Gradual improvement will be key for The College of Wooster women's basketball team under second-year head coach Mary Kate Tierney.

The Scots will look to improve upon a 4-22 overall record and a 3-13 North Coast Athletic Conference record. And with six of the 13 roster members on this year's team being newcomers, Wooster will rely on the leadership of returning starting juniors, Harley Holloway and Alyssa Chritz.

"I'm excited; this group is coachable. They are picking things up quickly, while consistently demonstrating a competitive spirit." Tierney said. "This team comes in everyday with a level of focus, energy, and determination to better themselves, and the team as a whole. They understand the goals we have laid out as a program and realize the hard work that is necessary for us to achieve those goals.

"I am truly excited about this team, and I am looking forward to seeing our team's development over the course of the year."

Tierney hopes to take some of the pressure off Holloway, who will surely be squared in on by opposing teams. The junior was an All-NCAC Honorable Mention a year ago, leading the team with 12.9 points per game and was one of three who played in all 26 games. 

She also led the team with 30 steals and reached double figures in scoring in 18 games.

Chritz will also be an important piece. She was effective having played in just 18 games a year ago, averaging 6.7 points and a team-high 7.7 rebounds per game.

However, it will take a group effort for this year's team to be successful. The fresh faces will help, but they will need time to develop. Hence, Tierney is taking it one step at a time.

"It is about setting small goals that build to the larger accomplishments. Can we get one percent better every day? Can we continuously take steps forward as a team and learn from the adversity we will inevitable encounter? Can we work together to grow from those struggles, instead of letting those setbacks affect our progress? If we can do those things, then ultimately, we will achieve team success." Tierney said.

This year will feature Tierney's first recruiting class at The College of Wooster. She is going to have to replace three starters, including the team's starting point guard in Masani Francis.

She also needed to address the size issue as Chritz at 5'9" last year was the squad's tallest player. Tierney brought in two taller players from within Ohio in first-years Ella Biondi and Avery Bussey.

First-year Mia Walker will learn on the fly at the point guard position, while Ella Dean and Chloe Pordash will have to help Mia, while also providing depth at the off-guard positions as well.  

The final first-year, Erica Beaty, is a dual-sport athlete at The College, currently seeing time on the field with the women's soccer team.

"Our first years are going to have to make an impact for us right away," Tierney said. "It is imperative we put an emphasis on connecting and communicating to focus on closing the gap between the youth/inexperience we have with the returning experience and leadership. I believe we have done a pretty good job of closing that gap thus far, but we have to continue to unify throughout the course of our season." 

Joining Holloway and Chritz from the junior class are Carter Pepa and Alex Walker, who both saw limited playing time last year.

Then the Scots have three seniors in Namara Rwakatare, Riley Thorr and Paige Wells. Thorr played in all 26 games last year, while Wells started in the last 11 games of the season.

"Our success is going to be based on working together as one. Utilizing our individual strengths, our experiences, to getting the very best out of each other to achieve our goals." Tierney added.

Wooster opens the season against Franciscan University on Nov. 9 before coming home to host the Nan Nichols Classic starting on Nov. 19. They open NCAC play January 4 versus Oberlin College.