Lady Crusaders have strong team chemistry, desire to compete
The Elk County Catholic Lady Crusaders ended their 20222023 season with a tough four-point loss to eventual state champion Union Area in the second round of the PIAA 1A girls’ basketball playoffs. Lady Crusader head coach Ken Pistner remarked that the team hopes to “use the experience gained by realizing our weaknesses and working hard to improve in those areas” this season.
Pistner has been coaching varsity for 23 years and shared that, this season, he was excited to get back in the gym and work with the team to help them achieve their goals.
“This team can achieve a lot, but they have to take one practice and one game at a time,” Pistner said. “I like their mindset and desire to compete. We have good team chemistry with a good mix of seniors and underclassmen.”
Making up the Lady Crusader varsity team this year are six seniors, two juniors, and four sophomores. Senior members of the team are Lucy Klawuhn, a 5-6 guard; Samantha Straub, a 5-6 guard; Sydney Alexander, a 5-10 forward; Tori Newton, a 5-9 forward; Emily Mourer, a 5-11 center; and Gracee Breindel, a 5-6 forward. Juniors on the team are Gina Geci, a 5-6 guard; and Mya Pistner, a 5-6 guard. Sophomore members of the squad are Sofiya Cherry, a 5-8 forward; Payton Newton, a 5-7 forward; Lena Polaski, a 5-10 forward; and Rachael Vanslander, a 5-6 guard.
Pistner stated that he was not only looking forward to getting in the gym and working with the studentathletes to use their God-given talent to the best of their abilities, he was also hoping to help them become the best players and teammates possible.
“Having said that, our expectations are high,” Pistner said. “We are going to embrace those expectations and challenge ourselves. This group has accomplished a lot over the past several years, but they are not satisfied.”
Pistner cited the experience of his players as being one of his squad’s biggest strengths, while one of their challenges will be taking things one practice and one game at a time.
Pistner also shared that when he asked his players what they are most looking forward to this season, they responded that they are looking forward to becoming good teammates with positive mindsets and pushing each other to become better players and a better team.
Pistner encouraged community members to come support the Lady Crusaders this season.
“You will see a team that is athletic and unselfish,” Pistner said. “They work hard and play hard.”
Assisting Pistner this season are Alec Pistner, Maggie Dinsmore, and Vicky Straub.
This year’s junior
varsity Lady Crusader team is made up of four sophomores and six freshmen. Sophomore members of the squad are Rachael Vanslander, a 5-6 guard; Sofiya Cherry, a 5-8 forward; Lena Polaski, a 5-10 forward; and Jenna Schatz, a 5-10 forward. Freshmen on the team are Josie Hetrich, a 5-4 guard; Bailey Thorwart, a 5-6 guard; Arianna Gurosik, a 5-6 forward; Katie Straub, a 5-6 guard; Maggie Toncich, a 5-8 forward; and Joanna Daurado, a 5-4 guard.