(Courtesy of SMU Athletics)

Last year’s MVP Samantha Mahnesmith is off to a pretty good start to this year’s campaign.

Although she’s struggled the past few games, Monday night’s matchup against Northwestern State was a different story.

Mahnesmith went 5-8 from the field, including three 3-pointers.

She finished the game with 15 points, having three steals as well.

“It definitely helps my confidence,” Mahnesmith said.

Mahnesmith now has a two week break before going into the next match up against Texas A&M Corpus Christi on Dec. 18.

Mahnesmith’s statistics have been close but not quite on par with last season’s.

She finished her 2010 to 2011 MVP season averaging 10.2 points per game, while her average this season is eight points.

However, Monday night’s game seemed to boost her confidence. It wouldn’t be surprising if she pushed past her recent struggles with an incredible shooting streak.

An intangible factor that Mahnesmith brings to the table is the ability to hit a clutch basket when her team needs it.

Other than SMU’s loss to North Texas by four points, the Mustangs either have blown teams out or been blown out by their opponents.

As SMU starts playing in closer games, especially in-conference games that the Mustangs will begin to play later this season, Mahnesmith has the tools to shine.

When asked what the team can improve upon through the rest of the season, Mahnesmith mentioned building team chemistry.

She said there are times when a lack of communication during games led to unnecessary turnovers.

With the way they’ve been playing at home so far, all of these upcoming games at Moody should help the team out a lot.