Haverford, Pa.- Coming off a 2011 season that saw the Fords set a school-record for most three-pointers scored (142) and the program's second-most overall wins (10), the Haverford women's basketball team hopes to continue making forward progress in 2012.
Head coach Bobbi Morgan returns for her fourth year at the helm, after helping her squad earn its most Centennial Conference wins in program history last season. The Fords also had the fourth-best scoring defense in the conference (allowing just 54.5 points per game). As for goals, Morgan has her team focused on one thing.
"We're looking to win," said Morgan. "We know we can be competitive with every team and our goal is to make the conference playoffs.
The Fords will get their first shot at winning in the season-opener on Nov. 15 against Immaculata University at Gooding Arena. Tip-off is slated for 6 p.m.
The key returners for the Haverford frontcourt include: junior forwards Dominique Meeks (12.2 ppg/ 9.0 rebounds per game) and Victoria Sobocinski (8.3 ppg/3.4 rpg). In the frontcourt, junior guard Calla Miller (6.0 ppg/5.3 rpg) and sophomore guard Rachel Baskin (2.5 ppg/2.7 rpg) are both returning starters. Also in the mix will be juniors Meredith Schoyer, a 6-foot-2-inch center and 5-3 guard Mary Hobbs.
Looking to carve out some time in backcourt will be sophomore Hope Rainey and 5-3 rookie guard Jacquelyne Pizzuto. Other freshmen include frontcourt forwards Elizabeth 'Gurt' Lynch and Brianna Robbins, along with 6-2 center Shannon Smith. Guard Pallavi Juneja rounds out the rookie class but is out with an injury this season.
The Fords will rely on defense to set the tone once again. Morgan is counting on a balanced attack offensively — something the team has not always had in the past. "We've got more depth than we've ever had and I think we will be tough to stop because of our inside and outside threats. I'm looking forward to starting the season," stated Morgan.
Morgan is joined on the bench by returning assistant coaches Karen Berk, Bridget DiCave, Jim McDonough and George Trabosh. Joining the staff for the first time will be Margaret Elderton, Annie McMahon, and Jamie Rosenberger.