By Ashley Birchmeier
The Ohio Northern women's basketball program returns a veteran squad for the 2015-16 season. Last season the Polar Bears went 20-6 and 16-2 in the OAC, claiming the OAC regular season crown.
Northern graduated four seniors from last year's team that made its 13th consecutive OAC Tournament appearance under head coach Michele Durand.
The Polar Bears welcome back 11 letter winners, all of whom saw considerable time a season ago.
Here's the breakdown of the 2015-16 women's basketball roster:
Despite losing the 2014-15 OAC Co-Player of the Year, Jordan Kimes the Polar Bears return Sophomore Amy Bullimore to the center position. The sophomore earned OAC Freshman of the Year honors last season averaging 8 ppg, 5.9 rpg and 1.1 blocks per game.
"Amy will be our anchor in the middle this season," said head coach Durand. "We need her to be a presence inside and most importantly we need Amy to be a force on the boards."
At the forward position, Northern returns seniors Karissa Steffas and Precious Ramsey.
"Karissa and Precious will be leaned on especially for defense," said Durand.
Steffas posted 8.1 ppg, while Ramsey averaged 2 ppg and 2.1 rebounds per contest.
The seniors will be joined at the forward position by junior Amauria Campbell, sophomore Cheyenne Raker and freshman Tori Wyss.
"I really like the improvement of Amauria Campbell so far," added Durand. "She has really stepped up her offensive game thus far. Cheyenne Raker was injured last season but has come back strong and Tori Wyss ability on the offensive glass has really been impressive."
The Polar Bears return good experience at the shooting guard position in seniors Carly Thomas and Brooke Espenschied. Thomas was a second team OAC selection last season, while both earned Academic All-OAC honors.
Thomas and Espenschied each appeared in all 26 games last season, making 25 starts.
Thomas tied a season high with 22 three-point field goals, while averaging just under 24 minutes per contest. Espenschied recorded 26 steals on the season, while dishing out 67 assists.
"Both Brooke and Carly bring a tremendous ability to run the floor and stretch defenses. They are also both excellent defenders," said Durand. "Carly has a great jump shot and should bring us perimeter scoring while Brooke is a very good rebounder and scores well going to the basket."
The duo will be joined this season by junior Britt Lauck, sophomores Cassie Lindeman, Courtney Cramer, Jennifer Miller and freshmen Jenna Dirksen and Dominique Redmon.
"I expect Britt Lauck to have a break out season and be another perimeter threat for us,' added Durand. " I have also been really impressed with freshman Jenna Dirksen and sophomore Courtney Cramer."
Northern will also be deep at the point guard position, welcoming back junior starting point guard Angela Tesny. Tesny made 25 starts last season, averaging 19.8 minutes per contest.
"I can really tell Angela has a year under her belt," said Durand. "She is really running the offense well and has a better understanding of what we need from her at the point."
Joining her this season will be sophomores Jenna Hollar, Jenny Miller, Lindsey Black, Alexis Kirkbride (sat out last season due to a knee injury) and freshman Alyssa Manley.
"The experience Jenna Hollar got last year has also helped her and gives us another person who can run things for us this season," added Durand. "If Lindsey Black is able to recover from a back injury she should contribute as well. Finally, Alyssa Manley while only a freshman is picking things up quickly."
ONU opens the 2015-16 season at the Rochester (N.Y.) Tournament, Nov. 20-21.
Northern then travels to Defiance Nov. 24 where they will take on the Yellow Jackets in a men's and women's double header.
The Polar Bears conclude November at the Thomas More (Ky.) Tournament where they will face off with Thomas More on the 28th and Centre (Ky.) the 29th.
Northern will open the home portion of its OAC schedule Dec. 2 as it welcomes Otterbein to the ONU Sports Center.
Ohio Northern then travels to John Carroll Dec. 5, before returning home Dec. 12 to take on Capital.
