New year, new look for Marauders

A new season brings a new look for the University of Mary women's basketball team.

Last season, the Marauders could rely on a trio of veterans including NSIC player of the year Lexie Schneider to lead the way. With Schneider, Megan Zander and Mariah McKeever no longer around to lean on, other players will get their chance to take over.

"It was very comforting last year to have night in and night out, three people on our roster who could get you 20 points a night," Marauders coach Rick Neumann said. "It was truly a blessing to have. That is the curiosity for this year."

"It's fun to have some newness, some of that youthful energy in practice that we haven't had. There's the promise for new opportunities for some people."

Several returning players will see expanded roles, led by sophomore guard Bergan Kinnebrew. The Century grad played well last season off the bench and was named the Marauders' Player to Watch in the NSIC.

"We're counting on Bergan to take a big step forward, to be that bucket-getter," Neumann said. "She showed that potential last year in the 20 minutes a night she played and she showed it in the way she played in the Northern Sun tournament."

Two starters return for U-Mary in guard Ryleigh Wacha and forward Addison Rozell. Key reserves back include Kinnebrew, Moriku Hakim, Chloe Pfau, Zoe Velde and Cassie Erickson.

"We have some upper-level kids that have been around the block a little but we also have some talented kids in our freshman and sophomore class that will get a chance," Neumann said.

The Marauders tip off the 2024-25 season on Thursday night, hosting Dickinson State at 6 p.m. at the McDowell Activity Center.

Freshman Eden Fridley, a Century grad, will open the season as the starting point guard.

"She came in and won the job with her defensive ball pressure," Neumann said. "She has athleticism we haven't had at that position in a while with her length."

Sophomore Emily Jaenke, a redshirt last year, will get minutes, along with Anna Lenzen, a sophomore from Chaska, Minn., and Pfau, a sophomore from West Fargo.

Ava Interrante, a grad transfer from Valparaiso, is another new addition.

"We were looking at her to maybe help out at point guard, but with Eden stepping in, she'll slide over and grab a spot on the wing," Neumann said. "She's played D-I for four years, she's looked great so far."

The Marauders got three outside competitions in while preparing for the opener, and Neumann likes his team's depth and ability to push the pace.

"So far, our strength is full-court play, offensively and defensively," Neumann said. "We want to increase the tempo. We have a lot of great athletes on the perimeter, so the transition from defense to offense should allow us to get some points from our defense."

"We can play a little faster. In the preseason competitions, we were shooting 41 percent on threes. We have more capable shooters this year. We have a bunch of players who make shots from the outside. Overall, 1 to 10, we're more athletic, playing faster and spreading the wealth."

A faster-paced, more diverse attack will be a key.

"We're counting on Bergan to be the main scorer, but we have a lot of people that can lead the team in scoring on a given night," Neumann said. "The diversity of our offense and our depth should let us play a fun style of basketball and be up and down the court."

Defending national champion Minnesota State-Mankato is the preseason favorite in the NSIC, with Northern State and Concordia-St. Paul among the top contenders.

The Marauders were picked ninth in the preseason coaches poll.

"I think the league will grow," Neumann said. "The bottom of the league was really young last year and they should get better with a year of experience. We have a chance to be better than our preseason ranking. We'll enjoy having a chance to prove people wrong."

"If we buy into weaponizing that depth we have and playing to win by committee, we have a chance to have a successful season."

Reach sports editor Scott Throlson at