Women's Basketball | 07/12/23 | 12:41 PM

HELENA, Mont. – The 2022-23 Frontier Conference Champion Carroll College Women's Basketball team have received confirmation on several key contributors declaring their intent to play another year.

Head Coach Rachelle Sayers has formally announced the return of three Saints who will return to the PE Center hardwood in pursuit of yet another Frontier title, and look to make a deep run in the NAIA tournament.  

Erica Nessan (Spokane, Wash. / Point Guard /  GR)

Maddie Gertiz (Boise, Idaho / Forward / GR)

Jamie Pickens (Helena, Mont. / Forward / SR)

"Having these seniors back is not just exciting for our team, but the community as a whole." Said Sayers. "They have all put their futures on hold to give our team, (me), Carroll College, and the community of Helena one more run at a championship…"

"...I'm honored to coach players that are so committed to more than just basketball. I can't thank them enough for all they have given to each of us, and feel so blessed to have a chance to coach them one more year."

Nessan is a 5-9 point guard from Spokane, Wash. She excelled in a supplementary role for the Saints in 2022-23. The senior provided valuable minutes off of the bench, keeping the offense in rhythm and standing out on the defensive end. Nessan provided a spark in the NAIA Tournament second round game against Jamestown (N.D.). Her two timely three-pointers energized the entire PE Center, leading to a come-from-behind victory to advance to the round of 16.

"Erica had a great finish last year." Said Sayers. "She was the X-factor in our regional wins. Her experience and dedication will be a huge asset to us this year, and I am grateful for her commitment to this team as well as her willingness to do whatever it takes to help this team win."

Geritz is a 6-2 forward from Boise, Idaho who has been with the program for many years. She had her best campaign of her career in 2022-23, averaging 8.5 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. She garnered Frontier Conference Player of the Week honors in January of last year, after averaging 14 points per game in limited court-time. Not only is she a leader on the court, Geritz is also the president of the Carroll Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC). 

"Maddie has already been a part of four conference championships, and now has a shot at a fifth this season." Said Sayers. "She has given up a lot to come back to this team and give us another opportunity to pursue a deep NAIA Tournament run. She has committed herself to making this year her best yet, and I'm super excited to see that hard work pay off in a big way for her and our team."

Jamie Pickens, the reigning Frontier Conference Player of the Year, is a 6-2 forward from Helena. A First Team All-American selection in 2022-23, Pickens solidifies a potent Carroll starting five. She was a force to be reckoned with last year, averaging 17.5 points per game, and 7.7 rebounds per game. Pickens is a match-up nightmare for opposing teams, and will look to end her Carroll career with a bang.

"Having a reigning Frontier MVP and All-American back for her last year is huge." Said Sayers. "Jamie is one of the best players in the country, and will surely go down as one of the best to ever play here, so it is definitely exciting for this community and our team to have her back for one more year."

The three seniors will join a large contingent of underclass returners, and welcome a new corps of incoming freshmen to campus in August.