ESTHERVILLE, IOWA — The Samantha Doucette era is off to a perfect start. The Milwaukee Area Technical College women's basketball team opened the 2026-27 season with a dominant 2-0 showing at the Lakers Classic in Estherville, Iowa, rolling past Marshalltown Community College and host Iowa Lakes Community College by a combined 60 points. The tournament sweep included MATC's first season-opening victory since the 2023-24 campaign and provided an encouraging first glimpse of the program's new direction under its first-year head coach.

The Stormers' opening weekend success was fueled by strong play on both ends of the floor. MATC rolled past Marshalltown Community College 74-45 behind a 22-point effort from sophomore transfer guard Teshaya Anderson and a fast start that produced a 26-12 first-quarter lead. The Stormers then closed the tournament with a 75-44 win over Iowa Lakes Community College, pairing efficient 47.8 percent shooting with a disruptive defense that generated 28 points off turnovers. 
Following the unbeaten start, Doucette was pleased with both the results and the foundation her team established to begin the season.

"MATC Women's Basketball played really hard and together over the weekend," Doucette said.  "We focused on making sure our defensive effort was on point. This was a good starting point for our team, and we are excited to keep improving."

Stormers 74, Marshalltown Community College  45

MATC wasted little time taking control, racing to a 26-12 first-quarter lead and extending its advantage to 42-21 by halftime. The Stormers then delivered the knockout punch in the third quarter, outscoring Marshalltown 24-13 to push the lead beyond 30 points before cruising to the 74-45 victory.

The Stormers held advantages across nearly every major statistical category, shooting 36.8 percent from the field compared to Marshalltown's 20.5 percent clip. MATC was especially dominant inside, owning a 38-14 edge in points in the paint while also controlling the glass with a 66-46 rebounding advantage, including 25 offensive rebounds. The Stormers also displayed strong ball movement with 18 assists, double Marshalltown's total of nine, helping fuel the season-opening victory.

Anderson spearheaded the Stormers' attack with a game-high 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including three makes from beyond the arc. She also added five rebounds, four assists and a steal.

Sophomore forward Makyia Kenney-Bolden chipped in 14 points (6-for-12) and seven rebounds, while sophomore point guard Serinity Metcalfe turned in an all-around performance with 10 points, nine rebounds and six assists.

Sophomore shooting guard Elayna VanNett connected on three 3-pointers and finished with nine points and four rebounds. Freshman forward Amirah Taylor controlled the glass with a game-high 14 rebounds while adding four points in the winning effort.

Stormers 75, Iowa Lakes Community 44

Iowa Lakes stayed within striking distance throughout the first half as MATC carried a 27-18 advantage into the break. The Stormers turned the game in their favor coming out of halftime, outscoring the Lakers 23-13 in the third quarter to stretch the lead to 19 entering the final period. MATC then put the finishing touches on the victory with a 25-point fourth quarter, pulling away for a convincing 75-44 win.

MATC's dominance was reflected throughout the box score. The Stormers shot an efficient 47.8 percent from the field compared to Iowa Lakes' 27.8 percent mark and capitalized on nearly every defensive opportunity, converting 23 turnovers into 28 points. MATC also lived at the free-throw line, attempting 40 foul shots and knocking down 28, helping the Stormers steadily build separation as the game progressed.

Metcalfe paced four Stormers in double figures with a game-high 21 points, including an 11-for-14 performance at the free-throw line. Anderson added 14 points and five rebounds, while sophomore Laila Hamiel poured in 16 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field and grabbed four rebounds. VanNett also reached double figures with 11 points as MATC completed a perfect opening weekend.

While tougher tests undoubtedly await, the Stormers left Iowa with plenty to build on. MATC showcased depth, defensive intensity and an ability to win in different ways during its season-opening sweep. 

UP NEXT
MATC (2-0) heads to Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, for the Border Battle at Justagame Fieldhouse on Nov. 7-8. The Stormers open tournament play Saturday, Nov. 7, against Iowa Central Community College at 1 p.m. MATC then returns to the court Sunday, Nov. 8, for an 11:30 a.m. matchup against Anoka-Ramsey Community College, the former program of first-year MATC head coach Sam Doucette.

Doucette previously coached at Anoka-Ramsey before joining the Stormers as head women's basketball coach this season, adding an extra connection to Sunday's matchup.