Sports Home • Today at BU • BU Home • Alumni • Admissions • Academics

November 8, 2002

2002-2003 Women's Basketball Preview

BLOOMSBURG—The face of the 2002-2003 Bloomsburg University women's basketball team has changed from last year's team that went 21-6. The Huskies lost three starters from a year ago who combined for nearly forty-five percent of Bloomsburg's scoring. This year's team, however, has a freshness and newness that has head coach Monica Starrett excited for the upcoming season.

“The team is completely new chemistry wise,” Starrett said. “The positive chemistry that they have should help them come together as a team on the floor. Good chemistry and work ethic should help make up for what we lost in personnel.”

The Huskies will play more of an underdog role in the PSAC than they have the past couple of years. Despite this, the team's mindset and preparation is to win the PSAC Championship and the PSAC East title and coach Starrett expects to be in the hunt down the stretch.

The team has an interesting mix of experience and youth, led by last year's PSAC Player of the Year in the PSAC East, Jen Bryan (Denver/Cocalico), and because of a lack of depth, the newcomers will be forced to make an immediate impact.

The Huskies open up their season November 23rd at Holy Family. The home opener is December 6th against Indiana (PA).

Sophomore Michelle Albanese (Wilmington, DE/St. Marks) returns after a dynamic freshman season. Last year she demonstrated all the makings of a great point guard: leadership, an ability to distribute the ball and hit the three. After a year of experience, Albanese is poised to be a leader on the floor for the Huskies.

Senior Meaghan Roe (Brownstown/Conestoga Valley) returns at the wing position with the ability to play inside and out. She has worked hard to prepare for her senior year after being hampered by injuries last season. Roe will have the opportunity this year to prove how talented she is.

Senior Stef Kline (Sinking Spring/Wilson) and sophomore Meggi Rothermel (Minersville/Nativity BVM) will battle for the shooting guard spot. Kline is making the adjustment from the backup point guard spot. She is a defensive minded player and has more experience in the system. Rothermel has less experience, but provides a threat at the offensive end and has the potential to become an impact player.

Freshman Kelly Burkhart (Sayre/Athens) will provide an additional scoring threat. She is a shooting guard with unlimited range. She should help stretch the defense of opponents with her ability to hit the three.

Junior Steph Weikel (Coal Township/Lourdes Regional) provides an additional back up at both guard positions.

Senior co-captain Jen Bryan brings experience and talent to the Husky frontcourt. Last year she was named 3rd team All-American as well as the PSAC East Athlete of the Year. Her leadership and work ethic should have a positive effect on her teammates.

Senior Karen Yeasted (West Lawn/Reading Holy Name) returns after playing in the shadows of Megan LaBuda for the past three seasons. As a co-captain she has taken a leadership role and is looking to take advantage of more playing time this season. This season provides her first opportunity to start and coach Starrett believes she will rise to the challenge with increased production in scoring and rebounding.

The Huskies have three newcomers in the backup post positions. Junior Dana Thompson (Pocono Lake/Allentown, NJ) is a transfer from East Stroudsburg. She is an energetic and enthusiastic player whose experience should be valuable. Freshman Jamie Kauczka (Kingston/Wyoming Valley West) is a versatile player with the ability to post up, shoot the three and run the floor. She should be an immediate contributor for the Huskies. Another freshman, Courtney Camacho (East Stroudsburg/East Stroudsburg North) provides raw athleticism to the backup post position. Junior Kristen Millard (Mt. Carmel/Lourdes Regional) provides additional depth in the frontcourt.