After a 2010-2011 campaign that saw Thiel's women's basketball team struggle to a 5-21 mark, the program looks to rebound in a big way in 2011-2012. There is a sense of optimism heading into the season, and much of that centers on the return of seniors Ashley Davis (Cleveland, Ohio/St. Peter Chanel) and Rianne Thornton (Trotwood, Ohio/Trotwood-Madison).

Much is to be expected of the talented pair not only for their performances on the court, but also for their leadership and the enthusiasm they bring to the program each day. Thiel returns eight players from last year's squad and has welcomed an additional seven newcomers to the program.

So what does that all add up to? Third-year head coach Angie Zeuch believes it to be a terrific blend of talent, experience, and potential. With the return of Davis and Thornton, Zeuch hopes this combination will help the Tomcats battle in the always competitive Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC). 

Last season Davis appeared in 17 games, making starts in 16 of those. Ashley has played in 66 games throughout her career and has been a starter in 64 of them. Last season she finished third on the team in points scored (11.2 ppg) and second in rebounds (8.0 rpg). Thornton led the Tomcats in both assists (74) and steals (75) and was second on the team in three-point percentage (.400). She averaged 6.2ppg and 4.0rpg during the 2010-2011 season. Rianne has appeared in 68 games and has earned starts in 45.

"Ashley (Davis) and Rianne (Thornton) have a sense of urgency going into this season and have made that known since last spring. As seniors and starters for the past three years, their leadership on and off the court will again be crucial for a young team," said Zeuch.

Forward Kelly Barzak (Warren, Ohio/Howland) is also expected to return and to set a tone for the Tomcats. The 6-1 junior is coming off an excellent sophomore campaign in which she finished third among conference counterparts in field goal percentage (.490), fourth in rebounding (7.9rpg), and ninth in scoring (12.0ppg). Barzak concluded the season leading the PAC in blocked shots per game (2.86bpg).

Barzak also broke the school record for career blocks (128) last season, surpassing Thiel College Athletic Hall of Fame member Cindy Bynum's 120, set between 1984-1988. For her efforts she was named an honorable mention on last season's all-PAC squad.

Another returning veteran expected to lift the fortunes of the Tomcats is junior Kelly Muffley (Salsburg, Pa./Western Reserve Academy). Muffley led the team in scoring last season (11.6ppg), finished third in rebounding (4.4rpg), and was tops in three-point field goal makes (37) while ranking third in the PAC in three-point field goal percentage (.398). Muffley also recorded a double-double (28 points, 11 rebounds) against Saint Vincent College (1/22/11) and knocked down three game-winning shots over the course of the season.

"Kelly (Barzak) and Kelly (Muffley) are two players that a coach wants to have on the floor. We will need not only their offensive contribution but also their poise," said Zeuch.

News faces to the Tomcat squad are junior Julia Monteleone (Avon, Ohio/Avon) and freshmen Cimone Reid (Toledo, Ohio/Ottawa Hills) and Lexi Coleman (Braddock, Pa./Woodland Hills).

Monteleone transferred to Thiel from Loraine County Community College where she was selected as an All-Ohio Community College Athletic Conference honorable mention as a freshman. Reid, selected as a Division III Associated Press (AP) All-District Special Mention in Ohio's Northwest district, tallied 104 points as a senior (11.6ppg) and averaged 4.4 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game. Coleman was named to the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) All-Section team as a senior, receiving the most votes in her section from coaches of the WPIAL and city league coaches. She averaged 14.9 points per game.

This season, the Tomcats look to up their tempo and push the ball up the floor.

"We will need to learn how to use our speed to our advantage while limiting turnovers. We have, and we will continue to, put a lot of emphasis on fitness and the depth of the team should help our pace stay consistent," said Zeuch.

As the team takes to the floor for their preseason program, Zeuch is looking forward to a fun and exciting season.

"I have the pleasure of coaching a class of juniors and seniors who were freshmen and sophomore starters when I first started here. I am looking forward to seeing how this core group of players leads their team and this program to a new level. The seven newcomers this year are definitely here for a reason and are ultimately going to be a key part of our success."