Women’s Basketball Looks for Continued Success in 2009-2010
(Poultney, VT) - Following a semifinal appearance during their inaugural year in the North Atlantic Conference in '08-09, the 2009-2010 Green Mountain College women's basketball team looks to build on their success. After a month of preparation, the squad is set to open their season this weekend at the Mass.-Dartmouth tip-off Tournament Saturday, November 21st at 8:00 pm against the host Corsairs. Follow the game LIVE.
This years team will take on a new look after the departure of 3 starters and 5 letter-winners. Returning for the Eagles are seniors, Emma Brinley Buckley and Christin Louras, junior Olesea Cojohari and sophomore Chanleigh Casey. A 6'1" forward from Lakeville, CT, Buckley earned NAC 2nd Team All-Conference honors last season and finished 4th in NCAA Division III in blocked shots averaging 4.1 per game. Buckley also averaged 12.7 PPG and 11.3 RPG (2nd in the NAC/ 24th in the country).
Louras (Rutland, VT), a 5'6" guard, returns as the teams' top defender and brings tremendous work rate and discipline to the squad. Cojohari (Balti, Maldova) has steadily developed over the past 2 seasons and will be expected to provide valuable experience and leadership while 5'9" guard/forward Casey (Hartford, NY) will be counted on to play a more central role after appearing in 22 games as a freshman in 2008-2009. Katie Jablonski (West Rutland, VT) will fill the point guard position, bringing a spark to the team through her stellar defense and ability to hit big shots.
This year's incoming class includes Kristin Belessis, Jacque Caster, Jessica Measheaw, Chelsea Paul, and Lindsey Tassie. Belessis (Augusta, NJ) is a guard that brings toughness while fellow guard Caster (Seneca Falls, NY) has good size and a soft shooting touch. Measheaw, (Hammond, NY) a 5'5" guard, is a versatile player who adds a burst of energy. Paul (Northville, NY), a 5'9" forward/guard combo, is an excellent shooter and can play a number of positions while Tassie (Williamstown, VT) adds tremendous athleticism and quickness to the young team.
"I'm excited about the start of another season; we have a good mix of veterans and newcomers. The older girls are doing a great job of helping the freshman, and the freshman are soaking up all of the new information. The work ethic and enthusiasm so far has been impressive."
The Eagles open the season with a tough stretch including 7 of the first 8 games on the road. The Eagles' home opener is Tuesday, December 1st (6:00 pm) against Fisher College. Conference play opens on January 12th at Lyndon State College.
