This past week, the Winona State University women’s basketball team faced Waldorf University on Tuesday, Nov. 21, at 6 p.m. at home.

“I am very excited to be back on our home court. I feel confident that our team will come out with high energy and excitement as well,” senior forward Hannah McGlone said, prior to the game. “I believe our team is ready to execute and play a solid game. Starting our season 3-0 is a great start and as a team you always want to start your season off strong. We are a tough team to play, and each day we get stronger.”

McGlone is the only senior on the roster for the Warriors team this season. She felt nostalgic about playing her last college season.

“Playing my last season of basketball is bitter sweet,” McGlone said. “Knowing it is the end just means that you play every game like it is your last. But I also know that I will be around basketball for a long time after. Basketball is not something I will be giving up after I am done playing.”

McGlone was excited to take the court Tuesday night and had high hopes for what she and her teammates could do.

Junior guard Kayla Schaefer had a similar and positive outlook for what her teammates would accomplish. She said she was optimistic about the upcoming game.

“It is always nice playing at home and I feel we are definitely ready for tonight. It is a fast turnaround from this weekend, so I hope we can keep the momentum going. We know [Waldorf] is something we have to shut down.  It is also something we want to get better at before conference play, so it will be a good challenge for us.” Schaefer said. The team is off to a 3-0 start. Schaefer said that the team had a strong opener at home.

“We are a very young team but we are a faster team [than Waldorf] and we have many offensive weapons,” she said.

Schaefer is excited to once again be returning to the basketball program.

“I am very excited for the season. We got picked to finish fifth in our conference, but we have much bigger goals than that for ourselves,”  Schaefer said. “We are focusing on getting better each week. Conference starts this weekend and it is a whole different ball game. Anything can happen any night, which is exciting. Its going to be fun.”

Both girls were optimistic in their outlook for the game against Waldorf University, and they were not disappointed. The Warriors took the game against Waldorf 88-63 on Tuesday night. They also played again on Saturday, Nov. 25 in Fayette, Iowa against Upper Iowa University. The girls kept up their streak by beating Upper Iowa 65-56. The season is off to a solid start, and the women said they will strive each week to become a better team on and off the court.