The pollsters agree. Both the AP and coaches polls have the Oregon State Women's basketball team ranked 8th in the country. They could be even higher if they had finished the job against Notre Dame Thanksgiving weekend in Vancouver B.C. Scott Rueck was disappointed in the outcome but undaunted by the fact his team always improves as the season progresses. Just look at last season. A trip to the Elite Eight when most observers thought it was going to be a rebuilding year.
Next up for the 6-1 Beavs the Broncos of Santa Clara on Sunday at Gill and then a trip to Maui for two games the following weekend against Eastern Washington and Texas A and M.
Without WNBA first round pick Marie Gulich on the roster anymore the Beavs are looking to fill that post spot. So far its been a group effort.
Let's take a look at this 2018-19 roster and how they are performing so far.
SENIORS-
Jo Grymek- The 6-8 inch Center from Krakow, Poland has played 17.3 minutes per game and is averaging 6.3 points and 5-4 rebounds. She continues to work on improving her strength under the basket.
Katie McWilliams- One of the Beavers most complete players....the South Salem High School product is one of four Beavers averaging double figures. Katie is right at ten and she continues to increase her aggressive approach in the paint to complement her tremendous 3-point shooting. Its early but right now she is 11-17 from long distance. A not too shabby 64 percent.
JUNIORS-
Janessa Thropay- Janessa has been patient. In her first two years at Oregon State she played very little. But her ability to rebound and play tough defense has impressed the coaching staff. So far she is averaging 14.4 minutes per game and has 20 rebounds.
Maddie Washington- Maddie played the post in the recent blowout win over La Salle 100-46. She had impressive numbers scoring eight points and pulling down nine rebounds
Kat Tudor- One of the nation's top three-point shooters...Kat has worked on other aspects of her game and it is showing. In that La Salle victory she had 24 points and nine rebounds. She has vastly improved her ability to drive to the basket creating confusion for opposing teams defenses. She leads the Beavs with 22 3 Ptrs.
Mikayla Pivec- Mikayla is versatility. She can play any position on the court. So far she is the team leader in minutes played (30.1 per game) Steals (13) Rebounds (62/8.9 per game) Second in Assists (28) and Second in scoring (14.6)
SOPHOMORES-
Destiny Slocum- Destiny is a dream for any coach wanting a dynamic individual at Point Guard. She is quick and decisive and steps up the pace of the Beaver offense at ease. She can drive the paint and hit the deep three. She leads the team in scoring at 15.4 points per game and is first in assists at 41.
Aleah Goodman- The LaSalle HS grad is confident and talented at either the point guard or off guard position. She has already contributed a four-three pointer game and is one of four Beavs in double digits in the three-point category.
Taya Corosdale- Taya was outstanding as a Freshman but has taken her game to the next level. She can hit the baseline three or drive to the basket with ease. Her aggressiveness has paid off early in the season for Oregon State and she produced her first double-double of the season against La Salle with 11 points and ten boards
FRESHMAN -
Andrea Aquino- The 6'9" Freshman is red-shirting this season
Jasmine Simmons- The guard from Australia had her most productive game as a college basketball player against La Salle. She played 17 minutes and scored 11 points.
Patricia Morris- She has played sparingly in the first seven games but does have ten rebounds to her credit.
The Beavers face Santa Clara Sunday for the first time since the 2006 WNIT when they beat the Broncos 77-48. The game can be heard on the Tune In APP. Just go to osubeavers.com and Women's Basketball...Click on audio.