October 29, 2009
By: Erin Neal, sports information assistant
After a very successful 2008-09 campaign, the Bluffton University women's basketball team looks to carry the momentum from their 15-11 finish in 2009, the best mark by a Bluffton women's team since the 2000-01 campaign. Under the direction of fifth year head coach Chad Shutler, the Beavers return a core of key contributors, including all five starters from last year's squad, putting them in the mix for a run at the conference title. The Beavers are also receiving attention from their HCAC peers, as they were voted fourth in the HCAC pre-season poll this year after a 7-9 Heartland Conference finish (sixth place) last season. They also led the HCAC in free-throw percent with a stellar .716 percentage. The Beavers have seen a steady increase in success on the hardwood since Shutler took the reigns of the program prior to the 2005-06 season, and with a positive mixture of veteran leadership and depth in skill, expectations are high for the Beavers this season.
Boasting a squad that lost just one member to graduation last year, the Beavers return all five starters, along with a solid and deep supporting cast of returners. Bluffton returns 12 contributors which, according to Shutler, "Helps with practice, confidence, knowing what to expect, and familiarity with conference opponents." Seniors Ginny Buckingham (Bluffton), Vicki Auer (Cincinnati/Roger Bacon) and Katie Lord (Toledo/Whitmer) are expected to bring leadership and focus to the talented Beaver lineup.
Buckingham, a 5-8 forward, has been a key contributor for Bluffton during the past three seasons. She finished third on the team in scoring with 259 points and a .436 field goal percentage, and was second in rebounding with 177. Auer returns for her final run after handling the ball for the Beavers in 2008-09. The 5-5 Cincinnati native started in every game last year and directed the offense with her 58 assists, while also contributing 37 steals for the Beavers. In addition to her impressive contributions on the court, Auer was also recognized for her dedication in the classroom as she was named Academic All-Conference in the HCAC.
Returning underclassmen for the Beavers will also play an essential role in this year's campaign. Kim Miller (Delphos/St. John's), a 5-9 forward and previous HCAC Honorable Mention selection who has seen time at all five positions on the floor, will also play a vital role this season as she was second on the team in scoring with 295 points. She started every game for the Beavers the past two years and was second on the team in field goal percentage at .483. Miller is also superb at the charity stripe with her .805 free throw percentage. In addition, the Beavers return the HCAC Freshman of the Year in Emily Shellabarger (St. Marys/Memorial). The 5-11 sophomore center led the team in scoring, with 406 points, and field goal percentage (.533) which also was tops in the conference. She dominated defensively with her 55 blocks, the second-highest total in the HCAC last year.
The Beavers welcome five newcomers to the roster for 2009-10, including freshmen Jasmine Foster (Arlington), Lauren Hutton (New Riegel) Jenna Reynolds (Logan), and Lauren Volosin (Pickerington/North). Sophomore transfer Kirstie Runion (Cincinnati/Cincinnati Christian) also figures to compete for time on the perimeter.
Expectations are high for the Beavers, as they have improved in strength and overall physical conditioning since the conclusion of the 2008-09 campaign. They return stronger and quicker than they have ever been, as well as being markedly improved in individual skill thanks to off-season preparation. Shutler added, "I would expect our experience to help improve game execution and poise down the stretch." Improving on the defensive end and eliminating turnovers are a persistent goal for Bluffton, as the Beavers are working to be efficient offensively and productive when the season begins.
Bluffton continues to move up the rankings in a highly competitive Heartland Conference. Hanover College, which was picked to finish first, is closely followed by Franklin College and Transylvania University, who both tied for second. Hanover and Franklin return the most experience and talent. Bluffton was voted in at fourth place, and rounding out the HCAC pack are Manchester College, Anderson University, Defiance College, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and Mount St. Joseph. While the Beavers have a competitive conference schedule ahead of them, the off-season improvements and leadership have Bluffton in position to be a top contender in the Heartland Conference this season.
-BEAVERS-