3rd and 2nd in the Mountain West and made two WNIT’s in addition to last season’s WBIT. This season they were projected 6th in the 12 team league as they attempt to replace both the Mountain West player of the Year and the MW Defensive Player of the Year. Yes, Wyoming would’ve been a better test last season.
This season, Wyoming is 2-5 versus D1 schools with the most recent loss being a 46-56 setback at Colorado. Losses: St. Mary’s 47-56. UT Arlington 44-64, Santa Clara 45-76, North Dakota 45-65 and Colorado 46-56. Wins: Long Beach 72-39 and South Dakota 68-59.
Wyoming’s roster with 9 international players from 6 different countries are experienced travelers so they should be ready to ride next Sunday evening.
