Logo: Wesleyan Athletics

2005-06 Coaches Outlook

 

     On October 15 in Division III gymnasiums around the country, college basketball teams took to the court. In all but 11 gyms, that is. For the teams of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), where the priorities of the student-athlete are clear, the season begins on November 1. For the Wesleyan University women’s basketball team, however, the preparation for a return to the NCAA tournament began in earnest after last year’s loss in the Sweet 16, a disappointing finish despite a 22-5 record, the team’s third consecutive 20-win season. Led by three senior captains, the Cardinals returned to Middletown this fall and cemented their reputation as the hardest working team on campus. A commitment to strength and conditioning, in the weight room and on the track, as well as spirited and competitive pick-up games have prepared the Cardinals for a demanding schedule. The always challenging NESCAC contests (Wesleyan was one of three conference teams in the final 16), the heated Little Three rivalry with Amherst and Williams colleges, a New Year’s tournament and an eight-team tip-off tournament at Marymount University in Virginia highlight the season’s slate.
     Despite the late start, the Cardinals have had success in the beginning of recent seasons, defeating a host team in the championship game of season opening tournaments for the past four years.  The 2005-06 squad is led by a talented trio of returning starters, seniors Ashley Mastrangelo '06, Meg Robinson '06 and Hannah Stubbs '06. This group ranked 1-2-3 in scoring and rebounding last season, and each showed the ability to be a go-to player upon whom the team could rely.
      In her junior season and second as a starter Ashley Mastrangelo posted great numbers (13.1 ppg, 6.9 rpg, and 75% at the charity stripe), but what doesn’t show on the stat sheet is her emotional leadership. During close games last season it was often Mastrangelo who made the play that got her team back on track. Meg Robinson waited patiently for her turn to contribute, coming off the bench for two seasons, and then had coaches around New England wondering, gratefully, why they hadn’t seen more of her in the past. Joining her classmates in the starting line-up, Robinson added 10.0 ppg and 6.9 rpg to the cause, while demonstrating a nose for the ball with almost three offensive caroms a game, and a propensity for nailing the shot that deflates the opponent. Hannah Stubbs has been named a first-team, all-NESCAC performer for the past two seasons, and led the Cardinals in both scoring (16.6 ppg) and rebounding (8.0 rpg) last year. She was fourth nationally in field goal percentage, shooting an eye-popping 62.5%. An athletic and explosive post player, Stubbs can outrun most guards, outeap taller opponents and she demonstrates a toughness and intensity that inspires her teammates. As a group these seniors have shown they have the talent to excel, the leadership to inspire, and the desire to go farther.
      Joining this formidable triad is the talent and depth to make practice as competitive as games are. Kelly Bowman ’07, provided a big spark off the bench, averaging 3.0 ppg and 3.0 rpg. A bit undersized in the paint, Bowman has a hustle and energy that are unsurpassed and she gives her team a boost every time she steps on the floor. Kristin Cortese ’07 suffered a knee injury in an early-season scrimmage last year, but at the time this sweet shooting guard was positioned to contribute, and after a successful rehab she is poised to make her mark this year. Ginny Hermann ’07 is athletic and wiry, and possesses a smooth stroke, quick release, and a knack for making big shots. Sarah Milburn ’07 logged minutes at both point- and off-guard positions last year. A crowd pleasing passer, she delivers the ball and shoots it as well.
      The sophomore class offers athleticism, depth, and a history of success. Consuelo Gonzales ’08 has great instincts and a competitive attitude and showed her potential for a bright future in limited opportunities last year. Nikki Maletta ’08 will vie for minutes at the point guard spot this year, but this tough-minded guard can knock down jumpers and get to the hole and will likely see some action at the two-spot as well. Stephanie Savas ’08 took one for the team last year as this natural perimeter was asked to play in the paint. An influx of size this year will allow Savas to move back to her preferred spot where her size and toughness will be an asset. Joining the sophomores is a transfer from Western Connecticut, Lucy Sprung ’08 who averaged 9.6 ppg and 7.5 rpg last season while playing in 25 games as a freshman. Athletic and fit, Sprung will be a presence in the paint and bolster Wesleyan’s strong inside game.
      The veterans are joined by three first-years who add size, talent and toughness to the squad. Ali Fourney ’09  is from Northport High School on Long Island. This 5-11 guard will bring offensive punch to the Cardinals with her three-point range and ability to make her own shot. Shannah Lively is a 6-1 post player from Athol (Mass.) High School. This consistent scorer and rebounder brings additional size and depth to the frontcourt. Meredith Lowe '09 played at Central High School in Philadelphia, Pa. This hard-nosed 5-11 forward has a competitive mind-set and solid basketball fundamentals to offer the versatility of an inside-outside scoring threat.
     With the onset of the season just around the corner, there are many potential goals for Wesleyan women’s basketball -- another 20-win season; winning the NESCAC tournament; returning to the NCAA tournament; advancing beyond the Sweet 16 and winning The Little Three outright. For all of the possibilities, there are only a few certainties -- this members of this team will play as hard as they can on every possession, they will play with passion, and they will give their best effort at all times.