SALEM, Va. - The UW-Stout Blue Devils are set to make program history as they prepare for their first-ever NCAA Division III Final Four appearance, squaring off against the reigning national champions, the NYU Violets. NYU enters the matchup as the undefeated defending champs, winners of 60 straight games, looking to continue their dominance and secure a second straight national title. The stage is set for a thrilling battle between a battle-tested powerhouse and an upstart looking to make history.
COMPLETE MEDIA GAME NOTES
WATCH LIVE: Fans can watch online on ESPN+
LIVE STATS: Live stats will be available
HERE
LISTEN: Fans can listen to the game on the radio. Pete Knutson will have the play-by-play on WMEQ AM 880 or
online
TOURNAMENT: (
Tournament Page) UW-Stout will play #1 New York University at 5 p.m. eastern. The winner will player either UW-Oshkosh or Smith in the National Championship on Saturday.
LOOKING AT THE BLUE DEVILS:UW-Stout is led by
Raegan Sorensen, who has been a dominant force throughout the season, averaging 17.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Sorensen has elevated her game in the NCAA Tournament, scoring over 24 points per contest. She thrives on her athleticism, using her quick first step to slash to the basket and knock down mid-range jumpers.
Alongside Sorensen,
Anna Mutch has been a key contributor, averaging 13.6 points per game on the season and over 17 points per game in the tournament. Mutch is the emotional leader of the team, a clutch performer who embraces physical play and seeks out contact on the offensive end.
Amanda Giesen, the team's primary post presence, contributes 12.1 points per game, providing a strong inside presence despite Stout's smaller lineup. At the point,
Sam Schaeffer orchestrates the offense and leads the team in assists. She is also an All-WIAC defender, often tasked with shutting down the opponent's top scorer.
Lexi Wagner is Stout's premier three-point shooter, knocking down an impressive 48.4% from beyond the arc in the regular season—best in the WIAC and one of the top percentages in the country. Though undersized, the Blue Devils play an extremely physical brand of basketball, thriving on toughness and grit.
LOOKING AT THE OPPONENT - NYU: NYU has been nothing short of dominant this season, posting a perfect 29-0 record while outscoring opponents by an average of 38.2 points per game. The Violets are led by standout forward
Natalie Bruns, who averages 17.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game while shooting an impressive 57.9% from the field. She is complemented by
Belle Pellecchia, a versatile guard putting up 14.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per contest. The Violets boast a deep lineup, with
Caroline Peper (11.7 PPG, 39% from three) and
Jamie Behar (9.6 PPG, 4.3 RPG) providing additional scoring punch. NYU thrives on efficiency, shooting over 50% from the field and 36% from beyond the arc. Their defense is just as formidable, holding opponents to 33.9% shooting while forcing 24.8 turnovers per game. Their ability to generate offense from defensive pressure has been a key factor in their dominance all season.
