Mountain Echo

Issue date: 11/18/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Michael Mugno Sandra Andresson scored 13 points in the Mount's season-opening win over Canisius

Coach Bryan Whitten and the Mount St. Mary's women's basketball team are slowly but surely building a team fit to compete at the top of the NEC. With the help of four new freshmen and the return of four of the team's top five scorers, the Mountaineers are looking to improve on last season's 14-16 record which placed them eighth in the final conference standings.

"We want to be the best team that we can be, and our major team goals and expectations are to just keep getting better as we have the last few seasons," said Whitten. "we have to build on the successes and continue to put together winning seasons."

With the loss of the team's leading scorer Brianna Gauthier, the Mount will need players to step up and fill the void. Coach Whitten looks to senior guard Hassanah Oliver, who was the team's second leading scorer last season, averaging a shade less than 10.5 points per game. Coach Whitten also looks to her to assume the leadership role that was left with Gauthier's departure.

"Hassanah is a versatile guard who can score the ball. She rebounds well and plays great defense," Whitten commented.

Along with Oliver, Leah Westbrooks will be heavily relied on this upcoming season. Westbrooks, a junior and starting center, finished last season averaging 9.8 points per game and was also the team's leading rebounder.

"Leah has become the team's leader in the locker room and has really been pivotal in the progress of our girls this off-season," said Whitten.

Coach Whitten is looking for a breakout season from sophomore guard Sandra Andresson. With one year under her belt, the Estonian native could become one of the strongest forces on the team.

Junior forward Mary Dunn agrees, "Sandra should have a big year. She shoots the ball well, is a great rebounder, and now is better prepared for the grind of a college season."

Dunn is also expected to be a major contributor this season. Last year she was the team's fourth leading scorer and is expected to continue her progress.

"Mary is becoming a force for this team," said Whitten. "Teams began preparing for her last year and we will look to her to produce again this season."

The team's identity will again be established on the defensive end of the floor. Last season, the Mountaineers finished 64th in the NCAA in total defense, giving up 58.2 points per game. Junior Lauren Howell, who was a major threat last season with a three-point percentage of 35.8, said, "We are definitely a defensive oriented team because we feel that the best offense is a good defense."

Continued...

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