MARIETTA, Ohio — The Marietta College women's basketball team enters its third season under head coach Jenna Andersen with a veteran roster, valuable experience, and growing confidence heading into the new campaign. In her second season at the helm, Andersen guided the Pioneers to a 12-14 overall record and a 7-9 mark in the highly competitive Ohio Athletic Conference.

Despite dropping four of their final six regular-season contests, Marietta secured the sixth seed in the OAC Tournament before falling to third-seeded Mount Union in the conference quarterfinals. Now, with much of that battle-tested roster returning, Andersen believes the foundation has been established for continued growth.

"We are returning eight of our top ten scorers," said Coach Andersen. "The experience our players gained last season will help us be a more mature and confident group this year. We know we need to be more disciplined on the defensive end, and that has been a major point of emphasis for us. Our team is working every day to improve, and we're excited to see that growth translate onto the court."

Marietta returns all five starters from last season, giving the Pioneers a veteran core with significant OAC experience. Junior Kelsey Harlan (Sardis, Ohio/River) returns after leading the team in scoring and earning first team All-OAC honors. Harlan averaged 14.6 points per game, ranking third in the conference, and also led the OAC in steals. Senior Emma Rasmussen (Wadsworth, Ohio/Archbishop Hoban) also returns after starting every game last season and leading Marietta with 26 three-pointers. Juniors TJ Carpenter (Jackson, Ohio/Jackson) and Amelia Uhrig (Chillicothe, Ohio/Unioto) provide a strong presence in the front court after leading the team in rebounding and blocked shots, respectively. Sophomore Kendall Sury (Waterford, Ohio/Waterford) is expected to make an immediate impact after showing tremendous promise before an injury cut short her freshman season.

Andersen believes the team's experience is already showing in practices and team culture. "We are more upperclassmen-heavy than we've been in recent years," said Coach Andersen. "That experience gives us added maturity and confidence on the court, which we believe will be a real advantage. There is a different feel in the locker room and at practice compared to a year ago. Our upperclassmen have embraced larger leadership roles and have done so in a way that has made a positive impact on everyone around them, including our coaching staff."

The Pioneers will also benefit from strong contributions off the bench. Senior Abby Garner (Macedonia, Ohio/Walsh Jesuit) provides a scoring punch and defensive intensity after averaging nearly seven points per game last season. Fellow senior Ella McMillen (Shreve, Ohio/West Holmes) contributed nearly three points and three rebounds per game and will be counted on for both leadership and production throughout the season.

Andersen emphasizes that leadership is not limited to a few individuals. "We believe leadership looks different for every player, and we expect everyone on our roster to lead in some way," said Andersen. "This team has fully bought into that mindset. Our culture is in a great place because the players have made it a priority and consistently live up to the standards they set for themselves each day."

The freshman class of Maggie Baker (Louisville, Ohio/Louisville), Peyton Hughes (Washington Court House, Ohio/Washington), Brooke Ritchie (Wooster, Ohio/Wooster), and Elsie Malec (Waterford, Ohio/Waterford) adds another layer of talent to the roster. Andersen believes the group has the potential to make an immediate impact while developing into key contributors throughout their careers.

"When recruiting, we look for student-athletes who have a strong desire to improve, a great mindset, and the willingness to embrace challenges," said Andersen. "All four of these young women possess those qualities. More importantly, they are exceptional people off the court, and we believe they will make a positive impact on our program from day one."

If there is one theme that has defined Marietta's preseason preparations, it has been defense. Andersen is quick to point out that improving on the defensive end will be essential if the Pioneers hope to take the next step in the standings this season.

"If we want to win more games than we did last year, we have to be better on the defensive end," said the third year coach. "We talk often about the importance of bringing effort, toughness, and belief to every defensive possession. The team understands how important that is, and they have responded extremely well. They work hard, accept coaching, and are committed to improving every day."

Marietta opens the season Saturday, Nov. 7, when the Pioneers host Penn State Altoona inside Ban Johnson Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.  As the season begins, Andersen hopes fans see a team built on connection, selflessness, and a genuine love for competing together.

"I hope our fans see a team that genuinely loves the game of basketball and loves playing for one another," said Andersen. "I want them to see how much these players care about each other and how invested they are in each other's success. More than anything, I hope people feel the positivity, connection, and camaraderie that this group has worked so hard to build. They are a team that celebrates one another, competes together, and takes pride in representing our program the right way."

Fans can follow all the Pioneer teams all year long at pioneers.marietta.edu. You can also follow the Pioneers on Facebook at facebook.com/MariettaCollege and @MariettaPioneer on X and Instagram.