After losing four starters from a season ago, the Augustana Vikings women's basketball team was supposed to take a step back this season, apparently they didn't get the memo. At 11-3 and 8-2 in the NSIC, they are off to one of their best starts in program history.
"We were a very young team coming in but we have started to get in the flow and learn about each other," sophomore guard Emily Schulte said.
This season Augie is among the top of every offensive category in the conference and has six players averaging eight points or more. Music to 23rd year coach Dave Krauth's ears.
"We have a very young team but each game it seems like a different player is stepping up, making big plays or taking a big shot," Krauth said.
And with each win comes growing confidence. Maybe no boost bigger for this group, than a 15-point road comeback at Concordia-St. Paul
"After we came back in that game it was like wow, we were feeling the ultimate high," Schulte said. "We then turned our eyes to the future."
It's been a breakout season for players like Shaunteva Ashley and Alex Feeney, however no good team can become great without a true leader on the court. The Vikings have a great one in sixth year senior Molly Hayes.
"She is a natural leader and a smart player on and off the court," Krauth said. "Having her come back for another season was huge."
For Hayes, it's one more shot to help Augustana win their first ever conference championship.
"That would be ideal for me and a tremendous accomplishment for this program," Hayes said. "We have all contributed and each game it is someone else, this would be a great year for it."
