The 1997-98 Cobbers are without three starting seniors from last year's 18-7 team that finished tied for third in the MIAC.  But returning center  Leah Sonstelie  (6-0,  Fosston) gives third year head coach Kathy Wall a good place to start building a new team. 

Sonstelie led the 1996-97 Cobbers in scoring with 14 ppg and was second on the team in rebounding with 5.9 per game. She earned honorable mention all-MIAC honors in 1996-97 while finishing 10th in league scoring, second in league FT% (83%), 5th in FG% and 12th in MIAC rebounding.

Steffi Backer (So., G., 5-9,  Fargo, ND, South H.S.) was a part time starter last year at a guard spot, as was Nikki Vetter (So., G.,  5-5,  West Fargo, N.D.). The rest of the returning players,  Sara Kragerud  (So G 5-7  Hawley), and  Nichole Walla  (Jr. C 6-2  West Fargo, ND) all saw extensive action last year. 

The newcomer most likely to make an impact right away is Heidi Schwichtenberg, a 5-9 junior from Kimball, Minn.  She played the past two seasons at St. Ben's.