Marist Voted Team to Beat in 2009-10 Season
MAAC Sports
EDISON, N.J. – Marist College, which won its fourth consecutive MAAC Championship and advanced to its fifth NCAA Tournament in six years last season, is the league’s choice to earn the 2009-10 conference title, according to the MAAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll.
The Red Foxes return four of their starting five from last season, highlighted by two-time Player of the Year Rachele Fitz and Third Team All-MAAC selection Erica Allenspach. Head Coach Brian Giorgis has a lot of weapons at his disposal, including returning starters junior guard Élise Caron and junior center Maria Laterza, 2007-08 Sixth Player of the Year Lynzee Johnson, and Brandy Gang, a member of last season's All-Rookie team.
Iona College is expected to present the biggest threat to Marist's perch atop the MAAC standings. The Gaels, led by eighth-year head coach Tony Bozzella, have a wealth of talent, including All-MAAC First Team member Thazina Cook, All-MAAC Third Team choice Anda Ivkovic, and Kristina Ford, the reigning MAAC Rookie of the Year. Also returning for the Gaels is 2007-08 All-MAAC selection Anna McLean, who sat out last season.
Canisius College, led by The Rock MAAC Coach of the Year Terry Zeh, won 24 games last season and made a WNIT appearance for the first time in school history. Zeh will rely on the returning backcourt duo of Brittané Russell and Micayla Drysdale as the Golden Griffins take aim at their second MAAC Championship in the last five years. Sixth Player of the Year Ellie Radke and All-Rookie team member Stephanie MacDonald will also be integral to the Griffs' success.
Rider University heads into the 2009-10 season with loftier expectations than in previous years after a much improved campaign a year ago. Third-year head coach Lynn Milligan led the Broncs to their second highest league win total all-time (7) and their most overall victories (10) since the 1999-00 team. She will count on All-MAAC selections Tammy Meyers and Sarah Homan, and returning starters Amanda Sepulveda and Cintella Spotwood to continue the improvement in Lawrenceville.
Saint Peter's Collegewill be shooting for its league-record eighth MAAC Championship and first since 2002. To do so, the Peahens will need increased production from junior forward Charlene Riddick and senior guards Natasha Morris and Alena Ali.
Fairfield University, Loyola University, Siena College, Manhattan College, and Niagara University, who make up the remaining five picks, are all capable of making a run at the MAAC Championship.
Preseason Coaches Poll
| 1. |
Marist |
100 |
| 2. |
Iona |
90 |
| 3. |
Canisius |
75 |
| 4. |
Rider |
60 |
| 5. |
Saint Peter's |
55 |
| 6. |
Fairfield |
51 |
| 7. |
Loyola |
42 |
| 8. |
Siena |
39 |
| 9. |
Manhattan |
26 |
| 10. |
Niagara |
12 |