UMD women’s hoops to rematch Nebraska-Kearney in NCAA tournament opener

Sunday was an extra special day, as the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) women’s basketball team heard their names called in their fourth straight NCAA Division II tournament selection show.

In the past three seasons their one win on the national stage came during the 2020-2021 season over Emporia State University. However the Bulldogs would then fall in the second round to the University of Nebraska-Kearney 65-57.

Now this Friday UMD (24-2) will get another shot at the Lopers as they open Central Regional action with a heated rematch.

"We have fairly similar defensive styles, offensively they run a ton of ball screens," UMD head coach Mandy Pearson explained. "Hopefully we can make some adjustments and do a better job of defending them this year."

"I think we’re just excited to go out there and be able to showcase how much better we’ve gotten," senior forward Brooke Olson added. "Just have another rematch at them and just to let go of those expectations and hopefully we can make a big run."

The revenge tour tips off between third seeded UMD and sixth seeded Nebraska-Kearney at noon on Friday in Hays, Kansas. For the bracket, click here.