�ۿ۴�ý Women’s Basketball Team on Track for Stellar Season

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The �ۿ۴�ý Women’s Basketball team is making a convincing run in defending last year’s Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) title.��

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The Blue Streaks are 13-2, with eight wins against conference opponents. The D3hoops.com poll ranks �ۿ۴�ý tenth in the nation, after defeating Balwin Wallace 68-65 last week. BW was ranked 11th before their loss to the Blue Streaks. �ۿ۴�ý is now in sole possession of first place in the OAC standings. Second-year Head Coach Beth Andrews ‘15 has a tight-knit core of returning players poised to keep the momentum going after winning their sixth game in a row, a blowout win against Muskingum last Saturday, 93-42.��

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Andrews had an immediate influence on her team during her first year as head coach. Despite COVID protocols significantly shortening the season, she led the Blue Streaks to a 13-2 record. The team finished first overall in OAC standings and cut down the net in the conference tournament. Andrews’ leadership earned her OAC Coach of the Year honors.

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Head Coach Beth Andrews (center)

Andrews attributes many of her coaching strengths to her time spent as a student-athlete.��

She was a standout Blue Streak during her 4-year career spanning from 2011-15, scoring more than 1,100 points and helping the team earn two NCAA tournament appearances. She still holds the program record for offensive rebounds in a career with 338. She says her history on the hardwood enables her to get the most out of her team.

Having a complete understanding of the student-athlete experience allows me to challenge my players in thoughtful and insightful ways.

Andrews wants her team to thrive with this season’s high expectations, continually pointing out, “all the pressure is a privilege.” She says she’s impressed with the team’s work ethic and sees growth in each practice and game.

The most impressive thing about this season is they understand the importance of winning, but they are consistently looking for ways to improve and challenge themselves.

Andrews credits her coaching staff as a crucial catalyst to the team’s drive and success.��She says Assistant Coach Kiara Carter is an excellent motivator and fires the squad up when needed. She also relies heavily on Assistant Coach Bob Booher, who has 49 years of experience on the sidelines.��

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Graduate student Nicole Heffington '21 and senior Olivia Nagy '22 are two of the team’s star players. Nagy stars in the post, as the veteran center leads the OAC in rebounds per game and just surpassed 1,000 career points. Heffington excels all over the court, as she ranks second in the conference in scoring. Both have earned All-American status in the past, and Heffington also garnered CoSIDA Academic All-American honors for the 2020-21 season.��

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�ۿ۴�ý Guard/Forward Nicole Heffington driving toward the basket

Click for more information on the �ۿ۴�ý Women’s Basketball team, including schedules, news, and ticketing. Be sure to support the Blue Streaks at the Tony DeCarlo Varsity Center this season!

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