Lady Statesmen Basketball

Team History

 

1973-74 (21-8)

Robert Spencer pioneered the first women’s basketball program to an amazing finish.  The First Ladies ended their season with a 21-8 record, a state championship, a seven-state regional championship, and a fourth-place finish in the National Championships.  Team members were:  Leanne Stewart, Kris Westphal, Brenda Dieckmann, Marie Wolle, Jan Irby, Kris Murfield, Sue Hoglund, Sue Beaman, Susie Kudrna, and Kathy Beary.  Jan Irby represented William Penn in the U.S. National Women’s Basketball tryouts. 

 

1974-75 (33-3)

William Penn followed their inaugural season with another spectacular year as they again won the state and regional tournaments.  They finished sixth in the National Tournament and Jan Irby became William Penn’s first All-American. Another highlight for Penn was their win over three-time National Champion, Immaculata College.  Team members were:  Jan Irby, Susie Kudrna, Bonnie Foster, Marti Fuquay, Brenda Dieckmann, Karen Peters, Margene Borcka, Donna Haer, Jan LaVigne, Renee Raub, Nancy Stefy, and Jane Higginbotham.

 

1975-76 (30-5)

The First Ladies were getting accustomed to winning after they won their third straight regional crown.  For the first time, the First Ladies had a choice between playing in the Small College or University Division.  They elected to play with the best (University) and came out on top winning their regional. They again finished fourth in the National Tournament and Susie Kudrna became William Penn’s second All-American.  Team members were:  Marti Fuquay, Connie Wasson, Bard Stewart, Jocelyn Drabelle, Jan LaVigne, Renee Raub, Brenda Dieckmann, Glenda Poock, Bonnie Foster, Susie Kudrna, and Jan Irby.

 

1976-77 (25-6)

After compiling a three-year record of 84-16 with three national tournament appearances, William Penn was still looking to improve upon their fourth-place finish in 1973 and 1975.  The graduation of two All-Americans, Jan Irby and Susie Kudrna, left a young team to build upon.  The First Ladies won the state tournament, but the 1976-77 season marked the first year the team did not win the regional tournament and appear in the National Tournament.  Team members were:  Brenda Dieckmann, Renee Raub, Glenda Poock, Connie Wasson, Barb Hudson, Barb Stewart, Jane Heilskov, Theresa Walatka, Bonnie Foster, Sandra Shull, Linda Salterberg, and Deb Franklin.

 

1977-78 (30-7)

The First Ladies got back on track, winning the state and regional titles.  Unfortunately, the team failed to place at the National Tournament.  Penn had a strong season and defended its titles easily.  Team members were:  Kim Belliveau, Lori Busch, Glenda Poock, Renae Raub, Bonnie Foster, Stacy Schmitt, Bard Stewart, Barb Hudson, Theresa Waatka, Jane Jankowski, Virgina McFadden, and Linda Salterberg.

 

1978-79 (21-6) (First Year as Lady Statesmen)

This was probably the most disappointing year in Lady Statesmen basketball history with a runner-up finish in the state tournament, canceling any regional or national appearances.  An always-strong Mt. Mercy squad eliminated the team from the state tournament.  Glenda Poock became the third All-American in six seasons at William Penn despite their disappointing loss.  Team members were:  Kim Belliveau, Virgina McFadden, Becky Kling, Deb Barnd, Kris Spiegler, Brenda Beckwith, Stacy Schmitt, Lois Myers, Deb Ruehle, and Bard Hudson.

 

1979-1980 (37-5)

The Lady Statesmen bounced back with their highest finish ever by placing third in the National Tournament after winning the state and regional titles.  Team members were:  Kim Belliveau, Lori Busch, Virginia McFadden, Becky King, Deb Barnd, Kris Spiegler, Brenda Beckwith, Stacy Schmitt, Lori Myers, Deb Ruehle, and Barb Hudson.

 

1980-1981 (43-3)

After fielding a team for only eight years, including five National Tournament appearances, the goal was finally accomplished for the Lady Statesmen as they won the AIAW Division II National Championship.  In addition to the title, the 1981 season was also memorable for numerous other reasons:  Two All-American Ladies were chosen- MVP Becky King and Rae White, a national single-season record of 43 wins was established, and Coach Bob Spencer was chosen National Stayfree Coach of the Year.  Team members were:  Kim Belliveau, Lori Busch, Becky King, Deb Barnd, Chris Aponte, Jill Papke, Rae White, Lori Myers, Stacy Schmitt, Brenda Breckwith, Kris Spiegler, and Melody Teague.

 

1981-1982 (28-10)

There was a period of adjustment for Penn early in the 1981-82 campaign.  Coach Bob Spencer resigned following the National Championship year to take over the program at Fresno State University in California.  New Coach Sally Leyse had a number of veteran players around from which to build, but also had to replace some key people.  A slump midway through the season had the Lady Statesmen at a dismal 14-9 mark.  But Penn, behind the senior leadership of players like Lori Busch, Lori Myers, Kris Spiegler, and Rae White, rallied with 13 straight wins to surge into the Final Four of the AIAW Division II Tournament for the third straight year.  Penn lost in the semifinals but won the consolations game to bring home the third-place trophy for the second time in three years.  Team members were:  Stephanie Beck, Margaret Heanre, Leslie Spencer, Sandy Slade, Lori Busch, Deb Barnd, Kris Spiegler, Lori Raub, Ann VanDyke, Melody Teague, Lori Myers, Rae White, and Jill Papke.

 

1982-1983 (12-12)

More changes for the William Penn program.  The Lady Statesmen left the AIAW for the NCAA Division III and got another new coach in Garey Smith, and participated in the first-ever Iowa Conference women’s basketball race.  Smith, who was hired too late to do much recruiting, turned in a marvelous coaching job with the smallest squad in school history.  Penn, traditionally big and powerful, lacked the abundance of six-footers it had in the past.  But an emphasis on defense and some thrilling pressure basketball produced another successful season.  William Penn shared the championship in a tight Iowa Conference race but was ignored by the NCAA Division III playoff selection team, which did however select three other teams from the Iowa Conference.  Deb Barnd, a senior guard, was voted by her teammates as the team’s MVP.  Team members were:  Lesli Spencer, Deb Barnd, Margaret Hearne, Stephanie Beck, Dianne Kloberdanz, Tammy Spellman, Cindy McCarthy, Ann VanDyke, Linda Redmond, Lori Raub, Kim Collins, and Robin Rich.

 

1983-84 (17-11)

In his second year, Smith’s style began to have a strong influence on William Penn basketball as the Lady Statesmen again had a memorable campaign.  With veterans Robin Rick and Margaret Herne leading the way, and newcomers like Becky Inman having a big impact, Penn won the Iowa Conference title and earned its first-ever spot in the NCAA III regionals.  Robin Rich was a first-team all-conference selection and Hearne and Inman were named to the second team.  Robin Rich was selected as the team’s MVP.  Team members were:  Sharon Henry, Margaret Hearne, Deb Thornton, Cindy McCarthy, Dianne Kloberdanz, Tammy Spellman, Tami Barnes, Linda Redmond, Ann VanDyk, Margy Sobaski, Becky Inman, Maude Packer, and Robin Rich.

 

1984-1985 (21-7)

Penn continued its climb upward, earning its third-straight IIAC Conference title in a wild conference race that finished in a four-way tie.  Penn was awarded a spot in the NCAA Tournament, but lost in the first round as Millikin made two free throws with three seconds left.  Robin Rich-Taylor was a first-team all-conference pick while Becky Inman garnered second-team laurels.  Rich-Taylor was also the team’s MVP.  Team members were:  Sharon Henry, Deb Thornton, Angie Thompson, Cindy McCarthy, Dianne Kloberdanz, Tami Barnes, Ann VanDyke, Penny Helmick, Margy Sobaski, Becky Inmann, Maude Packer, and Robin Rich-Taylor.

 

1985-86 (22-7)

William Penn once again found itself atop the IIAC standings, taking its fourth-straight league championship with a convincing 13-1 record.  The Lady Statesmen claimed the Regional Tournament title, played at Elmhurst College, by defeating Carroll College and Eastern Connecticut.  The team fell to Bishop College in Dallas, Tex., in the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals.  Cindy McCarthy and Becky Inman were selected first-team all-conference members.  Becky Inman was also named IIAC MVP in addition to garnering Second Team All-American honors.  The team established three new school records in 1985-86.  Team members were:  Andrea Moore, Deb Thornton, Angie Thompson, Cindy McCarthy, Cindy Boles, Tami Barnes, Theresa Mastrogiovanni, Veronica Viet, Penny Helmick, Margy Sobaski, Becky Inmann, and Maude Packer.

 

1986-87 (20-9)

A year that started with tremendous expectations was met by tremendous amounts of injuries, slowing the early team progress.  However, the Lady Statesmen had enough character to win their fifth-straight IIAC title with a conference record of 13-3.  They also won the Regional Tournament championship with victories over Augustana of Illinois, and host, Rockford College in Rockford, Illinois.  Penn then lost in the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals to the University of Wisconsin/Stevens Point, at Stevens Point, Wis., as Steven Point went on to win the national title.  Becky Inman repeated as IIAC MVP and first-team all-conference.  Inman was also earned First-Team All-American recognition.  She established ten individual school records while the team established four, either new or tied, school records.  Inman also took over the career scoring record with 2,139 points and moved into second on the career rebounding list.  Team members were:  Andrea Moore, Maria Weatherly, Deb Thornton, Lynn Baber, Shelley Myers, Tami Barnes, Thresea Mastrogivanni, Veronica Viet, Penny Helmick, Margy Sobaski, Becky Inmann, and Maude Packer.

 

1987-88 (21-7)

1987-88 was supposed to be a rebuilding year after losing five seniors, but turned out to be another fantastic year for the program.  The Lady Statesmen won their sixth-straight IIAC championship, tying Luther at 13-3.  For the first time ever, William Penn hosted the NCAA Tournament in Oskaloosa with Luther; Washington of St. Louis, Mo., and North Peak from Chicago, Ill., playing each other.  Penn lost to Luther, but then defeated North Park in the consolation game.  Theresa Mastrogiovanni was a first-team all-conference pick while Andrea Moore was a second-team selection.  Mastrogiovanni tied the single-game blocks record and Andrea tied the single-game assists record.  Coach Smith was named the Converse Central Regional Coach of the Year.  Team members were:  Theresa Mastrogivanni, Penny Helmick, Andrea Moore, Jamie Peeters, Veronica Viet, Shelley Myers, Lynn Baber, Gina Sisk, Angel Smyth, Laurie Griffin, Maria Weatherly, Cherlyn Hullinger, Heather Adair, Christy Gaskill, and Nicki Baldwin.

 

1988-89 (19-7)

The 1988-89 campaign was marred with injuries as only two players managed to play all 26 games.  For the first time since joining the IIAC, the Lady Statesmen did not claim the league title, finishing third and failing to qualify for the NCAA Tournament.  Only one senior was on the team, leaving a slew of experience for the upcoming seasons.  Veronica Viet was named second-team all-conference.  Team members were:  Veronica Viet, Lynn Baber, Nicki Baldwin, Angel Smyth, Gina Sisk, Jill Constable, Laurie Griffin, Nancy Sinkhorn, Maria Weatherly, Cherlyn Hullinger, LaRae Fuson, and Rachel Kanack.

 

1989-90 (17-9)

Following a third-place finish in 1988-89, the Lady Statesmen entered the season with six lettermen, a very tough schedule, and a great deal of excitement.  With a small squad, injuries and illness took its toll.  Wartburg won the conference with William Penn and Buena Vista tied for second.  Nicki Baldwin was named first-team all-conference and Gina Sisk was named to the league’s second-team.  Team members were:  Jill Constable, Angel Smyth, Laurie Griffin, Gina Sisk, Lynn Baber, Nicki Baldwin, Jill Burson, Rachel Kanack, Tricia Nielson, LaRae Fuson, Jamille Feaker, Tricia Zurmuehlen, Cari Fritchen, Kristin Waterbeck, Leigh Ann Gordon, Tammi Vail, and Tammie Schauf.

 

1990-91 (12-13)

The 1990-91 season was a very unusual one for Penn.  Only one player managed to play in all 25 games as seven serious injuries changed the lineup almost daily.  The overall record was 12-13, the first losing campaign for Penn and for Coach Smith.  Despite all the physical problems, the team finished in third place in the IIAC with a 9-7 record, losing five games by two or less points.  During the season, Nicki Baldwin and Jill Burson were named IIAC Conference Players of the Week.  Baldwin made the All-Tournament teams at Northwest Missouri and Washington University and at the William Penn Classic.  Post-season honors for Baldwin were numerous:  IIAC Conference MVP, first-team all-conference, First-Team All-American, AWSF, and William Penn’s first-ever NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship.  She also joined the Penn 1,000-Point Club with 1,276 points.  With only one senior on the team, the future continued to be bright.  Team members were:  Nicki Baldwin, Tricia Nielsen, Rachel Kanack, Jill Burson, Kristin Waterbeck, Jill Hruby, Bobbi Gottula, Diane Roe, Angie Bush, Cindy Kaisand, Sheri Fuller, Jennifer Duke, and Laura Neuendorf.   

 

1991-92 (12-14)

The 1991-92 season was a year of youth.  The team had four seniors and one junior for experience in addition to a strong group of freshmen and sophomores.  Inexperience at the point guard was a major problem for the season.  A knee injury placed the senior point guard on the bench for all but the last four games.  The Lady Statesmen were very competitive, losing nine of their 12 contests by ten or less points.  During the season, Jill Burson earned All-Tournament honors at Culver-Stockton, Winona State, and was the Tournament MVP at the William Penn Classic.  Kristina Slahorek was also an All-Tournament selection at William Penn.  Post-season honors went to Jill Burson for second-team all-conference and Kodak all-Central Regional.  Burson also joined Penn’s 1,000-Point Club with 1,028 points.  Team members were:  Jill Burson, Bobbi Gottula, Rachel Kanack, Tricia Nielsen, Kristin Waterbeck, Danielle Davis, Diana Roe, Angie Bush, Sheri Fuller, Lara Johnson, Jennifer Chambers, Kristina Slahorek, Diane Wonderly, and Angel Baker.

 

1992-93 (14-11)

The 1992-93 season saw a Lady Statesmen team with only one senior and one junior as the remainder of the team were underclassmen.  With only four returning letterwinners, Coach Smith’s 11th year as head coach was a challenge.  Although it was not as good a finish as it wanted, Penn was very competitive in the Iowa Conference.  During the season the only senior, Kristin Waterbeck, set the records for three-pointers made in a season with 46.  She also broke the school record for both the men and women’s teams with 112 career three-pointers made.  Her career record was actually set in three years as she did not attempt a single three-pointer her freshman year.  Kristin Waterbeck was also named to the second-team all-conference. Team members were:  Kristin Waterbeck, Molly Terry, Heather Seisinger, Michelle Schlenker, Kristina Slahorek, Angie Bush, Heather Sworski, Jennifer Chambers, Shelly Wilmes, and Karla Lilly.

 

1993-94 (13-12)

The 1993-94 season was a year of great promise.  The Lady Statesmen, were picked to finish at the bottom of the conference.  But Penn proved the naysayers wrong, competing for the league title all the way until the last weekend of play, eventually finishing in fourth place.  During the season, Coach Smith earned his 200th victory on February 19.  Almost a month before on January 14, William Penn entered the NCAA record books as only one of four NCAA Division III teams to have 500 wins in women’s basketball.  For the season, Shelly Wilmes moved to third in the record books for three-pointers made in a season, connecting on 34 attempts.  Jennifer Chambers was also named first-team all-conference.  Team members were:  Angie Bush, Sheri Fuller, Karla Lilly, Shelly Wilmes, Kristina Slahorek, Jennifer Chambers, Michelle Schlenker, Heather Seitsinger, Heather Lipper, Tara Ginsberg, Heather Sworski, and Sue Spielbauer.

 

1994-95 (12-12)

The 1994-95 season was one with high expectations for the Lady Statesmen.  They returned a lot of experience and added some key freshmen to the lineup.  However, the season was a rollercoaster ride and the Lady Statesmen finished tied for third in the tough IIAC at 7-9.  For the season, Jennifer Chambers became the 16th 1,000-point scorer.  She was named first-team all-conference, was placed on two All-Tournament teams, and earned IIAC Player of the Week honors once.  Michelle Schlenker was also picked once for IIAC Player of the Week recognition.  Heather Sworski was also named to an All-Tournament team during the season.  Shelly Wilmes tied Kristin Waterbeck’s school record for most three-pointers in a season with 46.  Team members were:  Jennifer Chambers, Michelle Schlender, Shelly Wilmes, Heather Seitsinger, Tammy Pawlowski, Erin McCauley, Heather Sworski, Sarah Warner, Sue Spielbauer, Heather Lipper, Jennifer Pepper, and Cybil Baker.

 

1995-96 (7-18)

The 1995-96 season was short on numbers (two freshmen, two sophomores, two juniors, and three seniors), but played very hard though the team failed to claim double-digit victories for the first time in program history.  Sue Spielbauer was named to the second-team all-conference and led the IIAC with a 53.1 three-point percentage.  She also led NCAA Division III in that category along with her 56 made three-pointers.  At the time, Spielbauer was also well on her way to breaking some career records. Team members were:  Meagan Linke, Michelle Nelson, Stephanie Tharp, Sue Spielbauer, Sarah Warner, Kristina Slahorek, Heather Sworski, Nicole Vadnais, and Jennifer Pepper.

 

1996-97 (5-20)

The 1996-97 season for the Lady Statesmen fell short of their goals for the year.  The team was young with just five seniors and two juniors, while there were twelve underclassmen.  Senior Sue Spielbauer finished first in the conference with 60 steals in 16 games.  She ranked fifth with 63 assists while placing second with a 44.6 three-point percentage, earning her second-team all-conference recognition.  Sue set two new career records for William Penn with 127 field goals made and a 38.2 three-point percentage.  Team members were:  Molly Pickering, Stephanie Carabajal, Nicole Vadnais, Hope Trimble, Jennifer Pepper, Karen Allan, Kelly Bandstra, Amy Buhr, Amy Kelce, Kristie Mannetter, Tiffany Templeton, Dabra Wasilewski, and Denise Wasilewski.

 

1997-98 (6-19)

The 1997-98 season was filled with ups and downs.  The win/loss columns reflected more of the down times.  Senior Jennifer Pepper broke into the elite 1,000/500 club with 1,000 points and 500 rebounds.  At the end of her career, she was recorded 1,234 points and 600 rebounds.  The team will graduate three seniors:  Karen Allan, Lynette Gudenkauf, and Jennifer Pepper.  They made 37.1 percent of their field goals, compared to the opponents 38.8%.  Their free-throw percentage was 65.7, compared to their opponents 63.5%.  The other members of the 1997-98 team included:  Jennifer Freemen (1st Sem.), Carey Hunt, Molly Pickering, Jaime Caba, Amanda Reifsteck, Megan Linke (2nd Sem.), Jessi Crouse, Dena Helfers, Nicole Vadnais (1st Sem.), Andrea Weber, and Christi Dauphin (2nd Sem.).

 

1998-99 (4-21)

The 1998-99 season improved as the year progressed.  Losing two returners at semester left the team with only two experienced players and seven freshmen.  As the team worked together they continued to improve.  Team members were: Senior Carey Hunt, Dena Helfers, Molly Pickering (1st Sem.), Andrea Weber (1st Sem.), Jayce Anderson, Kristin Coleman, Lakeisha Hines (1st Sem.), Tyra Jones, Melinda Kilzer, Megan Linke (1st Sem.), Jennifer Stehlik, Jessica Stehlik, and Melanie Terlouw.

 

1999-2000 (3-21, 2-18)

Team members included Mary King, Kristin Coleman, Wendy Lautner, Jessica Schairer, Tyra Jones, Molly Campbell, Jessica Stehlik, Teresa Waseskuk, Marquia Young, Nichole Steiner, Amy Kelce and Kristi Fetter. The squad, coached by Garey Smith and Becky Knowler, won games of Grinnell, Dubuque and Loras. Kelce was the lone senior.

 

2000-01 (1-23, 0-20)

Tom Burger was named the interim head coach in August after Smith left for Grand View.  Burger had little time to pull together enough athletes for a team but the roster included Lindsey Brueck, Emily Flaws, Melinda Kilzer, Wendy Lautner, Andrea McIntosh, Melissa Meng, Sarah Perotti, Brandi Pickett, Laurie Reynolds, Andrea Weber and Marquia Young. Lautner and Young were seniors. Penn defeated Augustana in the fifth game of the year. Lautner was named academic all-conference and first-team Verizon Academic All-America. She also received the Woody Hayes award representing NCAA Division III women athletes.

 

2001-02 (10-17, 4-10)

William Penn University, coached by Tom Burger, rejoined the NAIA and became a member of the Midwest Classic Conference after many years with the Iowa Conference and NCAA Division III. The roster included Lyndsay Anderson, Lindsay Brueck, Jessica Carson, Frances Curtis, Megan DeGering, Heather Ellis, Emily Flaws, Tricia Homann, Jen Howery, Hannah Lee, Kamisha Lewis, Trisha Merrill, Katie Monroe, Kim Morrill, Jessica Nelson, Alyson Neves, Ashley Olsen, Lisle Palmer, Emilea Patterson, Katie Perotti, Sky Schaudt, Christine Weingart, Amy Yarnell and Melissa Youngman. Homann was the lone senior after Sara Briggs departed from the team at mid-season. Briggs set a school record by going a perfect 10-10 at the free-throw line against St. Ambrose in December. Morrill was first-team all-conference and Weingart was honorable-mention all-conference. Briggs, Weingart and Morrill each earned MCC Player of the Week honors once.

 

2002-03 (11-18, 5-7)

Penn, coached by Tom Burger, finished fifth in the MCC and upset fourth-seeded Mt. Mercy in the league tourney before being ousted by Grand View, the first seed and 16th-rated team in the NAIA. The game was the last for Burger and six of his seniors including Katie Monroe, Jen Howery, Amy Yarnell, Heather Ellis, Kim Morrill and Kamisha Lewis. Also on the roster were Jenny Ogden, Monica Dickinson, Hannah Lee, Jessica Nelson, Erin Valenzuela, Emily Flaws, Kristina McNew, Melissa Youngman, Christine Weingart, Lyndsay Anderson, Julie Barton, Jess Carson, Frances Curtis, Jenna DeBrower, Trish Merrill, Ashley Olsen, Linsey Page and Lora Vaske. Six school records were set, but the most notable was Morrill setting an NAIA Division II record for 17 blocks in one game against Dubuque, December 12. The total is believed to be the third-best performance ever recorded for a woman and the fourth-best ever recorded for both men and women of all divisions. Flaws, Lee, Nelson, Ellis and Morrill were NAIA scholar-athletes and Weingart was first-team all-conference and Morrill was honorable-mention all-league. Weingart was named to the Wilcoxson/Al Kaly Shrine All-Tournament Team for her efforts in Pueblo, Colo. in November. Morrill was MCC Player of the Week twice, while Weingart and Ogden were named once each.


2003-04 (15-19, 6-8)
Under first-year coach Brian Spielbauer, the Lady Statesmen advanced to the MCC Tournament Finals for the first time since joining the league.  The team, which claimed the most victories for the program since 1989, eventually fell to St. Ambrose one game shy of reaching the NAIA National Tournament.  Four seniors departed from the program after the season, including Hannah Lee, Jessica Nelson, Christine Weingart, and Melissa Youngman.  Also on the roster were Jenny Ogden, Jacinta Ojinnaka, Jessica Carson, Erin Valenzuela, Trisha Merrill, Kristina McNew, Alexis Case, Nicole Baxter, Ashley Olsen, Amy Shroeder, Ciara Laboy, Christine Weingart, and Kisha Walkington.  Two school records were set, both by McNew.  The sophomore broke the program mark for three-pointers in a game with eight and in a season with 107.  Her 44.4 percentage from behind the arc also ranked her high in the national rankings.  McNew was a first-team all-MCC pick, while Laboy and Weingart were both honorable mentions.  Seven players earned academic all-MCC honors and three of them (Lee, Nelson, and Youngman) garnered NAIA Scholar-Athlete recognition.  McNew was also named to the Judson College All-Tournament Team for her efforts in Elgin, Ill., in December.

2004-05 (10-22, 5-9)
Despite struggling from the field most of the year, the Lady Statesmen, under Brian Spielbauer, finished the conference slate strong with three consecutive wins, but had its season ended abruptly by Waldorf in the first round of the MCC Tournament.  Jessica Carson, Trista Kolder, Ciara Laboy, Ashley Olsen, Kisha Walkington graduated from the program.  Other roster members included Kari Boscaljon, Kristina McNew, Jenny Ogden, April Love, Angela Bourrage, Robyn Parker, Alexis Case, Carrie Parker, Amy Schroeder, and Tanya Mammen.  McNew, just a junior, finished the season with 292 points for a three-year total of 993, seven points shy of 1,000 points for her career.  Kolder earned all-MCC honors in addition to being named Newcomer of the Year.  She was also MCC Co-Player of the Week on February 21.  Boscaljon and McNew both collected honorable-mention laurels in the league.  Boscaljon garnered NAIA Scholar-Athlete recognition, while three players earned academic honors from Region VII and seven Lady Statesmen athletes took home academic all-MCC marks.

 

2005-06 (12-18, 6-8)
The Lady Statesmen, under third-year head coach Brian Spielbauer, had several strong points during the season as a post presence developed with senior Angela Bourrage and sophomore Latasha Pendleton, two of the team’s top three scorers.  This happened even without the services of 2004-05 all-MCC performer Kari Boscaljon for much of the year (Boscaljon was lost after the sixth game of the season due to an injury).  Penn eventually concluded the year by falling to Mount Mercy in the first round of the MCC Tournament.  Boscaljon, Bourrage, Brittney Crocker, April Love, and Jenny Ogden all graduated from the program.  Ogden, a four-year letterwinner, finished among the top ten in several career categories, including being second in field goal attempts and three point attempts.  Other varsity roster members included Pendleton, Carrie Parker, Maria Romano, Robyn Parker, Shawna Quevedo, Heidi Belless, Serenity Brown, Tiffany Thomas, Erica Raspberry, Rashawn Rupe, Brittiany Cook, Lindsey Wilson, and Danielle Fowler.  Bourrage, Love, and Pendleton all secured all-MCC honorable mentions.  Academically, Penn was well-represented with four on the all-MCC team (Boscaljon, Bourrage, Ogden, and Carrie Parker) and two on the all-Region VII team (Boscaljon and Ogden).

2006-07 (3-27, 1-13)
The Lady Statesmen, under fourth-year head coach Brian Spielbauer, struggled throughout the season.  Carrie Parker led the team in scoring with a 10.5 average, while Latasha Pendleton averaged 5.7 rebounds per contest.  Penn, who had its lone winning streak of two in November, concluded the season with a loss to St. Ambrose in the first round of the MCC Tournament.  Penn did not have any representatives on the all-conference team, but the team had considerable success in the academic realm.  Brittney Crocker, Carrie Parker, Shawna Quevedo, and Maria Romano all earned academic all-conference laurels, while Parker and Laci Tarbell were academic all-Region VII performers.

2007-08 (15-16, 6-10)
The Lady Statesmen, under fifth-year head coach Brian Spielbauer, began to move back up the conference ladder, finishing seventh in the nine-team standings.  Freshman Christa Subbert led the team with a 13.3 point average and a 7.6 rebound average.  Penn opened the year at 2-0, but later gained a victory through a forfeit, so was actually 3-0 at the beginning of the season.  The team’s biggest win came against then-#31 Iowa Wesleyan 77-73 in overtime.  The Lady Statesmen lost to Grand View in the first round of the MCC Tournament to close the campaign.  Subbert and Parker garnered honorable-mention all-MCC honors, while Parker, Melissa Johnson, Chandra Melaragno, and Shannon Saunders earned academic all-MCC laurels.  Parker, a four-year letterwinner, finished among the top ten in several career categories, including being second in free throws made, second in three-point attempts, third in free throw attempts, third in three-pointers made, and ninth in field goal attempts.  Other varsity team members included Veronica Henton, Ashlee McClure, Tibisa Thor, Laura Olson, Rashawn Rupe, Lindsey Edgeman, Tiffany Thomas, Janice Adams, Kim Lambert, Kristin Shields, and Ashley Tindrell.