The Misericordia University women's basketball team will open its 2018-19 season at Immaculata, Saturday.
 
The Cougars of third-year head coach Jason Rhine will look to take the next step after back-to-back seasons that featured MAC Freedom and ECAC postseason berths.
 
MU returns 11 letter-winners, including all five starters, from last year's 18-11 squad that finished third in the MAC Freedom.
 
Seniors Japriya Carroll and Rachel Carmody were the team's top two scorers a year ago.
 
Carroll, a second-team All-MAC Freedom selection, led the team with 11.3 points per game and an 89.3 free throw percentage.
 
Carmody was second on the team with 11.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game and led the team with 1.7 steals per game.
 
Junior Paige Wampole returns at center after leading the team with 8.8 rebounds per game.  She was fourth on the team with 9.7 ppg.
 
Sophomores Quintessa Zamolyi and Kalynn Sefcik both gained plenty of experience as first year starters.
 
Zamolyi was honorable mention All-MAC Freedom and was the conference Rookie of the Year.  She was Third on the team in scoring with 10.3 ppg and shot a team-high 47.2% from three-point range.
 
Sefcik averaged 4.5 points, 2.4 assists and 1.0 steals per game as a first-year point guard.
 
In addition to balanced scoring, the roster features plenty of depth, including senior guards Leanne Forsyth, Liz Waleski and Shea Matta.
 
Forsyth, one of the team's top defenders, was third on the team with 1.7 assists per game a year ago.  Waleski has been one of the team's top three-point shooters throughout her career and Matta adds depth at guard.
 
Jordan Barth returns at forward after being limited by injury a year ago.  She had 4.0 points and 4.1 rebounds per game in 18 games a year ago.
 
Erica Haefele appeared in every game at guard as a first year while classmate Emma Hayes saw action 20 contests as a reserve guard.
 
First year players Tatiana Dorner and Marykate Guerriero add depth in the backcourt while Nora Tracey will join the rotation in the frontcourt.
 
The Cougars will host Keystone in their home opener, Wednesday, November 14 and will visit Wilkes in their MAC Freedom opener, December 5.