NEW YORK (USD) — South Dakota women’s basketball climbed to No. 21 in the latest Associated Press Top 25 announced Monday afternoon. It is the highest the Coyote women have ever been ranked in the writers’ poll.
No. 21 South Dakota (19-2, 8-0) remains undefeated at the midway point of Summit League play. The Coyotes have won their first eight league games by an average margin of 35.5 points per game.
The Coyotes boast the nation’s ninth-best scoring offense by putting up 81.4 points per game. Senior guard Ciara Duffy paces the Yotes with 17 points, six boards and five assists per game. She’s joined in double-figures this season by junior center Hannah Sjerven, junior guard Chloe Lamb and junior guard Monica Arens.
On the defensive end of the floor, the Coyotes had a streak of keeping four-straight foes under 50. USD held Purdue Fort Wayne to a season-best 25 points on Friday night.
This marks No. 21 South Dakota’s fourth-straight week in the Associated Press Top 25 and fifth week of the season. USD is one of three mid-majors in the AP Top 25, joining No. 12 Gonzaga and No. 24 Missouri State.
