The Bloomsburg University Women's Basketball team is coming off a stellar 2001 season with a 24-7 record where a trip to the Elite 8 eluded them by a single one-point loss, 76-75, in the East Regional Final. With four starters returning, and the loss of just two players, the Huskies and Head Coach Monica Starrett have high hopes for the 2001-2002 Huskies.

�Our number one goal is to win the PSAC East and get a number one seed in the PSAC Championships,� said coach Starrett. �We want to win the PSAC Championships and make it back to the NCAA Tournament. The players have had a taste of what its like to play in March. They gained valuable post season experience and leadership ability by virtue of last year's NCAA Tournament run and are already talking about making it to Minnesota (the sight of this year's Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament).�

Starrett has the core of last year's team returning including last season's PSAC Athlete of the Year Megan LaBuda and two other All-PSAC players, Jen Bryan and Carrie Pugh. The 2001-2002 Huskies have the experience and the confidence to make them successful.

If there is a weakness on this year's team it may be a question of depth. The addition of freshmen Meggi Rothermel and Michelle Albanese may provide the answer. �They will be nice complements to the players we already have,� said Starrett. �We have solid scoring threats at all five spots this year.It's a fun group and we've set the bar high as we pursue a PSAC Championship and another NCAA Tournament bid.�

Second team All-PSAC player, Carrie Pugh returns for the Huskies at the shooting guard position. She provides an outside scoring threat with the ability to take the ball to the basket. Last season she led the team in assists and will be looked to for her leadership this season. Jen Spinelli will also provide strength in this position. She provided strong scoring off the bench last season and is a three-point shooting threat.

The Huskies lost starting point guard Kate Chapman to graduation, but have three solid players that will battle for time at that position. Senior Jen Lojewski and Sophomore Steph Kline saw limited action last season, but possess good speed at the point. Both players have worked hard in the off-season and are in excellent physical condition as the season begins. Freshman Michelle Albanese should contribute immediately for the Huskies at the point guard position as she makes the transition to college basketball. She will add quickness and has great ability to distribute the ball.

Junior Meaghan Roe returns for the Huskies at the wing position after coming on strong as last season progressed. She has the ability to play inside and out. She will be a consistent scoring threat from her wing position. 5'10� freshman Meggi Rothermel will also contribute with size and athleticism at the � position. Steph Weikel rounds out the Husky roster at the guard slot.

The Huskies possess two of the best frontcourt players in the PSAC in senior Megan LaBuda and junior Jen Bryan. LaBuda, the 2001 PSAC Athlete of the Year, made the All-PSAC 1st team, ECAC Division II 2nd team, and the Dacktronics All-Region 2nd team last season. She was also named the NCAA East Region Tournament MVP. LaBuda will be counted on not only for her scoring and rebounding, but for her leadership as well.

Last season, Bryan made the 2nd team All-PSAC and the NCAA East Region All-Tournament Team. She is a consistent scorer and rebounder who will be looked on to shoulder more of the scoring burden this season.

The Huskies also have experience in the back up post positions. Junior Karen Yeasted is a strong rebounder who has the ability to score with either hand inside. She also has strong shot-blocking capabilities and is currently tied for 9th on Bloomsburg's all-time leading shot blockers list after just two seasons. Sophomore Kristen Millard will provide additional size and depth down low for the Huskies.