**Bison Women’s Basketball Enjoys Longest Winning Streak in Two Decades**
FARGO — Putting together a women’s basketball schedule for North Dakota State in the 2004-05 season was more of an open invitation than anything, with no school considered unworthy of playing. The schedule even included a team from South Dakota that then-head coach Amy Ruley had never heard of—Si Tanka-Huron. The team came to Fargo for a Saturday afternoon game in February, just a few months before the college permanently closed.
That season was remarkable for the Bison, who won 28 games, starting the year with an impressive 26 straight victories before finally meeting a high-major opponent in Texas Christian University.
**A Historic Winning Streak Today**
Why is that relevant now? On Monday, NDSU defeated Saint Mary’s University (Minn.) 94-36, earning its ninth straight win—the most in 20 years since that inaugural Division I reclassification season.
Bison head coach Jory Collins emphasized focusing on the present as Summit League play begins this week. However, the longest winning streak in two decades remains a notable accomplishment.
“That’s something to be proud of,” said Bison forward Avery Koenen. “It doesn’t really surprise me with this team, and I’m just super proud of how we’ve handled everything. To go on the road the last few weeks and come out with those wins is huge.”
**Building a Competitive Independent Team**
Twenty years ago, after leaving the Division II North Central Conference, the Bison had no league affiliation and played as an independent.
“But we still approached each game as if it were an important conference game,” Ruley recalled.
This year’s team has adopted the same mindset and has not lost since mid-November against the University of Nebraska.
**NDSU Gains Recognition**
Others are beginning to take notice of the Bison’s success. NDSU was ranked 15th in the latest mid-major poll, which includes teams from 23 Division I leagues outside the Power 4 conferences and four additional leagues.
Avery Koenen is currently averaging a double-double with 18.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. Freshman forward Karrington Asp, standing 6-foot-2, has emerged as a strong contributor, averaging 12.4 points and 5.7 rebounds. Guard Marisa Frost adds 12.4 points per game.
The addition of transfer guard Jocelyn Schiller at point guard has perhaps brought a new level of completeness to the team.
“I liken them to some of our teams of old,” Ruley said. “I feel like they like each other as far as playing together, and you see that enthusiasm and camaraderie out there. You have all the pieces.”
**Looking Ahead: Summit League Play**
The team now turns its attention to Summit League play, which kicks off Thursday at Oral Roberts, followed by a Saturday game at the University of Denver. The conference home opener is set for January 8 against Kansas City.
Oral Roberts enters the season with a 6-6 record after enduring an early five-game losing streak. Defending champion South Dakota State, with a 10-4 record, is once again the league favorite, while South Dakota is off to a strong 9-4 start.
“We start Summit League play, and I think it’s pretty obvious what you’re up against and what’s won the league the last few years,” Collins said. “We’re going to have to win a whole bunch of games if we want to be in contention.”
Koenen added, “These are the games that matter a lot more going forward. You have to focus on what’s ahead.”
**Dominant Performance Against Saint Mary’s**
On Monday, the Division III Cardinals of the MIAC came in with a 9-1 record, but the difference in competition was clear.
Despite not having played for 12 days, NDSU was sharp from the outset, leading 22-2 after the first quarter. Koenen finished with 19 points and 7 rebounds in just 21 minutes, ending her streak of six consecutive games with a double-double. Five Bison players reached double figures in scoring.
Backup guard Abby Graham was held out as a precaution due to a minor injury.
“I think our confidence is really high right now, especially coming off a break and playing that hard,” Frost said.
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The Bison women’s basketball team looks poised to continue their impressive run as they enter the critical stretch of conference play this season. Fans will be watching closely as the team aims to build on its historic momentum.
https://www.inforum.com/sports/bison-media-zone/womens-sports/bison-women-forge-best-winning-streak-in-20-years