Published: November 13, 2007 10:29 am         

Lindsay Gangloff, Erica Emanuel among newcomers for GC women

By GREG KEIM

Goshen News Sports Writer

There is plenty of youth on the Goshen College women’s basketball roster for 2007-08.

The roster for coach Steve Wiktorowski, beginning his sixth season, includes one senior, two juniors, four sophomores and four freshmen.

The women have opened the season with a 1-1 record. The Maple Leafs lost to Trinity Christian 72-60 and defeated Indiana Tech 66-50.

“We are hoping to take a step forward in the Mid-Central Conference,” the coach said. “We are trying to play a stronger non-conference schedule, because the MCC is so tough.

“Our starting lineup includes four players who are in their first or second year. Our goal is being able to play with any team we face.”

Two local products have been added to the roster. They are 5-8 sophomore guard-forward Lindsay Gangloff (Fairfield High School graduate) and 5-8 freshman guard Erica Emanuel (GHS grad).

“Gangloff is a real nice addition,” Wiktorowski said. “She brings a lot of energy and competitiveness. Lindsay has a nine mid-range jump shot. She plays bigger so she can help us inside or outside.

“Erica has been a surprise. She is athletic and has been well coached. She is a competitor who can help us over the next few years. She is a sleeper.”

The only senior is 5-8 guard-forward Katie Sowers (Hesston, Kansas) who averaged 5.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last season.

Juniors are 5-11 forward-post Kendra Fights (Greentown) and 5-6 guard Krystal Duensing (Penn), a sophomore in eligibility.

Fights averaged 6.3 points and 4.8 rebounds and Duensing 8.8 and 1.8 a year ago.

“Fights is our most experienced player and she is in the best shape she has been here,” Wiktorowski said. “She should be more consistent on both ends of the floor.

“Duensing is our point guard. She runs the team. She is a good leader and a smart defender.”

Sophomores are 5-11 post Jessica Carney (LaVille), 5-5 guard Ashley Hummer (Mishawaka Marian) and 5-5 guard Kimmie Hummer (Marian). Carney is a freshman in eligibility. Ashley Hummer averaged 7.6 points and 2.0 rebounds and Kimmie Hummer 7.5 and 2.5.

“Carney is a walk on and is a nice find,” Wiktorowski said. “She gives us some good size and she has shown good fundamentals on defense. She can help us this season. It’s not often you find a walk on who can play the post.

“The Hummer sisters are very athletic. They can both score and play aggressive defense. The Hummer sisters and Duensing set the tone for us on defense.”

Other freshmen are 5-10 forward Sierra Buse (Lynnville), 6-0 post Cassie Grieves (Rochester) and 5-8 guard-forward Leah Lehman (Archbold, Ohio).

Assistant coaches are Jennifer Rupp and Barb Carbaugh.