The Summit League is having one of its most competitive women's basketball season since the beginning of the conference. It looks like right now SDSU, and IUPUI will battle for the regular season title. But USD, WIU, and Fort Wayne may have another idea. Here is the power rankings for the women's team, and the NCAA tournament outlook. Also, some final predictions for how I see the season playing out.
Power Rankings: 1. South Dakota State Jackrabbits (19-8) 2. South Dakota Coyotes (14-11) 3. IUPUI Jaguars (19-7) 4. Western Illinois Leathernecks (13-12) 5. Fort Wayne Mastodons (12-13) 6. Denver Pioneers (6-19) 7. Omaha Mavericks (10-14) 8. North Dakota State Bison (6-20) Now my explanation is this. SDSU has beaten teams left and right they deserve number 1. USD is the hottest team in the league, and just blew out IUPUI, IPFW, and Denver. All at home. They take #2 because of how badly they handled IUPUI. IUPUI has a terrible showing at USD, after almost upsetting SDSU. The rest of the power rankings are based off of the standings. NCAA Outlook: I truly believe no matter what SDSU could make the tournament championship or not. I feel IUPUI needs the championship, or a long run into it. USD definitely needs the championship, but a definite NIT contender. The rest of the conference would need the championship. Predictions: I believe SDSU will take the regular season conference title, and will probably advance too the post season title game or close. But I have no doubt in my mind that USD, WIU, IPFW, or IUPUI will catch fire in the tournament. These teams have nothing to lose. I can see any of those above teams winning it all. The Coyote softball team was down in the dumps about a couple of loses to St. Mary's, CAL, and Fresno State, but with two wins over CAL State Fullerton, and Texas State two very good teams. I believe they are leaving California happy. South Dakota junior right fielder Morgan Hancock had four hits, including a two-run homer in the top of the ninth inning, to lead the Coyotes to a 7-4, extra-inning win against Texas State Sunday on the final day of San Diego State's Tournament. The Coyotes won their final two games of the tourney to improve to 5-3 on the year. Next up for South Dakota is a three-day tournament hosted by Louisiana Monroe which begins Friday. Updated Summit LEague Softball StandingsUSD had one goal on mind when they went to Indianapolis. Win. They did just that. During this win I want to congratulate Trevor Gruis on reaching his 1,300th point. Gruis (1,313 points) is the 19th player in program history to score 1,300 points. He is the leading scorer and rebounder for the team this season. Gruis and senior teammate Karim Rowson will play their final collegiate home games next week against Omaha (Thursday) and Western Illinois (Saturday). Updated MBB Summit League StandingsThe USD womens basketball team just keeps chugging along. Now with 5/6 win, and 3 straight, you definitely have to believe USD is is the running for the Summit League Championship. USD was led by Nicole, and Raeshel with 16 each. Kelly Stewart added 12, and Polly Harrington also added a solid 9. South Dakota (14-11, 5-5 Summit) won all three games of a season-long three-game home stand to get even in Summit League play. The Coyotes handed IUPUI (19-7, 9-2) its first setback in 10 games. Eight of the Jaguars' wins during their winning streak were by double digits. Last month about this time the Jaguars defeated USD 80-59. This time USD defeated IUPUI 74-56. This was especially surprising since IUPUI was tied for first with SDSU, and recently beat SDSU. This goes to show just how hard it is to win in Vermillion. "This was a great win for our team and it reinforced what we have been harping on in practice in terms of rebounding and playing great team defense," said USD head coach Amy Williams. "This was a terrific defensive effort tonight." The Coyotes moved into fourth place in the Summit League standings and could move into a tie for third place by the end of the day. Remarkable for a team that opened 0-4. South Dakota faces its final road trip of the regular season next week with games at Omaha (Thursday) and Western Illinois (Saturday). Update Summit League StandingsUSD scored the first 16 point of the second, and never looked back. Avenging an earlier loss this season USD defeated the IPFW Mastadons 84-71. USD improved to 13-11 (4-5). USD went into the half with a slip 7 point lead. Once again USD put on a strong second half push, and outscored the Mastadons 44-38 in the second. Most of the second was controlled by the Coyotes, until the very end. Nicole Seekamp once again led the team, along with four other teammates who scored in double digets. USD totaled 84 points, 42 rebounds, 17 assists, 7 blocks, 3 steals, and 14 turnovers. These numbers are a lot better than the first matchup vs. IPFW. USD shot a solid 50% from the field, and 41% from the 3 pt. line. They also shot a solid 80% from the free throw line. USD will play the first place IUPUI Jaguars tomorrow in obviously the biggest game of the season thus far. With a WIU, and IPFW loss USD would take solid third place in the conference.
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USD softball has already showed how much of a force they will be once the conference season comes around, and with their next game against ranked CAL they can show how much of a force they can ben when the NCAA Postseason comes around also. USD has now outscored all of their opponents 14-7 this season, and are now 3-0. Madison Frain worked all seven innings, and has 2 wins in as many starts. She only gave up a two runs, and 4 hits to USD's 4 runs and 9 hits. Most people would agree that defense has been the story so far this season. Giving up far fewer errors than where they were last year, USD is looking very good and pesky. Frain and freshman Rachel Cue combined to throw 22 innings in three games in Orlando. They allowed five earned runs and three extra base hits - all doubles - while striking out nine. Opponents batted .238 against them. South Dakota next competes at a three-day tournament hosted by San Diego State starting Friday. Updated Summit League Softball Standings |