Head Coach Jessica Ott doesn't back down from a challenge.
Some coaches would worry about beginning a season with just seven players and the loss of a four-year starter that decimated the program's record books. Coach Ott, on the other hand, is looking forward to the opportunity to overcome these obstacles. Her focus is to build the Milwaukee School of Engineering women's basketball program into a Northern Athletics Conference championship program.
The Raiders won't have a lot of time to adjust to the departure of Catherine Chappell, who led the team in scoring the last two seasons. Ott will look to a number of players to fill the void her graduation created.
"We're going to have to step our games up a notch since we've relied on Chappell for the last four seasons," Ott says. "I can't wait to see who steps up in games."
On the court, sophomore Dana Guthrie (St. Louis, Mo./Hazelwood West HS) is emerging as a go-to player for MSOE. The point guard is explosive and has proven she can handle the offense. As a freshman, Guthrie averaged 12.3 points per game and was tied for the team lead with 43 assists. Possessing a solid outside touch, Guthrie shot 32% from beyond the arc.
Senior co-captains Emily Jungbluth (West Allis, Wis./West Allis Central) and Amanda Wilson (Fort Atkinson, Wis./Edgerton) will be looked upon for leadership and will take on more offensive responsibilities. Jungbluth scored 7.3 points a game last season and shot 70% from the free-throw line. Wilson is a defensive stopper; in limited playing time last season, she pulled down 27 rebounds with 11 steals and a blocked shot.
Three incoming freshman will see considerable playing time this season. Colleen Krechel (Port Washington, Wis./Port Washington) is a quick player who can shoot the three-pointer and will be counted on early. Forward Emily Reinhard (Omro, wis./Omro) will provide the intangibles. At five-foot-ten, she is a strong inside player and a good rebounder. Jackie Bertram (Schofield, Wis./ Newman Catholic), a 6-1 forward, played on Newman Catholic's State runner-up team in 2004 and 2005. She will add size and an inside presence to the Raider's lineup.
First year player, sophomore Kelly Costello (Westchester, Ill./Immaculate Conception), was a pleasant surprise for Ott. Costello's ability to play inside or outside is helped by her footwork and ability to finish around the basket.
All three will be learning on the fly as the Raiders establish themselves this season.
"I expect us to be competitive and I know there are going to be good surprises along the way," Ott says. "We are young, so these younger players are going to get invaluable court time in many different situations."
Considering their lack of depth, the Raiders will need to play disciplined basketball again this year. Last season, the team averaged just 13 fouls per game, the seventh-best mark among all 408 NCAA Division III teams.
