2008-09 Season in Preview

A talented Soaring Eagles squad will look to make an impact in the Empire 8 Conference once again this winter. With 12 returning letter winners, the Purple and Gold are prime for a post season run under  first year Head Coach Shannon Howley.   Howley will benefit from the experience of her two fourth year players, Marcia Coakley ’09 and Mary Symonds ’09. Together, the trio is prepared to guide the Soaring Eagles to another successful season.

Coakley will be vital to the Soaring Eagle’s success. In 2007, her third season, she appeared in just 14 games while suffering through an injury riddled campaign. Now healthy, the fourth year guard will look to regain her swagger as one of the most dynamic players in the Empire 8 Conference. On the defensive end of the court, Coakley should reestablish herself as one of the top defenders in the Nation. Symonds will play an important role down low for the Purple and Gold. Look for the 6’0” forward to be a force in the paint and improve upon last season’s statistics, in which she averaged five rebounds and six points per contest.

Erin Rupell ’11 cemented herself as one of the elite rookies in the Empire 8 after an impressive first season which she averaged 6.4 rebounds per game. She is the teams’ leading returning scorer at 8.7 points per contest and twice registered double-doubles at Susquehanna and against Hartwick College. Rupell concluded her break out first season as the team’s leading scorer in eight of their 25 contests. With a year of experience under her belt, the second year forward will be counted on for rebounds and her aggressive play in the post.

Second year players Becca Fretz ’11, Tesia Kaczynski ’11, and Becky Peterman ’11 will be relied upon to provide experience as returning starters.  Fretz appeared in all 25 games last season, averaging 2.6 rebounds per game.  Kaczynski proved herself as a reliable shooter, claiming 23 three-pointers in 25 games played.  Kaczynski’s and Peterman’s ability to hit the outside shot and remain consistent will be critical as the season progresses.

Chelsey Kent ’10 and Alysha Giarra ’10 made vast improvements during the 2007-08 season.  Kent’s athleticism and unique ability to get to the rim will be counted on again in 2008-09. Look for Kent to continue to evolve into one of the team’s most lethal offensive threats down the stretch. Over a year removed from a season ending injury, Giarra should establish herself as an elite point guard on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court. In her first full season a year ago, she led the team with 56 assists.

Stephanie Woychak ’10, Alex Hayes ’10, Meghan Sullivan ’10, Christina Coppola ’11 and Laura Bolan ’11 should provide solid minutes for the Soaring Eagles. Each add depth to their position and are an integral part to the team’s success this winter.

First year guard Amanda Lawlor ’12 could contribute immediately in her first season. A gifted athlete, Lawlor collected All-League, All-State, and MVP honors prior to coming to Elmira College. The 6’0” guard will be looked to be an impact player in the Soaring Eagles offense.

Once again this season a team effort is necessary for success. With the right combination of youth and talent, Coach Howley’s squad could challenge rivals Ithaca, Utica, and Stevens for the Conference’s top spot.