RUSTON – Louisiana Tech women's basketball team added three more players, head coach Brooke Stoehr announced on Friday.

LA Tech added transfers Da'Kariya Jackson (Jacksonville, Ark./Three Rivers College), Melissa Mwanza (Harare, Zimbabwe/Richmond), and incoming freshman Taylor Rietveld (Woodbine, Ga./Camden County High School). 

Jackson is a 6'0" guard from Three Rivers College led the Raiders to a 51-11 record with two trips to the NJCAA Division I Tournament in her two seasons. 

"Da'Kariya is an explosive scorer and will bring experience and energy to our team," said Stoehr. "She plays with a great deal of passion and with a high motor on both ends of the floor. She has the ability to distribute, score and create momentum for her teammates in games and practice. She elevates the level of play of those around her. I couldn't be more excited to welcome her to the Lady Techsters family."

Jackson averaged 12.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists a game during her sophomore season, where the Raiders won the Region 16 Championship and advanced to the NJCAA Division I quarterfinals. She scored a season-high 35 points with five assists and four blocks against State Fair Community College in the Region 16 championship game.

The second-team All-American scored in double figures in 20 games this season, with 13 being 15 or more. She had three double doubles and 23 games of 3+ assists.

During her prep career, Jackson played at Jacksonville High School, where she scored 1,000 points and was a three-time All-District and two-time All-State member.

Mwanza is a Lady Techster after spending her freshman season at Richmond. The 6'2" forward brings added height to the post position.

"Melissa gives us a strong bodied presence in the paint," Stoehr said. "She has the ability to score with her back to the basket in addition to a solid face up game. Her athleticism and ability to rebound and defend in the post will be an asset to our roster. We are excited to welcome Melissa to Ruston."

Mwanza played in 15 games for the Spiders and scored 1.2 points and 1.1 boards in 2.6 minutes of action a game. She recorded a season-high four points and four rebounds against Delaware State.

She becomes the ninth international player in Lady Techster's history and the first from Zimbabwe.

Mwanza prepped at Life Christian Academy, averaging 11 points and six boards a contest.

Rietveld is a 6'1" versatile forward from Camden County High School in Woodbine, Georgia.

"We are excited to welcome Taylor to the Louisiana Tech family," said Stoehr. "She brings added length, athleticism, and versatility to the roster. Taylor is a three-level scorer that rebounds at a high level. She plays with a grit and toughness that will fit well with this class."

During her senior season, Rietveld averaged 14 points, 10 rebounds, and two steals a game. She is a three-time First Team All-Region member, adding an All-State South First Team and Region Player of the Year this past season.

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