The Michigan Tech Huskies women's basketball team is off to a fast start with two non-divisional wins. Head Coach Sam Clayton is pleased with the performance of this experienced team so far, but she knows the team will face tough tests this weekend with games against Southwest Minnesota State on Thursday and Ashland on Sunday.

Clayton pleased with team's performance

"I'm happy to get two wins," Clayton said." Obviously, it was a great way to start the season. I think we learned a lot from the first game and even from the first quarter. Our defensive urgency wasn't what I thought it would be, but I think we really turned that around." The next couple quarters, and Saturday's game. I thought we were competitive on every down and we needed to play a very good Lewis team."

Verbic steps up

With guard Allie McKay out of the lineup, freshman guard Alyssa Wypych has been outstanding, averaging 14 points in her first two games. Clayton has been impressed with Wypych's composure and confidence.

"(I'm) very happy with Alyssa's performance," Clayton said." I think it's easy to have highs and lows as a freshman, but that's not to say she won't be like that all year. Everyone does that all year long, no matter what grade you're in. But for her, I like the fact that she's very level-headed and stays confident even when she makes mistakes or drops pitches, and I think that's one of the biggest factors in her ability to be consistent."

Senior leadership

Senior guard Alex Langdorf contributes 10.5 points and seven rebounds per game, and Vepage benefits greatly from his leadership.

"Alex has been playing for six years and has a lot of experience," Clayton said, "and I think that bodes well for her leadership." She was voted team captain, so she really gets a good look at the court, and in a way, she's the coach on the court. I hear her talking to her teammates all the time, so she's able to lead them on and off the court "at the same time. I think she's able to do that because she works so hard. You can see her crashing the rim and grabbing every loose ball. As a result, her teammates have a lot of respect for her.

Energized home crowd

Clayton is also inspired by the enthusiasm of the home fans at SDC Arena.

"I'm excited to be back at (SDC) Wood (Stadium)," she said." I thought we had a great atmosphere for our first weekend of home games. Our cheering section was great. Our fans were great, too. I think that always gives us an unbelievable advantage to be able to host Southwest Airlines (Minn.) and Ashland, and we need that. We need every advantage we can get.

Up Next Opponent.

The Huskies will face Southwest Minnesota State on Thursday and Ashland on Sunday. Southwest Minnesota State is 0-2 on the season, while Ashland State is 2-0.

Clayton looks forward to the challenge

"I'm glad we have a couple days between us," Clayton said, "because they're completely opposite teams." So preparing for Southwest Airlines this week is the complete opposite of preparing for Ashland. One is a super linebacker and the other is a super linebacker. So actually having a couple days to prepare is great for Ashland.

Game time.

The Huskies and Mustangs will play at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at SDC Stadium in Houghton. The Huskies and Mustangs will leave at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

Clayton confident in team

Clayton believes her team is up to the challenge.

"I think we're playing well right now," Clayton said, "and I think we're in a good position." I'm looking forward to seeing how we do this weekend.