John Carroll women’s basketball coach Beth Andrews and standout guard-forward Ava Ryncarz both aspire to the Blue Streaks having a banner final season in the Ohio Athletic Conference. It was announced in January that JCU’s athletic programs will move to the North Coast Athletic Conference effective in fall 2025. Andrews, beginning her fifth season as JCU’s coach, described her feelings as “bittersweet” as the Blue Streaks prepare to pull up stakes and move to the NCAC. The former Beth Switzler was a fine player in her own right at JCU from 2011 to 2015 coming out of Lake Catholic High School. Related Articles John Carroll football rolls to 49-13 win at Ohio Northern John Carroll assistant Dean Paul ready for Ohio Northern homecoming John Carroll men’s basketball has last go-round with strong nucleus returning John Carroll football dominates in all phases in 66-14 win at Wilmington John Carroll football holds off Baldwin Wallace in stirring Cuyahoga Gold Bowl win “This conference has been a staple in my life for so many years,” Andrews said. “I’m really excited to have this final year (in the OAC) with this team and just as excited to be headed to the NCAC.” Ryncarz, a 5-foot-9 junior, averaged team-high totals of 14.8 points and 8.1 rebounds last season as the Blue Streaks finished 13-13 overall and 8-10 in the OAC. She was named to the All-OAC second team. “It’s our last season in the OAC and we want to finish at the top. Every conference game will be huge. I’m looking forward to having a leadership role on this team, being positive and working hard.” Andrews is counting on Ryncarz and 5-7 senior guard Maddie Piotrowski(11.4 points, 5.6 rebounds) to set the tone for the Blue Streaks on and off the court. “Their chemistry and urgency are leading us right now,” Andrews said. “We have a very good mix of experienced players and freshmen who come from great high school programs and are buying into what Ava and Maddie are doing.” Returnees who are challenging for starting roles are 5-9 sophomore forward Abigail Rosul, 5-6 junior guard Carmen Heuker and 5-6 junior guard Graci Semptimphelter. Spots in the rotation are up for grabs by graduate forward Angela Vitantonio, junior forward Kaylie McKenney, senior guard Carly Perusek, sophomore guard Brooke Laub, sophomore forward Olivia Donnelly, freshman guard Nicci Finazzo (Gilmour), freshman guard Katie Puletti (Gilmour), freshman forward Molly Drenik and freshman guard Ella Neitzel. John Carroll's Maddie Pietrowski. (Jose Figueroa - John Carroll University)John Carroll's Ava Ryncarz. (Peter Wangechi - John Carroll University)John Carroll women's basketball coach Beth Andrews. (Samuel Herr - John Carroll University)John Carroll's Ava Ryncarz. (Peter Wangechi - John Carroll University)Show Caption1 of 4John Carroll's Maddie Pietrowski. (Jose Figueroa - John Carroll University)Expand JCU women’s basketball schedule (Home games in CAPS) November 8- GROVE CITY, 7 p.m. 9- SUNY BROCKPORT, 1 p.m. 13- Westminster, 1 p.m. 15- Case Western, 6 p.m. 23- SUNY Fredonia, 2 p.m. December 4- Mounr Union, 7 p.m. 7- OHIO NORTHERN, 1 p.m. 14- MARIETTA, 1 p.m. 17- St. Benedict, tba 18- Carthage, tba 29- Kent St., 1 p.m. January 4- WILMINGTON, 1 p.m. 8- OTTERBEIN, 7 p.m. 11- Capital, 1 p.m. 15- Heidelberg, 7 p.m. 18- MUSKINGUM, 1 p.m. 22- BALDWIN WALLACE, 7 p.m. 15- Ohio Northern, 1 p.m. 29- Otterbein, 7 p.m. February 1- Marietta, 1 p.m. 5- MOUNT UNION, 7 p.m. 8- Wilmginton, 1 p.m. 12- Baldwin Wallace, 7 p.m. 15- CAPITAL, 1 p.m. 19- HEIDELBERG, 7 p.m. 22- Muskingum, 1 p.m.