In her sophomore year, Merkle averaged 15.5 points per game and 8.6 rebounds
"We have 10 matches to separate ourselves and put ourselves in the best position to be in the NCAA Tournament."
Penn State is looking to bounce back after a disappointing end to last year's campaign.
Mike Rhoades is committed to find steadiness in his third year as head coach.
The Nittany Lions overcame another early deficit to open Big Ten play with a win.
