The Cedarville University women’s basketball season begins today when the Lady Jackets play in the Bellarmine Classic in Louisville, Ky., and coach Kirk Martin’s squad is ready to embark on its first-ever official NCAA Division II schedule.

Cedarville will be tested from the opening tip of the campaign when they meet Ferris State at 5 p.m. today. The Bulldogs are 24th in the USA Today Sports/ESPN Division II Top 25 Coaches Poll and are picked to win the North Division of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference for a second consecutive year. The Lady Jackets face either the host Knights or Kentucky State on Saturday evening.

Martin, in his 12th season, returns four starters from last year’s 24-8 team that won the seven-team Ohio Independent Championship (OIC) and finished runner-up in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) national tournament.

Martin is confident heading into the upcoming 26-game slate.

“We have no seniors and return a group of experienced players plus a quality freshman class,” he said. “Our practices have been competitive and we are ready for our first full DII season.

“Our schedule is going to be a challenge, and it should be. With everyone back next year, we want to know and understand what it takes to not just play but beat the top teams in the country.”

Kayla Jenerette, a 5-foot 4 junior guard, highlights the list of returnees. She led the team in scoring (16.2 points per game) and three-point shooting (63-of-155, .406) while earning NCCAA All-America First Team honors and OIC Player of the Year recognition.

Second-leading scorer Deborah Gordon, a 5-11 guard/forward, returns after a successful rookie campaign. Gordon tossed in 10.3 points per game and paced the team on the boards with 6.1 rebounds per contest.

Sophomore Raegan Ryan, a 5-5 guard, averaged 9.6 points while topping the shooting charts with a .415 3-point mark and an .886 free-throw percentage.

Four freshmen will add depth to this year’s roster. Ohioans Jenna Erwin (Southeastern High School), Kayla Linkous (Tri-Village), Whitney Robinson (Greenon) along with Taylor Vander Plas (Ripon, Wisc.) bring talent and enthusiasm to the program.

Martin said there are several keys to another successful year.

“We run the floor well, and we shoot the ball well,” he said. “Our season will come down to rebounding and smart, physical play.

“As always, the most important aspect of our season will be that we represent Christ in a way that honors Him and glorifies His name.”

The home opener in the Callan Athletic Center takes place Nov. 13 against Oakland City. Wilberforce follows on Nov. 17.

Cedarville will contend for the first-ever Great Midwest Athletic Conference title. They play home-and-away series with league members Central State, Trevecca Nazarene, Urbana and Ursuline.