Now a tradition, Winona opened up its fall campaign with a ninth-straight All Minnesota Tournament championship. The Black Katts went 4-0 and scored 208 unmatched points.

Saturday saw the DII national fall finalist defeat St. Cloud State 48-0 and UM Twin Cities 67-0. Sunday started with cross-river rival UW La Crosse, and the first 12 minutes of play were marred by ball-handling and decision-making errors. But once the first try dotted down, the floodgates opened for a 45-0 victory. The final was much of the same, as Winona showcased its team speed and skill against up-and-coming program North Dakota for a 48-0 win.

The team was led by junior captain Lanoira Duhart, who competed with both the Midwest Thunderbirds to Wales and the Women’s Junior All Americans during the Can-Am Series this summer.

“She was extremely strong in the rucks and created havoc in the tackle for other teams,” Winona coach Josh Krzewinski praised.

Fellow forward and senior lock Kourtney Kavajecz continued to exert herself around the pitch, while a pair of former backs pumped up the loose forwards.

“Kourtney was again strong in the lineout but also strong in open-field play, as she often found herself in the right position for an offload or a nice run between the centers,” Krzewinski said. “Converted from outside center, sophomore Megan Wolff stepped in the No. 8 position and found herself all over the pitch, had strong runs, and was solid in contact."

Wolff is also an alum of the Midwest tour to Wales this summer.

“Former wing/center Lindsey Bucki is getting comfortable in her new role as a flanker,” Krzewinski said of the senior. “Along with senior Sam Wilcox at the other flanker spot, she brings a lot of speed and solid tackling. And her ability to run with the backs has sped up our attack, allowing us more opportunity to create turnovers.”

Coach was also impressed with freshman outside center Cassie Schultz, who shot through gaps for seven tries on the weekend. Launching the backline attack is flyhalf Katie Dries, who continues to use her expert boot to diversify Winona’s options.

The Northern Lights conference has shifted somewhat, as three leagues are now operating in the college ranks: a purely DII pool, in which Winona competes; two NSCRO pools; and one NSCRO-DII hybrid league. The Black Katts open up against St. Cloud State this Saturday at home, 11 a.m.