EUGENE, Ore. – The 2023-24 women's basketball season is officially underway as Bushnell University begins their campaign with a trip to Montana this week.   

The Beacons finished 17-11 overall and 14-8 in Cascade Collegiate Conference action last season, falling to Oregon Tech in the CCC Quarterfinals. The CCC will be strong once again as three teams are represented in the NAIA Women's Basketball Preseason Poll: No. 11 Lewis-Clark State College, No. 16 Eastern Oregon University and (RV) Southern Oregon University. 

Bushnell enters with a roster of nine this season, returning two of their top-three scorers in Aspen Slifka and Libby Mathis. In addition to six returners, four of which saw the floor in every game last season, the Beacons added three newcomers. 

Sixth-year Head Coach Chad Meadors has strategically managed a smaller roster size, utilizing a "practice squad" consisting of assistant coaches and non student-athletes in a similar way to past seasons.

Meadors said, "I have some young assistant coaches that have been able to fill the gaps so we are able to get out and play five-on-five. It's really beneficial because you get to use your entire rotation alongside a group of coaches and students on campus who have learned what we are trying to do and have fully immersed themselves in what we are doing. It's been a cool process learning how to execute and play to our standards both offensively and defensively, while bringing in some people on campus that help broaden our relationships."

RETURNERS

Six returners make up the 2023-24 roster, including senior Aly Mirabile. Mirabile, a two-year starter, played in all 28 games as a junior. She averaged six points per contest and was second in the conference in assists per game (3.7).

"Aly has been a huge part of our program for the last three years," said Meadors. "She is a tremendous defender and we are depending on her to do a lot of things for us. She is a playmaker and it's exciting to watch her grow as a scorer. She's embraced her role and I love what I've seen so far."

Ayden Krupke, a sophomore guard, is expected to see a significant increase in time on the floor this season. She played in 16 games as a freshman, averaging 5.2 minutes per contest.

Coach Meadors spoke highly of her athleticism. He said, "She is kind of like an unbridled horse. She is super athletic and can do things a lot of players can't. She can be a force. You give her the ball and she can get her shot, score the ball, and defensively she can be a huge difference maker."

Libby Mathis holds an impressive 53.2% field-goal percentage through three seasons. She played in 27 games as a junior, averaging eight points and 6.2 rebounds per game. She led the conference in field-goal percentage (.533) and ranked fifth in blocks per game (1.6).

"Libby is growing leaps and bounds," said Meadors. "She was a force against Western Washington and had her way down on the floor against a future pro. She is definitely a focal point for us and her confidence is growing. We are going to be leaning on her at times to be a difference maker on both ends of the floor and she is very capable."

A four-time First Team All-CCC honoree who is second on Bushnell's all-time scoring list, Aspen Slifka, returns for her fifth season. She has played in 98 games in her career, averaging 13.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.

Meadors said, "Aspen has been an anchor for us for four years. From a leadership standpoint, she has done a good job of saying the right things, being an example first, having patience at the right time and holding the line when it needs to be held. She has been one of our best players every year she's been here. I'm excited for her to have another great year."

Junior Mandy Sisul made a positive impact in her first season with the Beacons, playing in all 28 games and leading the team in three-point shooting (.371). 

"Mandy came back this offseason in unbelievable shape. She has improved her shot leaps and bounds and has been in the gym all summer. Every time she shoots, I think the ball is going in. She has been in a boot for most of the fall but has done a great job of staying engaged, asserting herself and helping out our incoming players. She has created the blueprint on how you should stay engaged in a program while you're not on the floor playing."

Taylor Reed redshirted her freshman season due to injury. Meadors said, "Taylor is coming off a broken foot that effectively took her freshman year away. She was establishing herself in our rotation before she went out so I'm hoping for the best and that we get her back shortly. Her tenacity and aggressiveness is something that we really can use."

NEWCOMERS

One of three newcomers, Liv Tjoelker brings in valuable experience to Beacon roster, coming off stints at The Master's University and Skagit Valley College. 

"Liv has been an absolute godsend," said Meadors. "Her positive, inspiring, and uplifting nature has rubbed off on all of us. She has been the glue that has brought us all closer together and our players look to her for stability and reassurance. On top of that, it helps that she can play. She is a prepper, a studier, and is engaged in this full process. I'm pumped to be able to hand those duties off to her and she makes me relaxed when the ball is in her hands."

Samairah Quinones and Kiley Campos represent the freshmen, joining Bushnell from local high schools. Quinones played at Creswell HS, while Campos comes from Pleasant Hill HS.

Meadors said, "Sam has a great personality and outgoing nature. She is learning everyday and because of our small roster, her and Kylie get the benefit of learning on the job. I love how Sam picks up things and how coachable she is. When it's time to play, she doesn't overthink, she just plays and is not afraid to make mistakes. She has really accepted her role and at the same time, she is hungry."

"I love Kiley's intensity and how hard she plays," said Meadors. "She is going to be a really good defender for us and at the college level, that's the hardest thing to figure out. When I think of Kylie, I think of toughness. She is not afraid to stick her nose in there and get knocked around a little bit. We need somebody to come in and take the charges."

SCHEDULE

Bushnell opens the non-conference season on the road in Dillon, Montana where they will take on Montana Western and Montana Tech. Montana Western, who is receiving votes in the NAIA Women's Basketball preseason poll, advanced to the NAIA National Tournament Quarterfinals last season.

The Beacons will have just one home game during the non-conference slate, hosting Linfield University on November 11. Conference play will begin on December 1-2 at Warner Pacific and Multnomah.