There are plenty of fresh faces on the court this year for the women’s basketball team. With eight freshmen making up almost half of the squad, the Yellowjackets will be making up for a lack of experience with athleticism and tenacity on the court.
“We all have been working extremely hard in practice,” junior Danielle Muller said. “[We] have been competing with each other in order to make us better as individuals and as a whole.”
The contributions of the large freshman class is not limited to game time.
“Having such a talented incoming group of freshmen has elevated play in practices, which translates to success in our games,” senior Jessie Graham said.
Graham, an All-University Athletic Association honorable mention last season – is the lone returning senior for the Yellowjackets.
The six-foot sharp-shooter holds the Palestra record for three-point shots made and attempted in a season with 66 and 177, respectively. In addition, she holds the record for three-point shots made in a single-game with six.
Two returning starters – juniors Emily Bango and Muller – accompany Graham in the backcourt. Bango’s quickness and tough defense led to her single-season record of 91 steals last year. Muller – an All-UAA honorable mention last season – is a dynamic guard, able to nail the outside shot or penetrate to the hoop.
Other returning veterans include juniors Catherine Adams, Megan Krebbeks and Joy Sadaly. Adams, at six feet, has a smooth shot release that reaches over the heads of defenders. Krebbeks is another powerful guard able to penetrate to the hole. Sadaly is an aggressive player who brings toughness to the court. Newcomers for the backcourt include freshmen Schauna Comfort, Helen Baroody, Johanna McNelis and Rachel Stern.
The frontcourt has junior Emily Lyons as the only returning veteran. Lyons led the team in blocks and was 48.6 percent from the floor last year. Junior Jamie Mooney is switching from the small forward position to a post position to join Lyons on the inside. Sophomore Jessica Waddell is returning after sitting out her freshman season due to injury.
The freshman class will be contributing a lot to the frontcourt with the ’05 graduating class claiming five post players. Newcomers include freshmen Marlena Fisher, Julie Marriott, Alex Porter and Ashley Sinkin.
Head Coach Jim Scheible’s recruiting and the team’s preseason work has paid off. Before the holiday break, the women took second place in the Chuck Resler Tournament and also rolled past Ithaca College in a non-league game. Marroitt led the way, chalking up 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Tuesday night’s crushing 91-48 victory over Elmira College brought UR’s record to 4-1.
UR’s next game will be Sunday against Carnegie Mellon University. Grab a quick brunch and head over to the Palestra at 2 p.m. to cheer on the ladies!
McLean can be reached at amclean@campustimes.org.
