Pattie Schryer

2001-02 Season Outlook

The atmosphere surrounding the Cedarville University women's basketball program is one filled with eager anticipation. A new coaching staff, a number of new players, and some returning athletes, including a few who haven't been on the hardwood in a year or two, have the Lady Jackets looking forward to what the 2001-02 campaign has in store.

The biggest change is at the top. Kirk Martin is in his first season as head coach and returns to his alma mater following a legendary career at nearby Southeastern High School. He is joined on his staff by former Lady Jacket standout Joy Fagan as well as Dan Schetter, who assisted the Lady Jacket softball team a year ago.

Yes, the coaching staff is entirely new, but all are very familiar with Cedarville. That could be a key in this season of transition.

Kirsten Rossotti

"Practically everything is new for this team," said Martin, who fashioned a 297-34 record in 13 years with one state title at Southeastern. "It's all new to me, too. However, the women have been adjusting well.

"Our program will be ‘inside focused' which means we expect a lot out of our post players. We hope to play an up-tempo game, but we want to get the ball down low. Our ability to accomplish that will depend upon how the post players handle themselves and how the point guards handle themselves."

Seniors Pattie Schryer and Kirsten Rossotti will serve as the team captains. Schryer, a 5-foot-7 wing, averaged 11.4 points per game last season and was named to the All-NCCAA Midwest Region Team. She drilled a school-record 58 treys and is on line to become CU's all-time leader.

Rossotti, a six-foot post player who has two years of eligibility left, is back after taking a year off from the hardwood. She was the American Mideast Conference Freshman of the Year in 1998-99 after averaging 15.5 ppg before dipping to 11.8 as a sophomore. Rossotti is Cedarville's all-time free throw percentage leader with a .789 accuracy.

Molly Earley

Beth Bunchkowski, a 5-7 junior, returns for her third season in the backcourt. She missed the final eight games last winter with a foot injury. Bunchkowski is joined by a solid sophomore class consisting of 5-6 guard Julie Stauffer, six-foot post Molly Earley, 5-8 wing Ashley Smith, and 5-8 wing Jamie Huffman.

Stauffer earned spots on the All-NCCAA Midwest Region Team as well as the All-AMC Freshmen unit. She averaged 11.3 points and 4.5 assists per game. Earley pulled down 6.4 rebounds per game including a season-best 18 in the season finale at Rio Grande. Smith saw action in 27 of 28 games and Huffman appeared in 25 contests.

The only other player with previous experience at Cedarville is six-foot senior post Amy Martin, who will be playing for her father. A four-year standout on the volleyball court, she supplied 4.4 points and 4.3 rebounds during her freshman year in 1998-99 which was her only season of basketball.

Julie Stauffer

Some of the new players will have to step to the forefront. Junior point guard Michelle Patrick comes to CU after playing two years at Sinclair Community College. Kari Flunker, a 5-7 freshman guard, and Tami Gheen, a 5-9 rookie wing, expect to see quality playing time.

Beth Flatt, a 5-10 junior post, is a transfer from Baptist Bible College. Other newcomers include 5-9 freshman post Courtney Ruffin, 5-6 freshman wing Kylee Teboda, and six-foot freshman post Crystal Stuckey.

"We feel good about the depth on this team," Martin proclaimed. "The players have been receptive to what we're trying to teach. It will take some time, but we're optimistic about the season."

The schedule includes 14 home dates including the Cedarville Invitational. It also features the always demanding American Mideast Conference schedule which contains Shawnee State, ranked No. 1 in NAIA Division II and the six-time defending league champions.