2002 Miracle Yearbook

CU /vomens basketball When the Cedarville University Women's Basketball team took the court for the first time on a cool November evening, expectations were not too high for the team with a new coach. Not even the Lady Jacket players expected to compile a 20 win season, but in the first year ofKirk Martin's collegiate coaching career they set a school record with 23 wins. Coach Martin came from Southeastern High School where he notched 297 wins and a state title in thirteen years of coaching. The Lady Jackets adjusted well to his coaching style and put together a tremendous year. The Lady Jackets finished the season with a 23-10 record (15-5 in the AMC). They slaughtered Notre Dame ofOhio 97-51 to win their 20th game for the first time in Cedarville Women's Basketball history. Led by posts Kirsten Rossotti(19.6 points per game)and Molly Earley(9.2 points per game),the Lady Jackets went 16-3 in their last 19 games and 12-2 in their final 14 Kari Flunker fights hard to keep possession of the ball. 50 Athletics conference matches. They responded well to a slow start as their interior game developed and began to dominate. Kirsten Rossotti earned American MidEast Conference Player ofthe Year and NAIA Division II All- American Second Team honors. Additionally,freshman Kari Flunker (13.6 points per game)and sophomore Julie Stauffer(14.5 points per game) played well from the guard positions. Stauffer received NCCAA All- American Second Team honors. The Lady Jackets hosted rival Saint Vincent and beat them for their first playoffwin but fell to top seeded Shawnee State in overtime. In the NCCAA playoffs, they fell in a semi- final match to Spring Arbor. The team grew throughout the season and looks to continue their winning play next season. "Our team has incredible chemistry and really came together, which made the season a true success," Earley said. The Yellow Jackets play a tough confer- ence schedule, so they are constantly challenged to work hard for the win. The team joins together to re- group and refocus before heading back on the court. Julie Stauffer looks around for help from her other teammates.