Katherine P. Frank Chancellor | University of Wisconsin-Stout
Katherine P. Frank Chancellor | University of Wisconsin-Stout
The UW-Stout Blue Devil women's basketball team made a historic run to the Final Four in the NCAA Division III National Tournament. Facing No. 1-ranked New York University at the Cregger Center, Roanoke College, in Salem, Virginia, the Blue Devils ended their season with a record of 23-8.
Despite a strong start against NYU, the Blue Devils fell behind due to NYU's full-court pressure and went into halftime trailing by 21 points. They narrowed the gap slightly in the second half but ultimately lost 55-74. Head Coach Hannah Iverson expressed pride in her team's performance: "These guys just leave it all on the floor. I think it just makes people see their heart, their intensity and want to be a fan."
Senior Raegen Sorensen delivered an impressive farewell performance, scoring 29 points and surpassing Julia Hirssig’s all-time UW-Stout scoring record with a career total of 1,754 points. The Blue Devils' journey included victories over Ripon College and Whitman College at home before advancing past WIAC rival UW-Whitewater and defeating No. 5 University of Scranton in the Elite Eight.
Iverson praised her team’s collective effort: “Playing really hard for someone more than yourself – that’s what this group does.” The Blue Devils were led by five starting seniors who brought offensive and defensive strength to their games.
The team's achievements extended beyond basketball as Letcher, Mutch, and Schaeffer joined UW-Stout's newly formed women's flag football team. Athletics Director Duey Naatz highlighted community support during the tournament: “It was a privilege to host an event like the NCAAs.”
UW-Stout plans to compete in upcoming jamborees and a championship tournament for women’s flag football in partnership with several institutions.
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