The 2004-05 Lady Jackets have a lot to build upon after a 20-7 campaign on year ago. Several key returners, the leadership of an experienced and energetic coaching staff, and a talented crop of recruits make DC a team capable of making a run at the HCAC title.

Seniors Meta Gerding and Kelly VanderHorst lead the way for this season’s DC squad. Gerding, a native of Ottoville, Ohio, was named to the all-conference squad, averaging 7.0 points and 5.8 rebounds per game a year ago. VanderHorst, from Celina, Ohio, mixes an inside game with a good shooting touch from the outside and averaged 5.8 points last season.

Two-time All-HCAC selection Meghann Savard is joined by fellow juniors Kara Jones and transfer Lauren Campbell. Savard (St. Ignace, Mich.) led last year’s Jackets in scoring with 12.4 points-per-game, while also grabbing 4.4 boards. Kara Jones (Defiance, Ohio) is a good distributor at point and can play multiple positions. Campbell (Miamisburg, Ohio), at 5’11”, adds height to the DC frontcourt.

Sophomores Stephanie Kneisley (Sylvania, Ohio), Erica Franks (Fremont, Ohio) and Bobbi Kemper (Ottoville, Ohio) are all ready to have breakout seasons as they contribute at the guard and forward positions. Kneisley, Franks and Kemper are joined by a hungry class of freshmen.

Kayla Mengerink (Napoleon, Ohio) may step into the starting job at point, while Sarah Bird (Fayette, Ohio) is a pure player that may need little time to learn the DC system. Megan Myers (Stryker, Ohio) and Kathryn Hupp (South Charleston, Ohio) will each get a chance to do damage on the wings, using their athletic and shooting ability. Graciella Anthony (Gibraltar, England) is an athlete that can beat opponents off the dribble from the guard spot.

The Lady Jackets open at the Franklin & Marshall Tournament this Saturday. DC hosts the Hubbard/ Pro Rehab Tournament on December 17th and 18th and open HCAC play at home against Transylvania on January 5th.