Marist Women's Basketball is the Team to Beat in 2008-09
MAAC Sports
EDISON, N.J. ? Marist College, which won its third consecutive MAAC Championship and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament a year ago, is the league’s choice to earn the 2008-09 conference title, according to the MAAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll.
The Red Foxes return three of their starting five from last season, including 2007-08 Player of the Year Rachele Fitz, Second Team All-MAAC selection Julianne Viani, and the 2007-08 Rookie of the Year Erica Allenspach. Head Coach Brian Giorgis will look to guard/forward Lynzee Johnson, last year's Sixth Player of the Year, and guard Elis? Caron to replace the loss of All-MAAC choices Nikki Flores and Meg Dahlman.
Fairfield University will present a challenge to the reigning MAAC Champions, as second-year head coach Joe Frager will look to build upon a successful first year that saw the Stags win 22 games and finish in a tie for second place in the conference. Senior forwards Baendu Lowenthal and Stephanie Geehan and senior guard Megan Caskin will lead the way.
Canisius College's victory over Marist in the 2005 MAAC Championship game is the only blemish on the Red Foxes MAAC Tournament record in the last five years. The Golden Griffins will look to replicate that feat in 2008-09 and will rely heavily on the backcourt duo of Amanda Cavo and Brittan? Russell in order to do so. Sopohomore Micayla Drysdale, a member of last season's All-Rookie team, will be looking to build upon her impressive freshman campaign.
Saint Peter's College senior guard Tania Kennedy will anchor the Peahens as they look for their first conference title since 2002 and league record eighth overall. Also returning are two major contributors in junior guard Natasha Morris and sophomore forward Charlene Riddick.
Loyola College lost its two leading scorers to graduation, but the Greyhounds return plenty of firepower to contend for a top spot in the MAAC. Increased output from guards Siobhan Prior and Candice Walker will be key to Loyola's success.
Iona College, Siena College, Manhattan College,Niagara University, and Rider University, who make up the remaining five picks, are all capable of making a run at the MAAC regular season title.
2008-09 MAAC Women's Basketball Preseason Poll
| 1) | Marist (10) | 100 |
| 2) | Fairfield | 82
|
| 3) | Canisius | 75 |
| 4) | Saint Peter's | 63 |
| 5) | Loyola | 56 |
| 6) | Iona | 54 |
| 7) | Siena | 52 |
| 8) | Manhattan | 32 |
| 9) | Niagara | 18 |
| Rider
| 18
|