MSOE women's basketball season preview
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Published: 11/14/2011 |
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The MSOE women's basketball team will feature experience from four seniors and two juniors on the roster as they look to make a run at the Northern Athletics Conference title.
"Our expectation of winning conference has never changed," said head coach Jessica Ott. "We talk about coming ready to play each day. When we do, we are a tough basketball team. Now is the time to put our words into action. Basically, we need to be consistent and play with a purpose."
Senior center/forward Carol Cayo is a force on both ends of the floor for the Raiders. Cayo was named to the Capital One Women's Basketball College Division Academic All-America Second Team last season. Also, Cayo owns the all-time NAC record for career rebounds and blocked shots and led the NAC in rebounding and blocks during last season. She owns the MSOE career records for rebounds (872) and blocks (239).
"I can't say enough about Carol," Ott said. "She has received a lot of attention when she arrived here on campus but she has always been about the team. Her freshman year she was NAC Freshman of the Year, set the school record for most wins and has been a part of three consecutive conference tournament appearances. She has averaged a double-double all three years. I don't know of any player who has done that. She is not only an outstanding athlete but she is a great student."
MSOE's backcourt will be headed up by seniors Marguerite Wellstein and Kathleen Collingbourne.
"Margi is set to start her fourth year for us," Ott said. "She has a better understanding of our offense and what we expect from her. I look for Kathleen to be a vocal leader."
Sophomore forward/center Shannon Larson was selected to the NAC All-Freshman Team during the 2010- 11 season and will look to take the next step this season.
"Shannon came on very strong at the end of last season," Ott said. "Our players were looking for her when we needed a basket. So far it looks as if she has gotten stronger and understands the offense better. She is a tough young lady."
Junior Cate Scholfield enters her third season as a Raider and will help the team with her toughness and three-point shooting.
"Cate does a lot of things that don't show up in the box score like taking charges," Ott said. "She takes pride in her defense."
Senior Jamie Janczak and junior Courtney Leaf will add depth for MSOE.
"Courtney gained a lot of confidence last year and I have already seen an improvement in play," Ott said. "Jamie came on team late last season due to some injuries and really had a lot of confidence. I look for her to continue being a team player and leader for us."
Freshmen Marly Trier, Ali LoBue and Bre'Ana Strong will have to be a part of what the Raiders are trying to accomplish on the floor this season.
"I see Marly as a physical guard who is going to hit big shots for us," Ott said. "Ali is a quick guard who I feel will be a defensive stopper. Also, I look for her to get some easy transition baskets with her quickness. Bre is coming back from a knee injury. Once she is cleared to play, she will be a force inside."
All players on the team will be expected to help the team work toward MSOE's goals during the 2011-12 season.
"We have high expectations for each player regardless if they are a senior or a freshman," Ott said. "They should be all pushing each other to make the team that much stronger. Having that experience, the players know what is expected, set the tone for the freshmen and so far in practice we have been moving right along as we tighten up on areas that we were not as strong."
The Raiders start their season at the Northwestern Tip-Off Tournament in St. Paul, Minn. Nov. 18-19. The NAC schedule begins Nov. 26 at the Kern Center against Dominican.
