Women's Basketball Season Preview

With nine returning starters from last year's team, the Lady Bears look poised for a run at the regular season MASCAC crown. "We are looking for another great season coming off a second place finish last year," said head coach Bridgett Casey. "We want that top spot to earn our chance to play in the NCAA's."

Senior guards Melissa Murphy, Justine Farroba, and Caitlin Feeney return to add speed in the front-court on offense and defense. A season ago, Murphy and Farroba combined to shoot a .371 clip from behind the three-point line and Feeney averaged 10.6 points per game while tallying a team-high 120 assists. The trio also combined for an eye popping 191 steals (7.64 per game).

"Our focus so far has been team defense and the ability to cause chaos and confusion to our opponents," said Casey. "We are looking to use our speed and take advantage of our quickness and experience. Our up-tempo style on defense will create offensive opportunities for us."

First-team All-MASCAC forward Colleen Feeny also returns after leading the team in points (18.9) rebounds (9.3) and blocks (30). She will be aided in the back-court by incoming freshman Carolyn Swanson, who will replace last year's stand-out power forward Catie Furtado.

"Carolyn will make an immediate impact to the forward position," said Casey. "She brings with her great playoff/championship experience from Cardinal Spellman over the last three years. She has great post moves as well as an outside foul line jumper that makes her a double threat."

The first guard off the bench will be freshman Corey Cuddihy and forwards Ashley Coucci, Lisa Barros, and Michaela Johnson will all vie for playing time off the bench to play in the post.

"Some of our posts have good moves and others have the 10-12 foot jumper range," said Casey. "Finding the right balance will be the key."

Coach Casey said that she thinks Cuddihy will make an immediate impact to her squad off the bench.

"Corey brings to the table great court awareness, good defensive skills, and a great outside shot," said Casey. "She will be one of our top three-point shooters."

Despite committing 519 turnovers on offense (20.1 per game), they finished with a 0.76 turnover-assist ratio, which was second best in the MASCAC behind league champ Fitchburg State.

"We will look to take care of the ball and we need to work on the value of each possession," said Casey. "(We need to) realize that every turnover we make is one less shot attempt that we miss out on."

This year Bridgewater State College looks to take on Fitchburg State and Salem State for the MASCAC league title.

"Fitchburg comes off a great season winning the MASCAC and making it to the second round of the NCAA's," said Casey. "They lost some key players, but also brought in a couple of freshmen that will make an impact."

Coach Casey also said that Worcester State and Westfield State will also make a strong run at the top spot in the conference.

The Bears will begin the season hosting the BSC Subway Tip-off Tournament next Friday, November 16. They will play Wentworth in the first round and then play the winner or loser of the Norwich/Salve 6p.m. game. The game will tip-off at 8p.m.