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East Region Women's Teams

1999-2000 Season

Alfred
The return of several key players, along with some promising newcomers, has Alfred head women’s basketball coach Michelle Finn excited about the prospect of improving on last season’s 8-15 mark.

There’s good reason for optimism. The Lady Saxons’ tri-captains -- sophomores Lisa Valitutto (Amherst, N.H./Souhegan) and Amy Ratchuk (South Buffalo, N.Y./Mt. Mercy) and junior Lee Ann Kushner (Bliss, N.Y./Letchworth) -- were among the team’s leading scorers in 1998-99.

Valitutto, a 5-10 power forward who had no problem making the switch from 3-guard in high school to post player at AU, had 14 double-doubles in her freshman year and just missed averaging a double-double (13.9 ppg, 9.9 rpg) for the season.

"Lisa was definitely our MVP," Finn said. "She has a nice outside shot and worked hard on her post moves. I expect even bigger and better things from her this year."

The 1999-2000 campaign looks to have even more promise considering Ratchuk will come into the season healthy. The 5-8 small forward was hampered during the early part of 1998-99 with mononucleosis and wound up missing five games in December and January. After she recovered in late January, Ratchuk showed her true ability, averaging 14.8 points over the last 11 games.

"Amy’s a slasher with great one-on-one moves, and she can hit the three (36 three-pointers in 1998-99). If Amy was healthy the whole year, she might have averaged 20 points a game," Finn said. "I think she’s going to surprise a lot of people this year."

A healthy and effective Ratchuk will present problems for opposing defenses, which double- and even triple-teamed Valitutto last year.

"Those two (Valitutto and Ratchuk) will really help our inside-outside game," Finn said. "The two of them never really had a chance (last season) to gel together. They’ll be on the same side of the floor and if one is doubled, we’ll go to the other."

Finn calls Kushner "the other big piece of our puzzle." The 5-1 point guard averaged 7 points and 2.4 assists per game in 1998-99. "It’s great to have two big scorers, but we need someone to control the flow of the game. That’s Lee Ann. She does a great job dishing out passes and handling the ball. We will need her to score more for us this year."

Jen Maldonado (Elbridge, N.Y./Jordan-Elbridge), a 5-8 senior, will likely start the season at center after averaging 1.8 points and 3 boards a game last year. Maldonado’s biggest attributes, Finn said, are her defense and rebounding.

The starting 2-guard spot could be handed to any one of four players. Lori Metallo (Belmont, N.Y./Forth Plain), a 5-6 senior, is described by Finn as the team’s "best pure shooter" who will be looked at for more offense this season. Nicole Yoculan (Erie, Pa./Villa Maria), a 5-5 sophomore, also has a good outside shot.

Two freshman will also see time at the shooting guard position: Jessy Natal (Newark, N.J./Montclair Kimberly Academy), 5-4, and Alison Savett (Merion, Pa./Akiba Hebrew Academy), 5-8. Natal is a quick player whose strongest suit is defense. She’ll also back up Kushner at the point. Savett will likely see most of her playing time at the 2-and 3-guard and power forward spots.

Finn expects big things from 5-10 freshman forward Brandi Backus (Mt. Upton, N.Y./Gilbertsville-Mt. Upton), who will be counted on to spell Valitutto and Maldonado. "Brandi is a good post player who will see significant time," Finn said. "She has good outside touch and should be a very solid player."

Another freshman, 5-11 Leyna Madison (Livingston Manor, N.Y./Livingston Manor), will see time at both post positions.

"Leyna is a strong player who will be a presence in the low post," Finn said. "She has some good low-post moves."

Other newcomers include: Nikki Crosby (Almond, NY/Alfred-Almond), 5-5, and Danielle Evans (Portland, Ore./Cleveland), 5-6, who will play 2- and 3-guard.

Finn sees her team playing a quicker style on both offense and defense this season, something the Lady Saxons will have to do to compete in their first year of conference play in the Empire Eight. AU has competed as an independent the last two years.

"I envision us being scrappy, quick and up-tempo," she said. "You have to be. In the (Empire Eight) that’s how the teams play.

"We’ll win games with defense, which will set up our offense. The more turnovers we can create, the more opportunities we’ll have to score," said Finn, who expects to press the opposing team’s offense regularly. "We’ll work the fast break game, but we have good half-court players so it should be about 50-50."

Elmira
"START OVER!" is the battle-cry for Elmira. The Soaring Eagles end the 1900s with a new league name, a new schedule of opponents, and a new head coach. The Elmira women hoopsters set their sights on making a third consecutive trip to the NCAA tournament minus their leading scorer, their assist leader, and their most successful head coach.

First-year head coach Kevin Kudla inherits a program rich in championship tradition with 12 letter-winners returning. The road to the NCAA consists of possibly the most challenging schedule. This year's women's nonconference schedule matches the toughness of their Empire Eight slate. The Soaring Eagles open the season at home trying to defend their EC Tip-Off Classic Two of the three invitees are Final Four teams from a year ago (Salem State & Scranton). The remainder of Elmira's nonconference foes includes NYU, Muhlenberg, Skidmore, Mt. St. Mary, and Rensselaer. Home and away contests with Ithaca, Hartwick, and Nazareth highlight Elmira's 14-game conference schedule.

This year's leadership will come from strength in numbers. Six of the previously mentioned twelve returning letter winners are closing out their collegiate careers this season. Rachael Brown '00 leads these cagey veterans with her 12 ppg and 6.8 rpg. Three-point specialist Suzanne Wellman '00 follows suit with her 10.3 ppg and 5.2 rpg. Rachel Joslin '00 and Marlo Tadashore '00 will look to run things at the point guard position, while Carlie Chalmers '00 and Emily Weber '00 look to shoot, slash, and score from the off-guard spot.

As the lone member of the class of 2001, Brianne Lesperance gives the Soaring Eagles a shot-blocking and rebounding presence in the post. Kathy Murray '02 looks to build on her solid first year (5.8 ppg, 3.9rpg) and become a force in the Empire Eight. Tricia Wing '02 will get more minutes inside the paint with her scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking skills. Perimeter players Lauren Canestrari '02, Chaelon Costello '02, and Missy Richvalsky '02 provide unlimited energy which results in steals and scoring.

The newest members on the Elmira women's basketball squad are eager to have an impact en route to an Empire Eight Championship and an NCAA tournament bid. Kara Oulette (5'5, G, Meredith, N.H.) brings tremendous shooting and passing skills to the point guard position. Teammate Stacey Brown (5'8, G, Doylestown, Pa.) adds athleticism and versatility from her shooting guard spot, and fellow Pennsylvanian Colleen Malone (5'11, C, Gettysburg, Pa.) looks for immediate minutes with her size and great shooting touch. Emily Mastaler (5'9, F, Springfield, Vt.) rounds out the rookie class with her athletic scoring ability.

The Soaring Eagles, under new head coach Kevin Kudla, first year assistant coach Beth O'Boyle and student coach Kelly O'Conner, will be relying on their experience and depth to carry them through their challenging schedule.

Hartwick
Hartwick women's basketball coach Daphne Thompson had an experienced backcourt and a young forward line a year ago. She has the opposite heading into the 1999-2000 season.

Thompson's forward line is still young, but the talented players all had key roles in Hartwick's 17-10 season a year ago. The Hawks were Co-Empire Athletic Association (now Empire Eight) champs and made the NCAA Division III Tournament.

Thompson could start an entire lineup full of sophomores and freshmen. Sophomore 6-foot center Alicia Sarzynski (Villa Joseph Marie/Philadelphia, PA) was named EAA Rookie of the Year after averaging 10.6 points and 7.7 rebounds a game.

Fellow 6-0 sophomores Tiffany Hurley (Oneonta/Oneonta, NY) and Jessica Dakin (RHAM/Andover, CT) also had big first seasons. Hurley, who transferred in from Binghamton University for the second semester last year, averaged 10.3 points and a team-high 9.1 rebounds in just 24 minutes a game. Dakin chipped in with 7.4 points and 5.8 rebounds.

"Teams really can't prepare for our inside game because the three play so differently," said Thompson, who won four coaching awards last year and carries a 119-64 record heading into her eighth season at Hartwick. "Alicia is strong and runs the court so well, Jess is a finesse player who loves to catch and go to the basket, and Tiff is such a strong rebounder and has a great eye for the basket."

Stephanie Clough (Schenectady/Schenectady, NY), another sophomore, and junior Noreen Verbeck (Floral Park/Floral Park, NY) should each see plenty of time at the small forward spot. Clough averaged 9.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.7 steals a game a year ago, while Verbeck saw limited time off the bench.

"Noreen has been playing within herself and she's always been such a tough defender," Thompson said. "She's also a really strong rebounder for her height (5-8)."

Freshman Emily Cushing (Avon/Avon, NY) should see time at the small forward and power forward spots. Meanwhile, sophomore Aubrey Hoover (Guilderland/Albany, NY), who had 14 rebounds in a game against Union last year, and 6-0 freshman Beth Warner (Avon/Avon, NY) also will look for minutes up front.

"We definitely have a strong inside game, but we also have people who can score from the perimeter," Thompson said. "Our outside game will be stronger than it has been in the past. We'll have to be able to score from the perimeter to get the ball inside."

Freshman Sara Lambert (Massena/Massena, NY) will be a 3-point shooting threat at the off guard spot. She also has the ability to play the point guard or small forward spots as well.

"She has great leg strength and can shoot the three," Thompson said. "She also is a strong defender."'

Junior Daria Schesny (Pleasantville/Pleasantville, NY) averaged 3.6 points and shot 40% from 3-point range last year. She is pushing for increased minutes at the off guard spot.

Hartwick will have the least experience at point guard. Sophomore Katie McGraw (Guilderland/Slingerlands, NY), who played about eight minutes a game last year, and freshman Candace Baird (Souhegan/Amherst, NH) are battling for the starting spot.

"(Katie) worked real hard on her game this summer and she has the ball-handling skills," Thompson said. "The question with her is the mental part -- being able to run the floor and staying poised and confident when she has the ball.

"Candace is more of a true point guard. She is a great passer and sees the floor well. She also has a powerful move to the basket."

With no seniors and just two juniors on the roster, Thompson expects to be doing some substituting this year.

"I have 12 players," Thompson said. "We're not going to have one big scorer. It's going to rotate from game-to-game."

The Hawks should once again challenge for the Empire Eight title. St. John Fisher and Alfred University are new teams in the eight-team conference. The Hawks were co-champs of the EAA last year with Elmira. However, Hartwick got the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament for having a better road record than Elmira.

Hartwick has been to the NCAA Tournament in four of the last five seasons under Thompson. The Hawks have a 90-44 record during that time.

Rochester
In the world of academia, the terminology Research and Development is shortened to 'R&D'. On the basketball court at the University of Rochester, those letters will play a vital role. This time, though, the designation 'R&D' stands for Rebounding and Defense.

That's where the emphasis will be for the Yellowjacket women as the 1900s come to a close. New head coach Jim Scheible has worked diligently to install his defensive principles.

"The players must work with each other as a unit," Scheible says. He shies away from cliches, but freely admits that this is one case where "...the whole has to be greater than the sum of its' parts."

There are no defensive 'stars' in this system - no one to singularly harass opposing guards and strip the ball at will; no one to terrorize shooters in the paint and swat opposing shots to the rafters.

Spectacular athletes draw attention and awe - from the crowd and the opponent; sometimes, unfortunately, from their own team as well when teammates watch, hoping for a great play to cover a miscue.

That 'stand-around-and-watch' attitude doesn't exist here. Scheible has asked the Yellowjackets to focus on the principles of his defense:

1. Keep the ball out of the paint.
2. Work together to make rotations when the defense does get broken down.

"I know we may give up ball reversals," Scheible says, "and that will create some shots for opponents. Keeping the ball out of the paint will hopefully force jumpshots."

It will also use up time on the clock. Scheible hopes a combination of his team taking away offensive options and the clock ticking down will force the opponent's hand. "If we can take away what they want to do, then we can focus on taking away what they have to do," he says.

Scheible came to the University in late August after turning Elmira College into an NCAA contender. When he arrived at the Elmira campus, there was no women's basketball legacy.

He wanted to build interest in the program. Interest provides publicity which aids in recruiting. That leads to better athletes who hopefully win regularly.

The Soaring Eagles ran in his first season. Against some opponents, the tactic worked wonderfully: crowds showed up and Elmira won. There were opponents, however, skilled enough - and happily willing - to run with Elmira. SUNY Geneseo defeated the Eagles, 118-51.

As the team improved, the focus shifted to defense. Last season, Elmira allowed 55 ppg., and opponents shot 33.3% from the floor. The Eagles were ranked 13th in D-III in field-goal percentage defense.

"We will have to play hard defensively," Scheible says. "We hope to give people fits defensively."

Rochester has nine letterwinners back in the fold. They are divided into guards, wing shooters, and post players. Only two veterans return down low: juniors Liz Glaser (5-10) and Jill Strebel (6-0). Glaser averaged 6.4 ppg. and 4.4 rpg. facing the basket last season. Strebel shot 52% from the floor, getting 6.1 ppg. and grabbing 3.8 rpg. They will share time at center. Six-foot sophomore Rachel Billings, who has played volleyball for two seasons, is also in the post mix.

Two newcomers occupy the power forward position: 5-10 freshman Sarah Sullivan from Clinton, N.Y. and 5-8 sophomore Jen Seferiadis, a veteran of women's soccer and women's lacrosse.

It's a tough position and Scheible feels the combination is right.

"Sarah played for a strong high school and for a good AAU team," he says. "She's used to playing with -- and against -- good players. Jen has a winner's attitude, playing for soccer and lacrosse. We want that attitude and toughness to carry over."

With two vets among the five primary frontcourt players, Scheible knows the Yellowjackets won't have a dominating rebounder. "It's going to be by committee," he says. "Our guards will help us rebound on the defensive end."

Defensive theory helps there as well. "If we're matched up with people the way we should be, all five of our players will see the ball go up," the coach says. "Put a body on your opponent to box them out. You're in position."

At the other end of the floor, the Yellowjackets will use a motion offense: pass and cut, pass and cut. There won't be any 'soft touches' to guard because all five players will have the opportunity to shoot. "We have a number of good jump shooters who can hit the 15-footer," Scheible says. "We'll get a lot of those jumpshots. We have to make them."

His primary wing shooters will be senior captain Susan Damaske and junior Erin Toohill. Damaske was second in scoring last season (8.4 ppg.) and well as assists (43). As a 5-9 sophomore last year, Toohill was asked to play in the post. This year, her outside skills (34 three pointers in two seasons) should play a vital role.

In the backcourt, the point guard's role is ably staffed by senior Colleen McKeating, senior Honora Gioia, and junior Leticia Manning. The shooting guard's role will be contested between sophomore Jen LaBuda, senior Kelly Cusimano, and freshman Raenelle Duntin.

McKeating led the team in assists (63) and scored 5.8 ppg. Manning played sparingly last year, but developed a regular's role with the lacrosse team. Gioia had 27 assists and 16 steals a year ago.

LaBuda missed six games with an injury. She scored at a 6.4 ppg. clip. Cusimano contributed 3.4 ppg. and 35 assists. The 5-7 Duntin is a good athlete who needs playing time to adjust to the college game.

"We want to take care of one end of the floor," Scheible says of the heavy concentration on defense. "Then it's a question of can we put up enough points to win?"

Since late October, he has played many roles: cajoler, exhorter, educator, and teacher. The cajoling and exhorting come in practice as he builds enthusiasm among his players. The educator in him wants to see straight A's in classroom work. The teacher prefers a different slant: all D's.

SUNY-New Paltz
Entering his second year at the helm of the Lady Hawks, Head Coach Richard Thornton eagerly anticipates the start of the 99-00 season. Faced with the daunting task of turning around a program that has lacked success in the past. Thornton and his staff aggressively set out on the recruiting trail to find new talent for the program.

The result was eight newcomers, including seven Freshmen, to complement senior Robin Shields (16 ppg., All-SUNYAC) and Junior Lisa Burriss (8 rpg.). The freshman class includes players with good size, speed, and athletic ability. "Our No. 1 goal is to qualify for the postseason, something this program has not experienced in a while", says Thornton.

The coaching staff is committed to building a championship program and to providing the very best in competition. The Lady Hawks have two games versus nationally ranked Cortland State and former NCAA Tournament participant Geneseo. The team kicks off the season by playing in the Wheaton Tourney against NAIA Tournament participant Castleton State.

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