The women’s basketball squad aims to put together its eighth consecutive winning season following a strong 2006-07 season in which the women’s basketball squad went 15-9. Over the past seven seasons the Cards have gone 124-49 for a winning percentage of .717, including six straight trips to the NESCAC tournament and two NCAA tournament at-large bids.
The biggest strength for the Cards this year will be their experience. The Cards return three of their starters and both of their top scorers from the 2006-07 season. Ali Fourney ’09 led the team in scoring and rebounding as well as steals and blocked shots last season, while co-captain Nikki Maletta ’08 was second on the team in scoring with just over 10 points a game. All five of the Cardinals’ starters will be upperclassmen.
“We’ve all been playing together for a while,” said co-captain Steph Savas ’08. “We understand each other’s games and how to put each other in positions to succeed.”
The introduction of the freshman class will also provide a good deal of depth for the Cards. The team graduated only four seniors last year while picking up five energetic guards.
“The freshmen look really solid and should have a significant impact on how our season turns out,” Savas said. “They all have transitioned and understand what our program is all about.
The team’s biggest concern, however, is its lack of size. With only two players over six feet, rebounding could be an issue for the Cards. Last year the team was slightly edged in rebounds by its opponents, pulling down 888 rebounds on the season while their opponents pulled 901.
“Despite our lack of size I think we should have a very good season,” Maletta said. “I think everyone is really excited.”
The Cards are set to begin the season on Friday against Kenyon College at the Brandeis Tip-Off Tournament.
“I’m really anxious to see how the team comes together on the court,” Savas said. “It was a very successful preseason and it should be a very challenging yet promising season ahead of us.”
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