Minnesota West Lady Jays: A Mix of New Talent and Strong Determination
Starting the Season with High Hopes
The Minnesota West Lady Jays have kicked off their 2025-26 season with an impressive ranking that speaks volumes about their talent and determination. Slated as one of the top teams in the NJCAA Division III, the Lady Jays enter the season with a rich blend of experienced sophomores and enthusiastic freshmen, determined to exceed expectations.
Overcoming Initial Hurdles
Coach Rosalie ‘Moz’ Hayenga-Hostikka, now in her 11th year, faces the challenge of molding a team amid injuries to key players. Veterans Skyla Petersen and Aisha Ziedi are out due to surgeries, potential gaps that could have weakened the team. Yet, the resilient spirits of the returning players assure that the Jays are ready to adapt. According to Worthington Globe, resilience is embedded in the team’s philosophy.
Promising Sophomores and Fresh Faces
Despite being shorthanded, the Lady Jays boast several returning sophomores like Katrina Schutz and Maddie Kamm, known for their scoring prowess and leadership. Joining them are fresh talents, such as Payton Reimers and Izzy Klumper, ready to make their mark. Both shooters, after overcoming knee injuries, have already ignited excitement with their performance in the opening matches.
Navigating Tough Terrain
The road to success this season is mapped out with a tough non-conference slate. Taking on strong rivals like Dordt University JV, the Lady Jays will face battles that prepare them for the high-stakes confrontations in the Minnesota College Athletic Conference come January. Coach Moz sees these early tests as pivotal to building a formidable squad.
Aiming for Glory
The end-goal remains the same: excelling on the national stage. Sophomores who experienced last year’s bittersweet fourth-place finish at nationals are determined to drive the team to greater heights. Their shared experiences and camaraderie bolster the Lady Jays’ chances to shine amongst their peers this year.
With a mix of skilled veterans and ambitious newcomers, the journey of the Lady Jays this season promises to be an exhilarating ride. Their upcoming matches will be watched keenly, as fans and followers anticipate a season full of promise and spirited performances.
