The Briar Cliff Women’s basketball team is embracing lofty expectations heading into the new season. NAIA Second Team All American Konnor Sudmann, all everything guard Payton Slaughter, and the GPAC’s Co Defensive Player of the year Kennedy Benne return from last year’s team that made the round of 16 at the national championships in Sioux City.

That is second year coach Brian Ortmeyer. Entering her fifth and final season for the Chargers Payton Slaughter will once again be the floor general after averaging 10.8 points per game, 7.1 rebounds, and having handed out over three assists per outing. The decision to play this season was easy for Slaughter acknowledging her “love for the game” but it’s her teammates that brought her back. Players like Sudmann, and Kennedy Benne, who still amaze Slaughter at times.

While Kennedy Benne was the third leading scorer with 11.9 points per game, it’s her defense that is in a league of its own. Benne was the conference co-defensive player of the year after recording 82 steals last season while often being matched with the opposing teams leading scorer. With many of the team’s goals focused on the defensive side of the ball Benne is ready to get to work.

The season begins on November 3rd for Briar Cliff in McPherson, Kansas against Manhattan Christian College.