CROOKSTON, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Crookston women's basketball program announced their third signee of the 2019-20 class in Mattea Vetsch (G, 5-8, Devils Lake, N.D./Devils Lake H.S.). Vetsch joins Emma Carpenter (G, 5-10, Eagan, Minn./Eastview H.S.) and Alyssa Peterson (G, 5-7, Menahga, Minn./Menagha H.S.) as signees for the Golden Eagles.

"We are very excited to add Mattea Vetsch to our signing class," said Head Coach Mike Roysland. Mattea fits the mold of our program in that she is an outstanding basketball player that we think will help to continue to raise the level of this program. Mattea brings fantastic speed with the ability to shoot the three and attack the basket. She is also a tenacious defender that will help to lift the quality of our team defense. We can't wait to get Mattea to Crookston and are excited to see the player she will become in a Minnesota Crookston uniform."

Vetsch will strengthen the guard court for Minnesota Crookston with her ability to shoot the three and attack the rim. She is another talented player from within the region that indicates Roysland's commitment to bringing in the top players in the Midwest. Vetsch joins Stephanie McWilliams (Jr., G, Grand Forks, N.D.) as players from right next door in the Peace Garden State.

The Golden Eagles currently have eight players from Minnesota, five players from Wisconsin, one from North Dakota, and one from Missouri. Minnesota Crookston only has one player from outside of the Midwest region in Delgado from England.

The Golden Eagles are currently off to their best start since the 2007-08 season as they have opened the 2018-19 campaign with a 3-0 mark. Minnesota Crookston is looking to make it back to the NSIC/Sanford Health Tournament quarterfinals at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D., for the fourth time in five years.

The Golden Eagles are slated to lose to three players following the conclusion of the 2018-19 season, including starters and team captains Isieoma Odor (R-Sr., F/C, Bloomington, Minn.) and Caitlin Michaelis (Sr., G, Marshfield, Wis.). Maria Delgado (Sr., G, London, England) will also conclude her career for the Golden Eagles.

Vetsch gives Minnesota Crookston versatility and another player that can get inside, but also shoot the three. Vetsch, along with Carpenter and Peterson give the Golden Eagles a very deep back court. They are slated to join a squad that returns several players at guard including current starters Kylie Post (Fr., G, Corcoran, Minn.), and Paige Weakley (Jr., G/F, Kearney, Mo.), along with key bench players Kylea Praska (Fr., G, Thief River Falls, Minn.), and Stephanie McWilliams (Jr., G, Grand Forks, N.D.).

Mattea Vetsch (G, 5-8, Devils Lake, N.D./Devils Lake H.S.)
Vetsch has helped lead Devils Lake High School to two state appearances. She is a 1,000 point scorer in her high school career, reaching the milestone Feb. 20, 2018. Vetsch averaged 15.7 points per game, six rebounds, three steals, and three assists for Devils Lake High School. She is a Second Team All-State pick, along with being an All-North Dakota State Tournament team member, and an All-Eastern Dakota Conference selection. Vetsch has served as team captain since her sophomore season. She earned the Firebird Award as a freshman and the Most Improved Player on varsity as an eighth grader. Vetsch played on the AAU circuit for NDPro.

She is the daughter of Joe and Lisa Vetsch. Vetsch plans to major in health sciences at Minnesota Crookston. She was born July 11, 2000. Vetsch is a member of the National Honor Society and student council. She also played volleyball, golf, track, and participated in cross country.