GEORGETOWN, Texas – After two weeks of practice the Southwestern women’s basketball team has made great strides and is poised for major improvements this season.

The Pirates return eight players from last year’s squad that ended 6-19 overall. Three seniors lead the way this year “with their experience and determination to get back to the conference tournament”, says Head Coach Pam Ruder. Jessica Herbst and Narisa Trammell will be senior leaders in the backcourt while Katie Kern will aid on the block.

Herbst was a constant for the Pirates, starting and playing in all 25 games last season, averaging 26.9 minutes per game. She shot just over 30 percent from the field but was solid from the free throw line at 80 percent. Herbst was third on the team in assists with 51 and averaged 4.8 points per game.

Trammell served as point guard last season, averaging 31.8 minutes per game, and can be a threat from the perimeter. She averaged 5.6 points per game and shot 26 percent from beyond the arc last year. She was second on the team in steals with 45, proving that she is one to watch on both ends of the court.

Kern saw action in all 25 games last year, averaging just under 15 minutes per game. Her 41 percent field goal percentage was third on the team and will no doubt be an asset to the Pirates this season.

Also included in the bunch of returners is junior center Staley Mullins. Mullins led the team in blocks with 71 which also put her in the SCAC record books for the seventh most blocked shots in a season. She was also second on the team last year in points and rebounds, averaging 9.7 points per game and 6.5 rebounds per game. “Staley has gained both strength and confidence in the off season,” states Coach Ruder.

Fellow junior and new addition to the Pirates is Shae Seagraves who comes to Southwestern after two seasons at the University of Memphis. She played in 26 games last season for the Tigers, averaging 11.5 minutes per game, shooting 28 percent from the field and 30 percent from three-point range. “Shae brings versatility and athleticism to our team that will spark our perimeter play,” declares Coach Ruder.

Four sophomores, Jaci Jones, Reilly Robertson, Taylin Eckols and Bronwyn Tyler, round out the returners for SU. “I look to the four sophomores to contribute significantly as they adjust to a slightly faster style of play,” says Coach Ruder. “We hope to use our height advantage as we attack the hoop aggressively and move the ball quickly.”

Southwestern adds two first-year students to the mix this season. Katelyn Bartell, a 5’8” guard from Lake Travis High School in Austin, TX, will provide added depth to the Pirate back court. “Katelyn has made an excellent transition to the college game,” reflects Coach Ruder. “She is fundamentally strong and has provided speed and consistency to our defense.”

Cheyenne Radcliff is a 5’8” guard/forward provides more flexibility in the Pirate offense. “Cheyenne is battling back after a minor injury but will be a good player for us this season.”

“We are pleased that our numbers offer a great opportunity for high repetitions and I believe that we will be a more cohesive group that will battle within this very strong SCAC conference,” states Coach Ruder. The Pirates kick off the season in two short weeks with an away game at the University of Dallas on November 15th at 2:00 pm.