Northern Michigan Women to Play at Wisconsin Dells
The Northern Michigan University women's basketball team opens its weekend slate of non-tournament games at Justagame Fieldhouse in Wisconsin Dells.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Basketball
Northern Michigan University's women's basketball team will play two non-tournament games at Justagame Fieldhouse in Wisconsin Dells this weekend, against Lewis and Upper Iowa on Friday and Saturday. The team last played in Wisconsin Dells two weeks ago, winning two of three games at the Midwest Tip-Off Challenge.
Why it matters
The weekend games come after a mixed start in which the Wildcats lost their opener to No. 14 Central Missouri before beating Truman State and No. 7 Minnesota State-Mankato. Coach Casey Thousand has said the team's defense will carry it this season.
In its opener the team recorded 17 steals and forced 25 turnovers, while Mankato's 66-54 loss came after Northern Michigan collected 14 steals in that win. Jordyn Schmittdiel grabbed 17 rebounds against Mankato.
The players
Northern Michigan University
Northern Michigan University is a public university in Marquette, Michigan, whose athletic teams compete as the Wildcats.
Casey Thousand
Casey Thousand is the head coach of the Northern Michigan women's basketball team.
The details
Northern Michigan's Alli Jirsa led the team with eight points in the opener, and Raegan Krueger scored 20 points against Truman State after scoring none in the prior game. The Wildcats play Lewis and Upper Iowa at Justagame Fieldhouse this weekend.
Timeline
Halloween weekend: Northern Michigan played three games at the Midwest Tip-Off Challenge in Wisconsin Dells.
Friday and Saturday this weekend: Northern Michigan plays Lewis and Upper Iowa at Justagame Fieldhouse.
About a week into January: Northern Michigan opens its home schedule against Michigan Tech.
Season Trajectory
The Wildcats' early results, including a 56-35 loss to No. 14 Central Missouri followed by wins over Truman State and No. 7 Minnesota State-Mankato, set the tone for a season Thousand expects defense to drive. The weekend schedule and January home opener against Michigan Tech will show whether that early form holds.
Fantasy and bracket followers tracking Northern Michigan's Alli Jirsa and Raegan Krueger can watch the weekend games at Justagame Fieldhouse. The January home opener against Michigan Tech gives local fans a fixed date to plan around.
The takeaway
Following a team's early-season schedule and stats can show how its defense and shooting are developing before conference play begins. Check game results and box scores after each weekend to track those trends.
What happens next
The team's first home game of the season, against Michigan Tech, is scheduled about a week into January.
Further reading
For more on the program, see Basketball coverage across the region.
More information
Check the Northern athletics website for the women's basketball schedule and live stats.
