5 key observations from the Gophers' season-opening win over Harvard
We learned a lot about Minnesota's 2026-27 team on Monday night.
Minnesota opened its 2026-27 women's basketball regular season with an 82-62 victory over Harvard at The Barn. Head coach Dawn Plitzuweit made strategic decisions without star Tori McKinney in the starting lineup. Gophers' guards Leah Harmon, Natalie Kussow, Mara Braun and Tayla Thomas formed the starting lineup. McKinney's absence created changes in the bench rotation, with Gracie Merkle taking on a more significant role as she averaged 19.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game last season.
Freshman Natalie Kussow started alongside Harmon, and Taylor Woodson, recovering from a season-ending injury, remained on the bench. Merkle made an immediate impact with 22 points and seven rebounds in her first appearance. While the Gophers were favored by 14.5 points, the 20-point victory demonstrated their potential to compete against tough opponents like Kansas, Kansas State, Marquette and Cincinnati in the coming weeks. Grocholski will be crucial in establishing their identity and reaching their potential.
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