The Minot State women's basketball program is set to make a bold entrance onto the national stage as it opens the 2026‑27 campaign in the Caribbean.
Puerto Rico Opener: A Calculated Gamble
The Beavers will face two opponents in San Juan on November 13 and 14, 2026, as part of the 2026 Puerto Rico College Sports Tour. The matches are designed not only to test the squad early in the season but also to forge chemistry in an unfamiliar environment.
Head coach Ryan Clark, who took the helm last offseason, described the trip as a “unique opportunity” to accelerate team bonding and to give his players a memorable early‑season experience. “Playing abroad forces us to rely on each other in ways that a typical home schedule cannot,” Clark said in a recent interview.
After the Puerto Rico stint, the team will return to Minot for its first home game against Mayville State, marking the official start of the regular season at the MSU Dome. The matchup against the Mayville State Comets is expected to draw a packed crowd eager to see the new‑look Beavers in action.
The women's team follows in the footsteps of the Minot State men, who traveled to Puerto Rico during the 2024‑25 season, underscoring a growing trend among the university's programs to seek competitive and experiential opportunities beyond North Dakota's borders.
Looking Ahead
With the early‑season games providing both a tactical preview and a chance to build momentum, the Beavers hope to translate the experience into a strong conference run. Fans will be watching closely as the new roster gels under Clark’s guidance, and the upcoming home debut against Mayville State will be the first chance to see the results of that preparation on familiar turf.