ERIE, Pa. – The women’s basketball team is entering the 2010-11 season with the same attitude they have had over the past seasons, confident to compete for the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) Championship. The two-time champions are looking to bring back the title they last won in 2003-04.
The Lions’ league-leading 73.5 points per game combined with the stingy defense that only allowed 61.4 points per game led to a No. 2 pick in the AMCC coach’s preseason poll. It also helps Behrend’s early predictions to have the return of senior Amy Oldach, the Co-Preseason Player of the Year.
This year’s team captain also earned a spot on the All-AMCC second team and led the team with 13.1 points per game. Oldach paced the conference in steals and ranked as high as eighth nationally with 4.0 steals per game. Not only did she lead in steals, but she averaged 4.8 assists for first on the squad and second in the AMCC.
“Amy is a tremendous leader and I know she will make great decision with the ball in her hands,” said head coach Roz Fornari. “She gives our team an advantage every time we step on the court.”
Joining Oldach as a returning starter is Kim Pol. The junior played in 22 games, starting in 18 and shot 45.2 percent from the floor (75-for-166). Pol also ranked second on the team in assists (79) and third in steals (58).
“Kim sees the floor better than most players I have coached,” said Fornari. “She has a lot of talent on both ends of the floor and is our defensive stopper when we need her.”
Abby Henderson is back for a third season with the Lions. The guard came off the bench and played in every game last season and got a start in two contests. Henderson only missed four free throws and contributed 3.2 points per game.
The sophomore class features the return of Aly Eagle, Ashley Grierson, Holly Bourquin and Julia Myers. Eagle saw time in 12 games during her freshman campaign, before suffering a season-ending injury. She hopes to continue where she left off, averaging 10.8 points in half the contests and knocking down 27 three-pointers, good for third on the team.
Hannah Novotny, Emily Detsch, Julie Jurich, Natalie Corso and Brianna Bayly are the five new additions to the backcourt for the Lions.
“I have enjoyed coaching our rookie class,” said Fornari. “They are sincerely eager to learn and are one of most coachable group of women.“
Bringing experience to the frontcourt will be Bourquin and Myers. Bourquin averaged 7.7 points and grabbed 3.9 rebounds for Behrend in her first season. Myers knocked in 51 field goals and shot 44.3 percent from the field for 4.6 ppg. Her height allowed her to average 4.0 rebounds. Both played in all 25 games and will be a mentor for newcomer Sarah Schweitzer.
The Lions open their season with their annual Tip-Off Tournament this weekend in the Junker Center. Behrend will then hit the road for back-to-back games, heading up to Rochester Institute before stopping at Hiram. The AMCC schedule starts in the beginning of December with the Lions at Medaille.
