By Molly Burnell, Sports Information Assistant
November 5, 2004

Excitement and anticipation are running high in Bluffton these days.  Amanda Curtis and the BlufftonUniversity women's basketball team are busy preparing for the 2004-05 season.  With a new attitude and a solid group of women the Beavers are ready to make waves this year.

"The team is very excited to get the season under way," Curtis said. "We have a solid group of players who are excited about playing basketball. They have been working hard in the off season and have a great deal of potential."  Expectations for the team are high but coach Curtis feels that this group of young women can live up to the challenge. 

The Beavers will be led by five returning players, adding to this core will be a batch of eight newcomers.  With this group of quality players it looks as if good things are in the future for Bluffton. 

Leading the Beavers this season will be senior team captain Lindsey Delscamp.  Delscamp who averaged 3.5 ppg and 2.0 rpg last season will bring many contributions to squad.  Bringing back her outside shot and great leadership skills, Delscamp will be looked upon to bring the team together on and off the court.

Senior Christina Champion (4.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 25 steals) will bring her hard work ethic to this years squad.  "Christina gives 100 percent whether it is on offense of defense," Coach Curtis said.  Brining back her defensive presence and looking to contribute on the offensive side of the ball, Champion will continue showing her leadership values.

Adding to the post position this season will be senior Cara Young. Coach Curtis said, "We look for Cara to be a presence down low and make an impact at the post position."

Junior Karin Schaller (9.7 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 115 blocked shots) will be the Beavers defensive main stay again this season.  During the 2003-04 campaign Schaller broke many Heartland Conference and Bluffton blocking records. She also ended the season leading the NCAA Division III in blocked shots per game (5.5).  Schaller will continue her dominance inside by picking up where she left off last year.  "Karin will contribute with her defensive skills and will step up and bring more of an offensive threat to the Beaver line up during 2004-05," Curtis said.

Tanya Rickenberg will be back to lead Bluffton at the point guard position again this season.  Scoring the most points ever by a freshman last year (391), Rickenberg (15.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg) will be back in full force, to guide the team.  "Tanya will be expected to lead the floor this season," Coach Curtis said.  With a year of college experience under her belt she will be able to move the ball better and have more of an impact while running the Beavers offense.

Adding to the already solid women's team will be eight newcomers.  Amanda Bell (Liberty Center/Liberty Center), Ashley Bloom (Tiffin/Calvert), Lindsey Bush (Howard/East Knox), Angie Lee (Mount Blanchard/Value), Kelly Metzger (Bluffton/Bluffton), Chelsea Moorhead (McComb/McComb), Angie Sheridan (Marion/Marion Catholic) and Ashleigh Stallkamp (Paulding/Paulding) will make up this years freshmen.  "All of these young women are very excited; they have the ability to make significant contributions to this year's team."  Curtis is confident that these players will show her great potential. 

With practice under way and the start of the season fast approaching, the Bluffton University women's basketball team can not wait to show how they have improved.  Competing in the ever tough Heartland Conference the Beavers will be able to showcase their leadership and new attitudes.  As the season gets started watch out for Bluffton as they prepare to make great strides.

-BEAVERS-