The St. Thomas women’s basketball team graduated eight seniors from last year’s roster – including seven of its top nine scorers – and despite the departures, coach Ruth Sinn and the Tommies are trying to repeat last season’s success.

St. Thomas won 30 straight games before bowing out in the quarterfinal round of the NCAA playoffs with a 75-58 loss to Thomas More (Kentucky). Sinn, who’s heading into her 11th season as the Tommies’ coach, said the lack of experience is a matter of concern, but also a great reason to be excited.

“Losing that kind of leadership and that kind of offensive power is a little concerning, but that’s also what the beauty of education is about,” Sinn said. “New players have an opportunity to step up and bring their gifts and to bring their talents.”

With 12 freshmen on the roster, 6-foot-3 center Kaitlin Langer may be one player Sinn will lean on this year. Langer averaged 3.6 points per game and hauled in 2.2 rebounds backing up center Maggie Weiers.

“She is a very dominant player,” Sinn said. “She’s doing a really good job of taking her time, playing angles.”

This year’s roster includes just one starter, point guard Katie Stone, from last season. Stone was named to the first team All-MIAC squad, averaged 8.6 points per game and started all 31 games. Forward Mykenzie Spaulding joins Stone as the only two seniors on the roster. Stone said the focus this year will be communication.

“Having a group of leaders like we did last year has given me three years of mentorship and left me with a strong background on what it means to lead a team to success,” Stone said. “Communication between the coaching staff, my teammates and our fans will be a key to our season and reaching our full potential.”

Despite the roster changes, Langer is confident in the team this season.

“Coach Sinn has made it very clear what is needed from each and every one of us in order for us to succeed,” Langer said. “As long as everyone on the team is performing their role to the best of their ability, we will be very successful.”

Sinn says she’s looking forward to seeing what the team can do this season.

“I think you’re going to see from game to game – and I know I’ve already seen it from practice to practice – some big steps that they’ve taken. It’ll be fun,” Sinn said.

St. Thomas will open the season at home on Nov. 14 against St. Norbert (Wisconsin).

Jack Burke can be reached at jtburke@stthomas.edu.