Experience should boost MHS

Written by Katie Morford Tuesday, 29 November 2011 16:29

Returning to form the core of this year’s Marion girls’ team are: back row (from left), Kaelyn Thier­olf, Whitney Gordon, Katey Ehrlich; front row, Erin Meier­hoff, Kelly Hess, Megan Richmond.

A young team that struggled last season may find its stride this year as several players return with varsity experience.

“I would look for us to be improved from last year,” said coach Randy Savage, whose team finished 2-7 in the Heart of America league and 7-13 overall.

Key reasons are senior standout Whitney Gordon, as well as sophomores Katey Ehrlich, Megan Richmond, Kaelyn Thierolf and Kelly Hess.

“Those are four girls who were freshmen last year and played quite a bit,” Savage said of the latter. “We expect them to be improved quite a bit.”

Also returning for the Warriors are juniors Corey Shields, Erika Herzet and Erin Meierhoff.

Savage said some freshmen may contribute as well.

“We lost three seniors but we didn’t lose scoring with those kids, so we’re hoping to improve a bit and end the season playing our best ball,” he said.

The Warriors have a tough schedule to start their season. It includes HOA schools Hutch Trinity and Berean Academy for the first two games.

“We definitely have our tough games right at the beginning,” Savage said. “The girls will handle it. One thing about them, they don’t back down.”

To be competitive, Savage said the Warriors will have to continue to get better defensively and find someone other than Gordon who can score.

“She averaged a double-double every game, but she was our only legit scoring threat and everybody knew it,” he said. “Somebody else needs to score and we think we have four or five who can do it. They’re all a little bigger, a littler stronger, a little more comfortable playing.”

Overall, Savage said, he is excited about the season and thinks the Warriors ought to be better than last year.