PURCHASE, N.Y. – After a breakthrough season a year ago, the Manhattanville women's basketball team will be looking to replace their top three scorers as they seek a second consecutive trip to the MAC Freedom postseason for the first time since 2011.
The Valiants last season went 18-8, their highest win total since the 2009-10 season where they compiled a 19-8 overall record. Their nine conference wins were also the most in five seasons earning them a trip to the MAC Freedom playoffs.
SEASON OUTLOOK: Manhattanville is looking for a new identity this season, graduating their top three scorers from a year ago in
Bri Pabon,
Ashley Raaf, and
Ashley Franklin. Returning however is freshman standout Kayleigh McGuire who leads the returners with 232 points scored in her rookie campaign. McGuire was a force on the inside block, averaging nearly nine points and over five rebounds per game off the bench for the Valiants.
Transitioning from a shooting offense with a multitude of players who could score off the dribble, the Valiants will look to focus on their forwards to guide the offense. Along with McGuire, returning on the low block are last year's starters, senior
Jazmin Pryce (Patterson, N.Y./Brewster) and junior
Joiada Darnell (St. Albans, N.Y./Humanities and the Arts). The duo combined to average six points and eight rebounds a game last season and will look to generate higher offensive numbers with more looks coming their way. Also looking to make an impact in the front court this season are returners
Sam Milazzo (Bellmore, N.Y./John F Kennedy),
Geena Catalano (Madison, Conn./Daniel Hand), and
Courtney Osieja (Mountainside, N.J./Governor Livingston).
BACK COURT LEADERSHIP: Despite losing two excellent guards this season, the Valiants are looking to their back court for leadership on the court. Looking to guide the young talent on the floor are seniors
Sarah Kelley (Ewing, N.J./Ewing) and
Brittany Deieso (Brewster, N.Y./Brewster). Last season Kelley was excellent off the bench, providing clutch shooting and lock-down defense during her 10 minutes per game. Deieso also appeared in all 26 games, averaging an assist per game off the bench and shooting 40 percent from the field. Also returning as an upperclassman guard and outside shooting threat is junior
Kelsey Decker (Sidney, N.Y./Sidney).
Also returning at the guard position are sophomores
Ivy Coles (Freeport, N.Y./Christ The King) and
Jess Nichols-Larosa (Randolph, Mass./Randolph). Coles appeared in ten games off the bench last season, and will see an increase in playing time this season at the point guard position. Nichols-Larosa also saw abbreviated time in her freshman season, appearing in four games, scoring two points and adding a steal and a rebound.
NEWCOMERS: Head coach
Kate Vlahakis is very excited about the incoming class this season, believing they have the potential to make a major impact both inside and outside with multiple players who can play both forward and guard. Joining the team this year is:
SEASON OPENER: The Valiants tip off the 2016-17 season tonight when they host the Bloodhounds of John Jay College of Criminal Justice at Kennedy Gym. Manhattanville has won their last six matchups against John Jay dating back to 1999 and will look to keep the streak alive tonight and open up the season with a win. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 pm and fans can follow all the action live at GoValiants.com.
