Gabe Bain, Sports Co-Editor
New beginnings bring excitement for many. It means forgetting about the past and focusing on the future and all the new possibilities a fresh start can bring.
Taylor women's basketball is getting that new beginning as they prepare for the start of their season, which kicks off Nov. 2 as they participate in the Marian Classic.
Last season, the Trojans finished 18-13 overall, but they could not manage to maintain a .500 record in the league, finishing 8-10.
Despite finishing toward the bottom of the league last season, Taylor is ranked 22nd in the nation. Only Bethel, ranked 15th, and Indiana Wesleyan, ranked 4th, are higher than Taylor in the league. Though the team looks strong in the league, they have their sights set on a higher goal: winning the national tournament.
"Our goal is to go to nationals and win the national tournament," said senior guard Tess Rudolph. "We are dreaming big because we have a lot of talent."
Taylor is not short on experience and talent this season as they return 13 players from last season, nine of whom are upperclassmen. Three of those upperclassmen are seniors who were on the last Taylor team to go to nationals.
Head Coach Tena Krause said the expectations are higher this season because of the experience and age of the team.
The three seniors, Rudolph, guard/forward Erin Guarneri and forward Ericka Redweik, bring experience and leadership to the team.
"Those three are doing a phenomenal job," Krause said. "They have been groomed by some good seniors but yet they are bringing their own stuff as well."
Rudolph, Guarneri and Redweik were three of the top four scorers for the Trojans last year. Redweik led the team with 13.5 points per game.
"(Redweik) really stepped up last year as a junior and has been just as consistent this fall," Krause said. "If you want somebody to follow someone's work ethic, it would be Ericka's."
Krause said the team unity is continually growing, and they have stronger leadership than last season.
"We've improved on our work ethic and our accountability," Guarneri said.
Taylor is bringing in three freshman players this season. Forward Jackie Osenbaugh is 5 feet 11 inches tall and is from Lincoln, Neb., and guard Emma Brattain is 5 feet 6 inches and is from Lebanon, Ind. Guard/Forward Taylor Degenkolb is 5 feet 10 inches and is from Tipton, Ind.
"They came in so willing to take on whatever role they would have," Rudolph said. "And they embrace that even if it means not playing as much as they're used to."
The Trojans start the season with five games against opponents outside the Crossroads League and will play Goshen on the road Nov. 20. The first home game for Taylor in the revamped Odle Arena will be Nov. 24 as they take on Indiana Tech.
The game that seems to be weighing heavily on the Trojans' mind will take place Jan. 10 at home. Taylor will face Crossroads League rival Indiana Wesleyan.
"We haven't beaten them in a few years. That's probably going to be the biggest game for us," Krause said. "(But) I want every game to be their big game."
A lot of focus is being put on the first game of the season.
"I think our first game is what I am anticipating the most," Guarneri said. "I am just ready to play games."
Taylor starts their season Nov. 2 against Tennessee Wesleyan in Indianapolis at 8 p.m.
