2007 Outlook & Review

Review

The Lady Pioneers are coming off their best season in the history of MNU Women's Basketball. Coach Olin's crew compiled a 33-4 record en route to their first Conference Tournament Championship, a share of the regular season conference championship, and their first trip to the Final Four at the NAIA National Tournament. Led by NAIA 1st Team All-American Jenna Matson, the Lady Pioneers averaged 81.6 points per game and compiled a winning margin of 10 points per contest. Matson, a repeat Conference Player of the Year, led the HAAC in scoring (23.8) and rebounding (10.9). Teammate Ashley Patterson, MNU's second leading scorer (13.3) and rebounder (7.1), teamed with Matson to give the Lady Pioneers a formidable inside game, and MNU also boasted a deep and talented group of perimeter players. Spearheaded by Aubrey Clair (Honorable Mention All-American) and Beth Keeley, who were at the top of the HAAC in steals, assists, and assist/turnover ratio, the Lady Pioneers were a well-balance, efficient group in 06-07.

Outlook

The Lady Pioneers have compiled six consecutive winning seasons, averaging 25 wins per year during that span, and they are determined to continue their winning ways in 07-08. MNU should once again be strong in the paint as posts Jenna Matson and Ashley Patterson (the top two scorers and rebounders for Coach Olin's squad last season) return for another campaign. The Lady Pioneers have some holes to fill in the backcourt, however, as only JoNel Henning returns from a the group of six talented perimeter players from last year. Henning, an explosive offensive performer, will be joined by transfers Lindsay Boss (Western Illinois) and Kristin Malone (Hanover) in the backcourt. Guards Laura Williams and Allison Bundren will move up from the junior varsity to bolster the Lady Pioneers at the guard position, as will talented freshman Heather Cunard. Junior Taylor Ford should see more action this year, both of the perimeter and in the paint. Sophomore Bethany Rexroth moves up from the junior varsity to add quality depth to the post position, and 6'1" freshman Jenna Foster will add versatility to the varsity roster.

A very formidable array of pre-season opponents and what promises to be a highly competitive schedule poses a hefty challenge to this year's group of Lady Pioneers as they strive to continue their record-setting compilation of victories.