10/5/2009
The Webster Gorloks enter the 2009-10 seasons with nine fresh faces to go along with nine returners. Webster had another solid recruiting year and is looking to make a move up the SLIAC ladder this year. The Gorloks up-tempo style of basketball and the ability to pressure in the full court should cause havoc for opponents. The team has high expectations for this season, as last years team found success and they want to build on it. Head Coach Jordan Olufson is optimistic about the season and says “We have a group of young ladies who can flat out play basketball. We are a much deeper team this year and have added some impact players who can really help us where we hurt last year.”The Gorloks are coming off an 11-14 season finishing 6-11 in the conference. Last years team dealt with many growing pains but gained needed experience along the way.
Katy Meyer returns this season after another All-conference Hon. Mention award. She averaged 10.8 ppg and 6.8 rebounds a contest. Coach O says”Katy is coming off another great season and we are expecting her to have another solid year while adding a more leadership role.” Along side Katy, Ayrica Lockett is coming off a solid freshmen season where she averaged 11.1 ppg and 8.2 rpg. “Ayrica is super athletic who is still maturing into a solid post player. We are looking for Ayrica to help hold down the post position.” Olufson adds. Blaire Underwood is coming off a hot shooting freshmen season. Blaire tied the record for 3-pointers in a season with 49 makes and averaged 9.9 ppg. “Blaire is a lights out shooter, who can control the tempo of a basketball game. She has a great feel for the game of basketball. Megan Willet and Loren Douglas are coming off there freshmen season with a lot of experience and knowledge. They both improved a lot over the season and will help this team on both sides of the floor while being able to play various positions. Bobbiann Auer is coming off a season of many roles. Bobbiann started the season as a defensive role player and ended it as a starter. With a preseason injury bugging her, we are hoping for a fast recovery. Amanda Archangel and Brittany Grant are both a year older and wiser and have work very hard over the summer. Rounding out the returners is Tori Fenemor. “I am thrilled to have Tori healthy for this season, where we will look to her a lot to anchor the post position.”
Coach Olufson is pretty excited about the new crop of players in the basketball program. “We have a great group of young ladies who are hungry and want to have success early and often this year.” Transfer Molly Zehner from Meramec Community College has a lot to offer with her experience and athleticisim to the team. Also Barissa Ford from UMSL brings a lot of athleticism to the guard position as well as great poise. Maggie Zehner from Oakville High School is a tough kid who brings great basketball IQ and a good shooting touch. Jessa Maier from Triad High School, is a relentless defender who can really shut down a good scorer. Airyn Miller from Belleville West High School can really shoot the basketball and brings a lot of toughness to the team. Jaime Gaal from Ursuline Academy can really control the tempo of a basketball game and has a great play making ability. Catherine Russell from Miller Career Academy and Luree Furr both are freshmen and round out the recruiting class.
“We have a great group of young ladies who we expect to play at a high level. We are looking forward to this season where expectations have been raised. We are playing a tough non conference season, which should prepare us for a tough conference run.” Coach Olufson adds. Webster opens the season on Nov 15th at home vs. Dominican University.