Heading into the season opener against St. Lawrence on Friday, there is a new attitude surrounding the 2015-2016 Misericordia University women's basketball team.
With a combination of eight returning letter winners and seven newcomers, the Cougars have high expectations. "This team has a great attitude and has shown a tremendous commitment throughout the off-season and in the pre-season," said Misericordia's fourth-year head coach Allison Kern. "They expect to compete for a MAC Freedom championship."
Team co-captain Nikki Baro is a three-year starter at forward and is the team's only senior. "Nikki has really stepped up her game," said Kern. "She shows up focused every day. She looks comfortable with our pace of play and will play a key role in our success."
Joining Baro as a co-captain is junior guard Shannon Croasdale, a two-year starter who can shoot and play excellent defense. "She has a great attitude and always does her job," said Kern. "She is a good leader and set the tone for this team early in the pre-season."
Junior forward/center Justine "Juice" Seely and guard Jackie Hajec gives the Cougars four returning starters. Seely led the team in rebounding and blocked shots and was second in scoring a year ago and is just is 22 blocks away from the Misericordia career record. "Juice has matured and is really focused on helping this team succeed," said Kern. "Her presence on the court changes the game. She has the ability to be a dominant player."
"Our sophomore class has shown great maturity and a better understanding of our system and expectations," said Kern. "They are more vocal and have made us a better team already through their attitude and approach to preparation."
"We're very excited about our newcomers," said Kern. "They are a very talented group and we expect them to see time and contribute right away."
Perhaps the greatest asset this year's team possesses is its attitude. "This is a completely different team from a year ago," said Kern. "They have a fresh perspective and expect to win. They are willing to do what it takes to make that possible."
Kern expects to utilize her squad's depth as the Cougars look to play a fluid game. "We have a lot of players who are effective in the open court," she said. "We will be tough to guard and will look to score in transition. We want to use our athleticism and depth to our advantage."
Misericordia opens the season against St. Lawrence, November 13 and will wrap up its non-conference schedule, which includes an exhibition at Division I Binghamton, by mid-January.
"We will be tested early, but that will be a good measuring stick for us," said Kern. "We want to be playing our best basketball during the second semester against MAC Freedom opponents."
