It’s not the first time Northwestern head coach Chris Deutsch has seen a large portion of his team graduate. And it might not be the last.

The Tigers graduated three key players from last year and saw another one transfer, leaving the team with just two seniors and two players with starting experience at the varsity level.

“For our group, it’s going to take some time to jell together,” said Deutsch. “I really believe as the season goes along we’re going to get much better. And our patience will be tested as a staff. We have to be patient and let the process work out.

“It’s a group that gets along, which makes it a lot easier. Having the two seniors in Erika [Thomas] and Mikaela [Koenig], who both started last year, makes it easier.”

Thomas (9.9 points per game) was the team’s third-leading scorer last year, behind graduates Sarah Segan (11.4) and Sabrina Mertz (11.2). Also gone from last year are graduate Lauren Anderson (2.1) and transfer Megan Landrigan (4.8).

Northwestern has a group of sophomores that will help fill out the starting lineup. Leighanna Lister, a 6-foot center, along with guard Gabby Sevrain and either Jess Williamson or Abby Chisdak complete the starting five.

The first few players off the bench will be defensive stalwart Paige Stitzel, a junior, along with senior sharp shooter Laura Pasquale and senior Isabel Dietrich. Freshman Sage Christopher could also help the varsity team this year.

Deutsch said anyone on the roster could see quality minutes depending on the situation. The rest of this year’s roster includes sophomores Katie Smith, Sarah Sekarak and Maya Hambrick.

Thomas will be the team’s go-to scorer, but with defenses focusing on her, she’ll need to get her teammates involved.

“Thomas has got complementary players that are very good,” said Deutsch. “She has to trust her teammates that when they’re open, she’s got to get them the ball. Teams are going to be all over her with double teams and junk defenses to slow her down. She’s got to believe in her teammates that they can make shots, and they can.”

Koenig averaged 4.63 ppg while playing in every game last season. Because of the team’s needs last year, the 5-6 forward was asked to play under the basket. This year she’ll be free to find open shots.

“Mikaela has an unbelievable jump shot,” said Deutsch. “Last year we asked her to play inside and she was undersized. This year we’re asking her to step away from the basket, which plays more to her strength.

“She’s one who is willing to accept her role ... For young players to see a senior accept her role, I think that really rubs off.”

Lister will be another key for the team. She averaged 3.5 points per game last year playing in just 14 varsity games.

“She should be a double-digit scorer,” said Deutsch.

Northwestern is looking to make its fourth straight appearance in the Colonial League title game. The Tigers lost to Notre Dame in last year’s final.

“I believe we’re one of the top six teams in the Colonial League,” said Deutsch, referring to the number of teams that reach league playoffs. “But it depends how you’re playing at the end of the year.”

The Tigers finished last season 18-9 overall and 11-6 in the Colonial League.

With several new players, many of which are inexperienced at the varsity level, Deutsch is looking for his seniors to lead the way this season.

“Those two [Thomas and Koenig] are leading on the court and off the court,” said Deutsch. “Sometimes they can communicate to them better than us as coaches.”