By: Steve Janik, Sports Information Student Assistant
Coach Jimmy Petruska knows his team is young, but that does not give him any lack of confidence in his players; in fact his expectations have never been higher for his team. In 2013, the Bearcats went 19-10 overall and 14-4 in the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC), finishing second in the regular season standings. However, after a tough second round PAC Championship loss to Washington & Jefferson, the team is hungry.

"Even though we are a young team on paper, I feel that we are a very experienced and mature team," said Petruska. "With the freshman and sophomores that got a lot of experience last year returning, they have already gone through a difficult growth process, and that is why our expectations are so high."

Indeed the Bearcats are young. Their current roster houses eight freshmen, five sophomores, three juniors, two seniors and a returning graduate student. Of those that returned from last season, seven averaged at least 14 minutes per game. The fifth-year head coach counts his blessings being able to call on seven to eight players off the bench and play meaningful minutes throughout every game.

According to returnee Jessica Welch, "As a senior, it's important to make sure we get everyone on the same page with our goals and to hold each other accountable on the court. From there, it all comes down to doing what we know how to do that determines how successful we are."

Every successful team has good leaders, and Coach Petruska knows he has just that. The two seniors, Welch and Ally Schmidt have played in a combined 167 games (58 starts) throughout the last three seasons. They are joined again by forward Taylor Mathers, who is pursuing her masters while using her extra year of eligibility after only playing two seasons as a full-time student. Through those two seasons, she boasts a 59% field goal percentage.

"Ally and Jess are playing very strong right now, as they should. They know what it takes to get the job done." Petruska added "Having Taylor back is obviously a blessing. The security and soundness she provides with her maturity helps us as a team."

For an offense that ranked 10th in NCAA Division III with 80 points per game last year, playmakers have to line the roster. It starts with Jasmine Weems and Mara Benvenuti who Coach Petruska trusts with running the offense. Last season, Weems and Benvenuti averaged 6.6ppg and 6.8ppg, respectively. They also played an integral role with their 7th ranked 1.1 assist-to-turnover ratio.

"Last year, Jaz and Maura did an excellent job as freshman running the point. They both worked extremely hard in the offseason and it shows," said their coach.

Those two need someone to pass the ball to though, and the Bearcats certainly have the cast to make things happen. Jill Kegg and Drew Meeker return as juniors who have seen extensive playing time as well. Kegg averaged 7ppg last season, shooting 37% from beyond the arc and Meeker averaged 6.4ppg and tallied 21 steals. Hannah Carroll, Susie Ellis and Maggie Kimmich return as sophomores looking to further their impact on the court. In 2013, Carroll showed off her versatility draining 20 three-pointers and pulling in 23 steals. Ellis shot 46% from the field while Kimmich shot 33%.

Joining the forces this year is Westmoreland County Community College transfer Shalia Williams from San Marcos, CA. The 5'11 forward brings excitement to the lineup down-low with Mathers. Petruska also noted a few freshmen that could see significant minutes and earn a role in the lineup.

"When Hannah and Jill get hot, it's hard to cool them off. Then you compliment it with our inside game and we think we have a good system."

If it seems like the offense was a big point of emphasis for the coaching staff last season, it was. Now it is time to fine-tune the other facets of their game plan. Schmidt points to the improved post play as a big factor, "I think our biggest improvement will be the play in the post. The returning players and a few newcomers will really help us out down-low."

Despite the focus on offense, the Bearcats were no slouch on defense. They forced 20 turnovers a game and had a +5.5 turnover margin. Seven players had at least 20 steals with Benvenuti topping the list with 62. Underneath, Mathers averaged 2.2 blocks per game and 7.3 rebounds per game.

Coach Petruska does not want to let his talent go unnoticed. That's why the Bearcats will be doing some traveling over the Winter Break. First they go to Holland, Michigan for the Hope Post Exam Jam for two games followed by a trip to Nashville, Tennessee for the Nashville Music City Classic.

"The Hope tournament is a great facility and environment and then Nashville will be a great experience. Being that it's over break, it gives the team a chance to focus on hoops and have fun as a team," said Petruska.

To help with the squad, Petruska and returning assistant coach Ashley Campbell sought the services of Kurt Mattern, former Penn State Fayette head coach. After heading the Roaring Lions since 2007, Mattern coached his former team to be a USCAA national qualifier last season. "He's been an excellent addition to our staff. He brings so much knowledge and the girls have accepted him since day one, so he has been very helpful."

Petruska wants to thank the student body as well as all the fans that make it to the games for their support.

The Bearcats first game and home opener falls on November 18 against Penn State-Altoona. Their first PAC game is on December 1 at Chatham University.