The Dawgs return eight of their top-10 scorers from last season. Photo courtesy of Butler Athletics.
DAVID JACOBS | ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR | drjacobs@butler.edu
The women’s basketball team will tip off its third season under head coach Austin Parkinson on Nov. 1 when they play host to National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Taylor University.
Coming off their best season since 2020, Butler has high expectations that they will start striving for against the Trojans.
Here is what you will need to know before Butler tips off against Taylor:
Who: Butler vs.Taylor
When: Nov. 1, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Hinkle Fieldhouse
How to watch: ButlerSports.com (Statbroadcast)
Missing a star in action
Junior guard Jordan Meulemans will be sidelined for the entirety of the season with a knee injury.
Meulemans, a 42% three-point shooter, averaged 8.1 points per game last season and held the crown as one of the best shooters in the country.
In Meulemans’ absence, sophomore guard Riley Makalusky — a 46% three-point shooter — will likely need to carry a bigger scoring load than previously anticipated. Additionally, with a chunk of minutes at the off-ball guard position now open, first-year guards Lily Zeinstra and Lily Carmody will likely have a chance to compete for an increased role.
Scouting the Trojans
Having played two games to date, it would not be surprising if the Trojans look a bit more polished off the bat than the Dawgs.
With wins over NAIA Holy Cross 80-72 and IU Columbus 97-59, the Trojans have boasted a 45.5% field goal percentage and 40% three-point percentage.
Taylor is led by senior guard Ava Henson — who has scored 14 points per game — while senior guard Kendall Wayne is the team’s top perimeter threat at a 66% clip from beyond the arc through their first two games. Defensively, Taylor is giving up just a 33% shooting rate to their two opponents. Giving up 68 shot attempts per game, Butler should be able to connect on more attempts than the opponents Taylor has faced this season.
The Dawgs will need to accomplish three things for success.
#1. Ball control
The last thing the Dawgs want is to come out sloppy against an inferior opponent like Taylor. Limiting turnovers and rising up to Parkinson’s season goal of defensive effort will serve them well.
#2. Three-point shooting
Something that the team once lived and died by, Butler will now be without two of their top-four three-point shooters from last season and will need to learn to adapt. However, with a focus on getting to the rim preached throughout the offseason, a healthy balance will be crucial for success.
#3. Never trail outside the first five minutes
Expecting a team to lead for an entire game is drastic, but against an opponent like Taylor, a dominant victory should be the goal. The first few minutes are bound to go back and forth in any game, but outside of that it should be clear who is winning the game by halftime.
At the end of the day, no stats will matter, as it is an exhibition match. Nonetheless, a commanding effort will be a great first step for the Dawgs as they look for their first winning season in five years.
