Press Release

OCTOBER 28, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: CHRISTINE FRANCIES, ASST. SID
260-481-0729

Women Look to Improve on Last Year

Fort Wayne , IN - The IPFW Women's Basketball team is looking forward to this year with cautious optimism. With the start of the season less than a week away, the ladies are gearing up for what looks to be a promising year.

After the loss of two seniors (Courtney Nicley and Verea Bibbs) and four other letterwinners (Sarah Glowacki, Lindsey Bayer, Molly Martin, Michelle Manno) the Mastodons had many spaces to fill.

The Mastodons returned eight letterwinners to the squad for 05-06. Seniors Jenny Green, Kelly Boyd, and Geneva Murdock return for their final year in a Mastodon uniform. The junior class brings back Hilary O'Connell, Ashley Johnson, and Starla Williams. Johnna Lewis-Carlisle and Natalie Roberts returned for the sophomore campaign.

IPFW added eight new faces to the line-up for 05-06. Junior transfer Jessica Mast sat out last year after transferring from Defiance College. While at Defiance, Mast was named to the All-Conference Freshmen Team. "Jessica has a great stroke from the perimeter," Patterson said.

Pavla Pletková comes to IPFW via Yavapai Junior College in Arizona. Pletková is originally from Prague, Czech Republic and is one third of the international vibe on this year's squad. "She is a very smart player who can defend and rebound."

Juliane Höhne will have to transition from European to U.S. style basketball while at IPFW. She hails from Halle, Germany and this lady has the ability to change the way people thing about IPFW basketball. "She is a good shooter who also has great hands. Come watch this player play!"

Rounding out the international feel is Tina Moen. A native of Oslo, Norway, Moen's basketball resume is impressive. She is a member of the Norwegian National Team and has played club ball in Europe and has traveled to the U.S. for competition. "Tina is a very good player who can run and jump. She is one of two players on this year's roster who have the chance to be Independent Freshman of the Year."

Victoria Grossnickle sat out last year, but after she works her basketball legs back into shape - watch out - she's ready for the competition. "Victoria is a big player who likes to face the basket."

Nanyamka Moore will give Lewis-Carlisle a run in the speed department. She is probably the quickest player Patterson has ever coached. "Before Moore leaves IPFW she will be a great point guard. We are excited to watch her grow into that role."

Katie Schneider may have signed late with the Mastodons but that doesn't mean she is at the bottom of the barrel. "She is a quality player who is not real flashy but just seems to find a way to get the job done."

Samantha Edwards rounds out the freshmen class and will be the lone redshirt to start the season.

This years team looks to be much different then last year. With the addition of some key players they are a lot bigger and more physical at the small and large forward positions. Throw into the mix some quickness on the perimeter and IPFW will continue to improve. The Mastodons look forward to the season starting and seeing just what they have to bring to the court.

~Dons~