"Our site has become a major participant in the recovery efforts, said Head Coach Winnifred Brown.  "Because of this our practices have been almost non-existent. This has unfortunately held us back in all facets of preparations."

Despite the challenges, coach Brown is optimistic going forward.  "We realize it's going to be difficult to make up for the time that we lost, but the players have taken on the challenge with enthusiasm."

This season, coach Brown is renewing a focus on rebounding and cutting down on turnovers.  Both aspects of the game were issues for York a season ago. 

"Our goal is to be defensive-minded and to be a good rebounding and passing team," noted Brown. "Losing two key players in the backcourt, we will have to count on each other to control the tempo of the game, by eliminating our turnover ratio and making good decisions on the offensive ends.  We have added size to the front court, so that should give us a strong edge in the rebounding category."

The two graduating players Brown is referring to are Shadae Rice and Joanna Josama.  Instead, York will look to others to fill the void.  Senior Ishonda McFarland will be looked upon this season to step up her game.  Last season, the Bronx native was a solid contributor across the board, averaging 7.4 points, 4 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. Vania St. Louis is another all-around player that York will lean on this season.  A year ago, she averaged close to four points and four boards and should improve on both those numbers this season.

In the rebounding department, Stayce Kay Muirhead is one of those players who should help York get an edge.  The sophomore averaged 8.5 boards during her freshman campaign last season, despite limited action.  In addition, Alicia Lee, a 6-2 center, along with junior Danielle Dunn should also help York get the rebounding advantage.

"Our returning players understand that they can no longer count on the players that have graduated.  They must step into a more important role.  They must also share the leadership role as a group," added Brown.

Coach Brown is hopeful that York can make continued progress and stay consistent throughout the season. 

"With these two elements, by the second half of the season, we would like to be in a position to secure a good spot in the playoffs and from there anything could happen."

York is slated to begin the season on November 16 on the road against Keene State College at 3:00 p.m.