2009-2010 Southern Connecticut
Season Outlook

Information Provided by Southern Connecticut Sports Information

The Southern Connecticut State University women’s basketball team is starting a new chapter in 2009-10. The portion of this book, as head coach Meghan Brown describes it, is the Middle Ages.

“We are a middle-aged team this year,” Brown said. “We have a very talented squad with quite a few sophomore and junior impact players who will be playing together for at least two or more years going forward.”

Coming off of a 2008-09 season that was marred by an array of injuries, the Owls are excited to return six players, including all five starters.

Backcourt
Returning/Lost: 3/0
Newcomers: 5

Three-year starter and team captain Logan Lentz will serve as the floor general once again this winter. The Chambersburg, Pa. native led the way last season, leading the team in assists (3.7), minutes played (37.2) and swiping second in points per game (11.6). Lentz started in all 27 games last season and brings discipline and stability to the hardwood and in the classroom, where she was a Northeast-10 Conference All-Academic Team selection.

Joining Lentz in the backcourt will be two very dynamic sophomore guards. Lauren Allen started in 24 games last year before suffering a season-ending ankle injury. Her speed and defensive abilities create very difficult matchups for opposing teams. Primarily known for her defense, she chipped in with 6.4 points and 2.0 assists per game last season.

Alex Fiola returns for her sophomore season after filling a valuable role off the bench and as a spot starter a year ago. A shooting guard, Fiola played in every game and mixed in four starts en route to averaging 6.6 points per game. The Fall River, Mass. native can score with the best, evidenced by her 29 point performance against Assumption.

Southern will continue to add to their lineup with five newcomers to its backcourt. Freshmen Elizabeth Rommele, Camille Fantini, Milena Lazarevic, Ashley O'Dell and McKenzie Hyde will look to gain experience as they are integrated into the Owls’ system.

Front Court
Returning/Lost: 3/0
Newcomers: 3

Junior forward Jacqueline Johannes adapted to her starting role very well last season. She nearly averaged a double-double, leading the way in points per game (11.8), rebounds (9.5) and steals (64). After a breakout year in 2008-09, the Owls are anxious to see what’s in store from Johannes this season.

Uniting with Johannes in the front court will be graduate forward Allyson Smith, who filled a vital spot in the Owls starting lineup last season. Smith (10.0 points, 3.9 rebounds per game) wrapped up the 2008-09 campaign third-highest scorer on the team, while also finishing the season as the Owls’ high scorer in six games.

Also returning to the frontcourt is sophomore center Sarah Schicher, who will look to make another strong impact this coming season. With the addition of newcomers LaTisha Hatcher (sophomore transfer from Central Connecticut State) and freshmen Reilly Poirier and Shelley Pierson, the Owls have added depth to an already prolific frontcourt.