Schroll heads home, ISU women adjust

AMES - Iowa State guard Jessica Schroll has left the team and intends to transfer, Cyclone women's basketball coach Bill Fennelly said Monday during a news conference.

Schroll started 10 games and averaged 6.9 points and 3.6 rebounds.

The school announced late Friday the junior from Midland, Mich., planned to take a leave of absence.

“She thought she'd be happier at a school closer to home,” said Fennelly, whose 9-2 team opens Big 12 play Wednesday at Oklahoma. “We talked (late Friday) for 10 minutes, 15 minutes and then Saturday morning she texted me and confirmed that desire. ... We certainly wish her the best.”

Schroll averaged 26.8 minutes per game.

Fennelly said its likely freshman Brynn Williamson - already a key contributor - will play more along with other top guards on the roster.

The Cyclones also could employ a three post offense, with Chelsea Poppens, Hallie Christofferson and Anna Prins on the floor together.

“We've been tinkering with it,” Fennelly said. “You start getting more minutes out of those guys, too.”

Poppens was named the Big 12 women's player of the week Monday.

“Anna, Hallie and I, we've all improved dramatically in different areas,” Poppens said. “Whether shooting outside or making our game tougher inside.”

Poppens averaged 16.5 points and 14.5 rebounds last week in wins over New Hampshire and Buffalo.