Puerto Rico brings women’s basketball team closer together

The Augustana women's basketball team extended their winning streak to 6-0 when they beat Puerto Rico-Mayaguez 92-49. The win ended a three-game series and a week-long stay in Puerto Rico over Thanksgiving break.

"Normally, the travel is what I like least about my job," head coach Dave Krauth said. "But, when we go someplace like Puerto Rico, there is fun in the sun, we learn more about the history and culture there, and the games are both competition and a chance to meet and get to know some new people."

Junior Molly Hayes scored 12 points during the final game, and the team shot 10 of 26 points from the 3-point range.

While the main focus was on the court, Hayes appreciates that the team gets along well.

"We all like to have fun and since it was a six day trip there definitely was some pranks pulled on each other," Hayes said.

Krauth maintains that the chemistry on the team is only beneficial on the court if it leads to productivity.

"Some are best friends off the court, but they all have to work as a unit on the court and make that chemistry productive," Krauth said.

So far, the team seems to be doing just that, even when facing unconditioned gyms and language barriers in Puerto Rico.

"We didn't always know if the other team was going to show up or what rules we were going to play by," Hayes said. "The first game we used the international lines on the court and the last game they kept switching the rules back and forth up until the tip off.

Back in South Dakota and heading into the rest of the season, Hayes feels the team needs to focus on coming mentally prepared to every game.

"We need to remember that we're one of the top teams in the conference, and every other team is going to bring their A-game when we play them," Hayes said. "So we need to make sure we do the same with every game."

Krauth is looking forward to watching the team continue to grow.

"We've lost two players to season-ending injuries, and it seems we're constantly evolving and adjusting," Krauth said. "Hopefully as our year goes on we'll continue to improve and grow. Losses will be part of the process in our conference and being able to learn from our experiences is ongoing."

Since the trip, the Vikings have gone 2-1, defeating Dakota State and Minnesota State-Mankato. Their only loss so far this season was to Southwest Minnesota State.