By Ashley Birchmeier
The 2014-15 Ohio Northern women's basketball squad looks to challenge for an OAC championship and return to the NCAA Division III tournament. Last season the Polar Bears went 23-6 and 14-4 in the OAC for a third place regular season finish. For the third straight season, ONU went to the championship game of the OAC Tournament, and for the second consecutive year the Polar Bears advanced to the NCAA III Tournament.
ONU graduated three players from last year's team, all of whom started, including two-time All-OAC honoree Cenzie Yoder. Despite the losses,14th year head coach Michele Durand still has high expectations for the team."The goal every year is to win the OAC," said Durand. "This year is no exception."
ONU welcomes back nine letter winners from last season including its leading scorer and rebounder, senior Jordan Kimes. "We are definitely younger this year but our freshman class is talented," said Durand. "I expect some of them to contribute immediately."
Here's the breakdown of the 2014-15 women's basketball roster:
Centers
Kimes returns after averaging a career best 15.5 ppg, 9 rpg, and 2 blocks per game.
"Jordan can play both the 4 and 5 positions for us," said Durand. "She had an outstanding junior season and I expect she will be one of our leaders again this season."
Senior tri-captain Mary Miller returns and brings leadership and a great work ethic.
Freshmen Amy Bullimore and Cheyenne Raker are both talented players and are expected to compete for playing time.
Forwards
Junior Karissa Steffas is back after tearing her ACL late in the season last year.
"Karissa's rehabilitation has went very well," said Durand "she has worked very hard and we hope she will make major contributions this season."
Junior Precious Ramsey gained valuable playing time last year.
"Precious, despite being undersized is one of our better post defenders," said Durand. "She will be looked upon to rebound and score around the basket."
Sophomore Amauria Campbell and freshman Danielle VanDyne will both push for playing time this season.
Shooting Guards
The Polar Bears return good experience at the shooting guard position, juniors Carly Thomas and Brooke Espenschied.
Thomas and Espenschied both started a lot of games for the Polar Bears last season, and bring a lot of speed and athleticism to the position.
Seniors Kerri Beedy and Kaitlyn Theisen not only bring leadership but also outside shooting.
Sophomore Britt Lauck saw significant playing time her freshman year.
"Britt has a good ability to get to the basket," said Durand." As well as knock down the outside shot."
Freshmen Cassie Lindeman and Courtney Cramer will push for playing time this year.
Point Guards
This point guard position is wide open this year, and all will be competing.
Sophomore Angela Tesny played on the JV team last year, but will compete for the starting role this season.
"Angela has a keen ability to see the floor and a good head for the game," said Durand.
Jenna Hollar, Lindsay Black, Mary Komandt, and Jenny Miller all had outstanding high school careers and will compete for playing time this season.
Schedule
The Polar Bears open the 2014-15 campaign with the Franklin (Ind.) Tipp-Off Tournament, Nov. 15-16. They will face Trine (Ind.) followed by Franklin (Ind.). Northern then returns home for a game with Kenyon on Nov. 19. On Nov. 22, they travel to Adrian to take on the Bulldogs.
Northern will open the OAC slate on Dec. 3 with a trip to Otterbein to take on the Cardinals. The Polar Bears close out conference play Feb. 21 as they host Marietta.
The OAC Tournament will tip off on Feb. 23 and will conclude with the OAC Tournament Championship on Feb. 28.
"Our non-conference schedule will challenge us as always, and hopefully prepare us for the very difficult OAC schedule," said Durand. "It is one of the most outstanding conferences in the country for Division III women's basketball."
