11/02/07With many new faces and talents, the Baker University women’s basketball team will look to improve upon last year’s struggles and get back into the upper echelon of the Heart of America Athletic Conference.

After a disappointing season, in which the ‘Cats went 9-21 overall and 3-17 in the HAAC, the team has worked tirelessly during the preseason to avoid a repeat of last season.

Sophomore Kendra Schaefer said the team’s workouts have been difficult this year.

“Our preseason workouts were much harder than last year,” she said. “But they really helped us get into shape and have helped make us stronger as a whole.”

Head coach Susan Decker brought in eight new players, including six freshmen and two transfers to compliment the nine returning players from last year’s team.

With this recruiting class, Decker added some much needed height in the post for the ‘Cats. Of the eight incoming players, five measure over 5 feet 10 inches, including freshmen Kaylee Murdock, Josey McDiffett, Aubree Gustin and Christina Delladio and Oklahoma Baptist University transfer Whitney Rogers.

Freshmen Brooke Soske and Audrey Bryant, as well as Kirkwood Community College transfer Kaitlin Schneden will give the Wildcats added depth on the perimeter.

Another key addition to this year’s team has been assistant coach Richard Ebel. Working alongside Decker, Ebel has meshed well with his new team.

McDiffett said he brings an upbeat attitude each day to the workouts.

“He has been very helpful,” she said. “He brings a lot of energy to every practice.”

Sophomore Ashley Jensen said Ebel has been a great asset to the team.

“He is definitely very focused and committed to our team,” she said. “He pushes us hard. We appreciate his dedication to us and the game.”

Schaefer said the team has a lot of talent but it will require a team effort for this season to be successful.

“To be honest, everyone on this team is a great basketball player,” she said. “Everybody on the team can step up and contribute. We have a really great group of girls this year, and I’m really looking forward to this year.”

The Wildcats will look to start a season full of success today and Saturday when they take on Dakota State University and Hastings College in Hastings, Neb., during the Hastings Classic.