DONALDSON, IN – Five returners and 11 new players – including two transfers – will be tasked with helping bring Ancilla College back to NJCAA prominence after an uncharacteristically tough season last year.
Sophomores Stacy Byers, Naomi McNeal, Sabrina Hatfield, Allison Worden, and Charissa Pinkins will lead a group looking to rebound from last year’s 3-22 season – a sharp drop from the 14 wins the program posted in 2008-2009.
“This season depends on how deep we can become,” said Lady Chargers head coach Dave Liverance. “It takes everyone playing their role for us to be successful.”
Despite losing his two leading scorers – Lauren Shepherd and Sophia Baldwin – to graduation, Liverance will have some strong returning players to count upon in his 11th season at the helm.
Leading the way are guards Byers and McNeal, who averaged 7.3 points and 6.8 points per game, respectively. The two players will be counted on to step up their production in the new season.
“Stacey has a great knack for getting to the basket and is a very good defensive player,” said Liverance. “Naomi is playing hard and making good decisions as our point guard. She does a great job of seeing the floor and getting the ball to the right people at the right time.”
Forwards Sabrina Hatfield and Allison Worden saw significant minutes last year as well, while Charissa Pinkins will give Ancilla depth at the guard position.
Amongst the key newcomers for Ancilla is 5’10” forward Shalana Murray, a transfer from Central State University in Ohio. Murray was a member of South Bend Washington’s 2007 state championship team and will be counted on to make an immediate impact.
Also transferring in is Lachondra Stone, who played guard at Western Oklahoma State College last season.
North Judson grad Rebecca Bunkowfst will make her debut this year after missing last season due to an ACL injury. The versatile guard will be counted on to provide offense through a solid outside jump shot and ability to penetrate off the dribble.
Incoming freshmen guards include Tyana Hunt, Amanda Allender, Amber Garich, Katrina Vannoy, Meghan Brown, and Kendy Majors.
Incoming freshmen forwards include Pattie Olson and Megan Clemens.
“We’ve progressed a lot from our first scrimmage,” said Murray. “We came together as a team. Our team became better mentally prepared for the season. We’re in shape. We can run up and down the court and let our talent do the rest. Our defense is going to win games.”
“I like where we are at now,” added Liverance. “We have a great group, they understand how important defense is, and they understand how important teamwork is to a group.”
The Lady Chargers will open their season on November 12 when they host the Bethel College junior varsity at the LifePlex in Plymouth. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Eastern.
2010-2011 ROSTER
# Name Pos Ht Yr Hometown/High School (Previous School)
10 Stacy Byers G 5’8 SO Indianapolis, IN/ Pike
11 Lachondra Stone G 5’0 SO Indianapolis, IN/ Howe (Western Oklahoma St.)
12 Naomi McNeal G 5’5 SO Chicago, IL/ Percy L. Julian
14 Tyana Hunt G 5’6 FR Wabash, IN/ Wabash
20 Charissa Pinkins G 5’7 FR Indianapolis, IN/ Southport
22 Shalana Murray F 5’10 SO South Bend, IN/ Washington (Central State)
23 Allison Worden F 5’10 SO Peru, IN/ North Miami
24 Rebecca Bunkowfst G 5’5 FR North Judson, IN/ North Judson
30 Pattie Olson F 5’9 FR Knox, IN/ Knox
32 Amanda Allender G 5’6 FR South Whitley, IN/ Whitko
34 Amber Garich G 5’6 FR South Bend, IN/ Washington
40 Katrina Vannoy G 5’8 FR Fountaintown, IN/ Triton Central
42 Meghan Brown G 5’7 FR New Castle, IN/ New Castle
44 Kendy Majors G 5’7 FR South Bend, IN/ Washington
50 Megan Clemens F 6’0 FR New Castle, IN/ New Castle
54 Sabrina Hatfield F 6’0 SO Sirley, IN/ Knightstown
Dave Liverance, Head Coach – 11th Season
Bruce Hirschy, Assistant Coach – 3rd Season
Ward McDaniel, Assistant Coach – 1st Season
