The UNH women's basketball team looks to start its season off on the right foot tonight when they take on St. Joseph's University at the Lundholm Gymnasium.
The Wildcats look to improve upon last season's 8-23 record. UNH was picked to finish fourth in the America East pre-season poll, but head coach Kristin Cole believes the team has the pieces in place to compete in America East this year.
"I think we're in a good position [to make a run at the America East championship]," said Cole. "I think we are going to surprise some people."
Two of the areas in which Cole would like her team to improve are on the defensive end of the floor and on the boards.
"We focus the majority of our days on defense and rebounding because I think that's where you win championships," said Cole. "Our kids have been committed to getting better there, so we are just going to keep working on both every day."
The Wildcats will be led by senior forward and captain Candace Williams.
Last season Williams was one of just two players in America East to rank in the top three in both scoring (16.1 ppg) and rebounding (8.1 rpg). The stellar season earned her America East All-Conference Second Team honors.
"She [Williams] is the type of kid who not only leads by example, but just works incredibly hard," said Cole of her star forward. "Her leadership is very important to this team. What she has done in the offseason to improve her game will show. I know that she really wants to go out as a winner."
Another important player for the Wildcats going into the season is senior guard Amy Simpson.
Simpson led UNH in steals last year with 35 and she ranks second all-time in three pointers made at UNH.
"[Simpson] really understands what I expect from her and what we need from her," Cole said. "I think she's going to have a great year; she is going to surprise a lot of people."
Cole also mentioned junior center Jill McDonald's improvement over the summer, as well as sophomore guard Lauren Wells' game-changing athleticism.
"[McDonald] spent a lot of time really getting better and really working on her game, and I think she's showing some great upside," Cole said. "Wells plays the combo - the 1-2 guard. She is very quick and athletic and has the type of quickness that isn't seen in this conference, so I think she will have a very good year."
But Cole is fully aware that it is going to take a full team effort if the Wildcats want to be one of the top teams in America East this season.
"I expect our team as a whole to have a successful year and everybody to contribute in many ways," stated Cole.
Once again, the Wildcats will take on St. Joseph's University tonight in the Lundholm Gymnasium. Tip-off is at 7 and don't forget the Jackie MacMullan book signing prior to the game at 6 p.m. in the Paul Sweet Oval of the Field House.
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