MCLA looks to climb MASCAC ladder
The MCLA Women's Basketball team collected 14 wins a season ago. As the 2009-2010 season is just around the corner, the focus has become climbing the MASCAC ladder.
North Adams, MA- The MCLA Women's Basketball team finished last season with the most wins in school history. Heading into this season, head coach Holly McGovern would like to see her team build on last year's success with a deep run into the MASCAC.
McGovern, who will begin her 5th season, returns eight players who earned significant time with a team that won 14 games a year ago. The Trailblazers finished fifth in the league while bowing out in the first round of the MASCAC postseason tournament. MCLA was second in the league in team defense while leading the conference in rebounding.
Leading the way this season will be senior workhorse Laura Silverman (Ballston Spa, NY). The forward has been a four year starter for the Trailblazers and led the team in rebounds last season. She has averaged double digits in rebounding the last two seasons. Assisting Silverman up front will be second team All MASCAC selection, sophomore forward Jen Wehner (Cooperstown, NY). Wehner led the team in scoring as she became a force in the post during her freshman campaign. Junior point guard Chelsey Burke (Westhampton, MA) was second in the league in assists per game. Burke will look to get the ball down low to the aforementioned duo.
The Trailblazers are a well balanced team in regards to experience splitting their roster between upper and lowerclassmen. Providing depth this season will be senior forward Jade Prickett, Senior shooting guard Ali Leveille, junior point guard Hilary Perks, all-around playmaker junior Molly Broda and sophomore forward Olivia McMullen. Newcomer Lucy Tremblay will look to contribute off the bench as a slashing scoring option.
The schedule this season will certainly challenge MCLA as the non conference slate poses some tough tests. They will open play on Tuesday when they travel to the College of St. Joseph's (CT) before participating in the annual Elms College tipoff classic. The Trailblazers will renew the Route 2 rivalry when they host Williams College in their home opener on November 29th. MCLA will also have tough non conference matchups when they host both Salve Regina and Union College. MASCAC play does not start until January 9th when they host Worcester State.