WINONA LAKE – The graduation of All-American frontliner Allison Kauffman has left a huge hole in the lineup for Grace College's women's basketball team. Leading the Lady Lancers to an 18-17 record, including a 9-9 mark in the always-rugged Crossroads League, Kauffman averaged nearly 18 points and nine rebounds per game last season. She concluded her career second on the program's all-time list for points (1,7894) and rebounds (945). Don't feel sorry for coach Scott Blum, though, as he has quite the player to fill the void in the post, as well as plenty of experience and talent at the guard position. “Losing Alli will be a lot, not only what she gave us on the floor points-wise, but creating shots for others,” said Blum, now in his 12th season with the Lady Lancers. “The exciting thing is I hope Haley Richardson can step up for Alli. She's a 6-3 transfer from Ball State that was here in January, so she got to practice all semester. It's not like she's coming in totally unaware of Grace and what we're about in our program. She's kind of acclimated to what’s going on and knows some of the offense.” Richardson scored 920 points during her prep career at West Noble High School, where she played with current Grace College sophomore guard Kelsie Peterson, before playing her freshman season in the Mid-American Conference with the Ball State Cardinals. Blum said with her length and ability to run the floor, Richardson could be a force in the tough 10-team Crossroads League, which has produced two of the past three NAIA Division II women's national champions in Indiana Wesleyan (2013) and St. Francis (2014). “Just her ability to run the floor ... she can defend all five positions on the floor with her athletic ability,” Blum said of Richardson. “She's probably gonna be able to run the floor a little more than Alli, and do some other things. They're a little different as players, but until Haley plays I don't have any idea how she's going to fill Alli's shoes.” The Lady Lancers open the season Saturday with a 1 p.m. game at Holy Cross, and the good news is Richardson won't have to shoulder the load alone. Returning for her fourth season at the starting point guard position is Gabby Miller, formerly Gabby Bryant and now married to former Grace College All-American Greg Miller. Along with Miller, senior Kelsey Sule, junior Darian Patton and Peterson have plenty of experience in the backcourt. Seniors Sarah Feasby and Jesse Feitz and junior Chloe Pridgen will provide depth in the front court. “We've got a great mixture of veterans coming back and youth,” said Blum. “We lost some good players, but with the talent coming back, and the players we brought in, we're excited to see how things play out.” Others on the Lady Lancers’ roster include juniors Catherine Weaver and Hannah Adams, sophomore Jenna Kieper, and freshmen Maycee Davis, Brook Sugg, Lauren Godfrey and Pam Miller, a former Warsaw Community High School player. “We have a lot of returning talent already on the team and then we added some key pieces,” said Blum. “They’ve gelled together very well and are meshing as a group, which is great to see. I’m excited to see what this group can accomplish.” After Saturday’s game at Holy Cross, the Lady Lancers will open their home schedule by hosting IU-South Bend at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Grace opens Crossroads League play Nov. 24 with a trip to Taylor University.
