Women's Basketball

UC Favored in WVIAC Women's Basketball Race
November 8, 2005

(PRINCETON, W.VA)-The University of Charleston is the choice of West Virginia Conference women's basketball coaches to capture this winter's league championship. The Golden Eagles, who enter the season with a #3 national ranking, return all five starters from last year's club that reached the NCAA Division II's Elite Eight.

UC received 10 of the 14 first place votes that were cast by the WVIAC's head coaches. Glenville State, also nationally ranked at #19, captured three first place votes to finish second in the poll. Defending WVIAC Tournament champion Wheeling Jesuit was third. 2004-05 conference regular season winner Fairmont State got the final nod for the top spot and holds down fourth.

Tradition-rich West Liberty State, Concord, and West Virginia Wesleyan complete the top half of the pre-season prognostications. Shepherd, West Virginia State, and Alderson-Broaddus comprise the eighth through tenth slots. Salem International, Davis & Elkins, Ohio Valley, and Bluefield State complete the balloting. WVU Tech is not eligible for the 2005-06 conference title.

Charleston (29-5, 17-1) has everyone back from last season's magical run. Lisa Lee (6-0, Sr, F, 19.4 ppg, 8.4 apg) is on pace to become the leading scorer in Golden Eagle women's basketball history. Courtney Thomas (5-8, Jr., G, 14.6 ppg, 4.2 apg) and Laura Kinsler (5-10, Sr., G, 10.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg) each averaged scoring in double figures last season. Rachel Pike (6-0, F, Jr., 9.5 ppg) and Erica McElroy (5-7, Jr., G, 5.7 ppg, 3.7 apg) round out head coach Sherry Winn's starting five. Emily Jones (5-10, Soph., G, 8.1 ppg) was a key contributor off the bench as a rookie.

Glenville State (24-8, 15-3) has developed into one of the top programs in Division II under head coach Steve Harold. The Pioneers have reached the past four NCAA Tournaments and own 111 victories during that span. All five starters are back at GSC, including All-WVIAC picks Rachel Redick (5-8, Jr., G, 17.7 ppg, 3.7) and Denae Dobbins (6-6, Sr., C, 14.7 ppg, 9.4 rpg). Casey Taylor (6-2, Jr., C, 10.5 ppg), Christy Alltop (5-9, Jr., G, 7.0 ppg, 4.4 apg), and Lauren Strong (5-5, Jr., G, 4.9 ppg) are battle tested. Pendleton County native Liz Bowers (6-0, Soph., F, 8.1 ppg) provided a reserve spark during her freshman season.

Wheeling Jesuit (23-9, 13-5) welcomes back eight of their nine top scorers. Joe Key's Cardinals were impressive last March as they stormed to the school's first WVIAC Tournament title since 1994. Katie Repicky (5-8, Jr., G, 14.6 ppg) led WJU in scoring. Sarah Setcavage (6-2, Sr., C, 8.9 ppg), Jenna Johnson (6-0, Jr., F, 5.7 ppg), Katie Hine (5-10, Jr., G, 5.7 ppg) and Lindsey Piar (5-7, Soph., G, 5.5 ppg) give the Cards plenty of options. Point guard Jade Eckleberry (5-2, Sr., 8.2 ppg, 3.2 apg) triggers the attack.

Fairmont State (28-4, 17-1) spent much of last season in the national top ten. Despite losing WVIAC Player of the Year Kristen Gattuso and point guard Erica Rome, the cupboard isn't bare for head coach Steve McDonald's Falcons. Sharpshooter Ashley Reed (5-5, Sr., G, 17.1 ppg) is one of the conference's top three point shooters. Senior forward Sidney Thomas (5-10, Sr., F, 9.1 ppg, 11.5 rpg) is a dominant rebounder.

West Liberty State (13-14, 9-9) underwent a rare rebuilding season in 2004-05. Head coach Lynn Ullom owns the most wins in WVIAC women's basketball history with 276 victories. Seven letterwinners return from last year's young squad, including Lena Kalvans (6-1, Jr., F, 14.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg), Leighann Fry (6-1, Sr., C, 11.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg), and Lisa Perry (5-4, Soph., G, 5.0 ppg, 7.4 apg). Brandy Terry (5-6, Sr., G, 6.4 ppg) and Charity Street (5-8, Soph., G, 6.6 ppg) add backcourt depth.

Concord (15-13) experienced their first winning season over a decade in 2004-05. Samm Nester (6-0, Soph., C, 13.6 ppg, 7.5 rpg) was last season's WVIAC Freshman of the Year. Shari Walker (5-6, Jr., G, 11.5 ppg) and Jessica Ferguson (6-2, Sr., F, 10.8 ppg) are capable perimeter threats for Kenny Osborne's Mountain Lions. Becca Flanagan (6-0, Soph., F, 8.2 ppg) gained valuable experience as a rookie.

West Virginia Wesleyan (17-12, 11-7) must replace star center Frances Carvajal, a two-time first team All-WVIAC honoree. Junior guard Sarah Grab (5-7, 17.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg) will be the focal point of the attack for Steve Tierney's Bobcats. Crystal Johnson (5-6, Soph., G, 8.2 ppg, 4.0 apg) and Emily Facemyer (5-9, Jr., F, 5.8 ppg) return to the starting lineup. Senior center Julie Bell (6-1, 5.3 ppg) will shoulder some of the inside load.

Shepherd (12-16, 10-8) will count on a strong frontline to overcome an inexperienced roster. The Rams have seven sophomores and two freshmen on a dozen player squad list. LaToya Fisher (6-0, Sr., C., 9.8 ppg), Casey Landrum (5-11, Soph., F, 10.6 ppg), and Laura Harkins (6-1, Soph., F, 8.9 ppg, 7.9 rpg) should combine for an excellent inside game for head coach Jodie Runner.

West Virginia State (12-17, 7-11) looks to return to their NCAA Tournament form of two seasons ago. Tiffany Scott (6-0, Sr., F, 16.9 ppg, 8.6 rpg), Ashlee Stevens (6-1, Soph., C, 9.6 ppg), and April Stevenson (5-5, Sr., G, 9.8 ppg, 4.2 apg) seek to help Gill Heasley's Yellow Jackets to get back into post-season contention.

Kara Newton (5-9, Jr., F, 9.1 ppg) and Soledad Montemayor (5-1, Sr., G, 5.4 ppg) are the lone returning starters for Alderson-Broaddus (10-19, 6-12).

Salem International (9-19, 4-14) head coach Donnie Johnson has dipped into the junior college ranks for an infusion of new talent. Jody Green (5-9, Sr., G, 7.8 ppg) and Cali Pate (5-8, Jr., G, 7.4 ppg) are among the holdovers for the Tigers.

Seniors Katie Bright (5-7, Sr., G, 11.8 ppg) and Daya Perkins (5-5, Sr., G, 7.7 ppg, 4.7 apg) lead the way for Davis & Elkins (9-18, 3-15). Courtney Pawlak (5-10, Soph, F, 6.4 ppg) shot a team-high 53% from the field as a freshman.

Jason Dougherty takes over at Ohio Valley (7-21, 4-14). Four starters from last season greet the new coach, including Natasha Holloway (5-10, Soph., G, 10.4 ppg), Caley Stevens (5-8, Jr., G, 9.0 ppg), and Candice Gist (5-5, Sr., G, 8.9 ppg). Point guard Ashley Dunson (5-7, Sr., 7.7 ppg) runs the Fighting Scot offense.

Terri Humphries (5-10, Sr., F, 8.5 ppg) is one of only two returning letterwinners at Bluefield State (2-26, 2-16). Head coach Gary Brown will attempt to rebuild behind six newcomers to the Lady Blue program.

WVU Tech (10-17, 9-9) was competitive during Reggie Carrick's first season in Montgomery. 6-2 senior Alison Carney (15.2 ppg, 6.6 rpg) provides matchup problems for smaller guards. Nicholls State transfer Latoya Steele (5-7, G) should pair with Carney for a strong backcourt. Five transfers are part of an eight player recruiting class that should see immediate action.

2005-06 WVIAC Women's Basketball Coaches' Poll

1. Charleston (10) 192
2. Glenville State (3) 181
3. Wheeling Jesuit 168
4. Fairmont State (1) 148
5. West Liberty State 140
6. Concord 115
7. West Virginia Wesleyan 106
8. Shepherd 103
9. West Virginia State 96
10. Alderson-Broaddus 60
11. Salem International 51
12. Davis & Elkins 50
13. Ohio Valley 39
14. Bluefield State 21

Women's Basketball

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