Scouting St. Viator Lions

Posted November 19, 2009 10:00 pm

By John Leusch

St. Viator Lions

Coach Paul Bjerkness (third season)

Last year's record 18-12, 6-4

Graduated players Kelly Hendricks, Mandy Kompanowski, Christine Muench, Jamie Blenner, Colleen Nolan Returning players Susan Hohenadel (5-9 Sr. G), Mary Calov (5-10 Sr. F), Meghan McGrath (5-10 Sr. G), Bridget Urbanus (5-8 Sr. G), Meghan Malone (5-8 Sr. G), Ronnie Mack (5-8 Sr. F), Eileen Mazanek (5-8 Sr. F)

Newcomers Taylor Skala (5-7 Jr. G), Emily Leazer (5-10 Jr. F), Megan Bailey (5-7 Jr. G), Maggie Dougherty (5-8 Jr. Fr), Kim McAvoy (5-7 Jr. F), Martha McAvoy (5-7 Jr. F), Tracy Supergan (5-9 Jr. C), Diana VanStedum ( 5-9 Jr. C), Julia Frank (5-8 Jr. F)

Outlook The Lions' coaching staff is looking forward to the upcoming season with high expectations. "We are coming off our best season in four years with a great group of players," said Lions coach Paul Bjerkness. "These girls have worked very hard in preparing for this season and have dedicated themselves to becoming a great team." Bjerkness feels he has a group of talented players who will play up tempo and aggressively with a lot of energy and enthusiasm on both ends of the floor. "Our hope springs from a successful summer, in which these girls have improved both their individual play and team play," he said. "We have been pleased with the effort of the team for the first few days of practice this season. As always we expect to play a tough and competitive schedule this season that will prepare us for post season play." Seven seniors are back from last year, including two four-year varsity players who return to lead the team _ three-year starter Hohenadel (leading scorer, All-ESCC, Daily Herald All-Area and Rockhurst recruit) and two-year starter Calov (leading rebounder). The coach said the returning and new players will be expected to contribute immediately with rebounding, scoring and defense. In addition, they are competing for the three other starting spots lost to graduation (Jamie Blenner, Kelly Hendricks and Colleen Nolan). "Our seniors are a tremendous bunch of close-knit players who were instrumental in the success of last season's team and we look forward to another great effort from them this year," Bjerkness added. "And our juniors are a dedicated group of players who are looking forward to contributing and working with the seniors this year."

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