Women's Basketball Set To Tip-Off 2009-10 Campaign

Stevens Institute of Technology women’s basketball team enters the 2009-10 season with hopes of duplicating the success of last year’s historic campaign, in which it posted a 23-6 overall mark en route to its first-ever Empire 8 championship and NCAA Tournament appearance. Led by two-time conference Player of the Year and Women’s Basketball Coaches Association honorable mention All-American Dani Dudek, Stevens made the most of its first-ever trip to the NCAA’s, scoring a 59-50 opening round win over the University of Mary Washington before falling to New York University in the second round. But gone are Dudek along with a pair of Stevens’ regulars, leaving nine eager returnees and four newcomers to continue their legacy and help the Ducks sustain their upward climb.

“Last season was historic. It was a season of a lifetime, but we’re not going to rest on that and this team understands the kind of commitment and effort it’s going to take to get back to that level. We’re excited to take on the challenge,” said head coach Jon Hochberg. “Our expectations are high every year. I think we’re that team that everybody wants to beat now because we went to the NCAA Tournament last year, but we have a lot to prove. Obviously, losing Dani [Dudek] is critical, but we have to prove to ourselves and everyone else that we weren’t a one-woman show last year. We may have lost an All-American and a two-time conference Player of the Year, but expectations are still high without her. We expect our young kids to step up into leadership roles and our older kids to really begin to take charge.”

Hoping to help fill the leadership void left by Dudek, are a trio of senior co-captains in the form of Brittany Fuller (East Rockaway, N.Y.), Sarah Gehring (Spokane, Wash.), and Brianne Lavin (Farmingdale, N.J.). Fuller and Gehring join fellow returning starter Paige Armstrong (Fair Haven, N.J.), juniors Cynthia Hassler (Coaldale, Pa.) and Victoria O'Connor (Westwood, N.J.), and sophomores Taryn Barnes (Avenel, N.J.), Dawn Garcia (Brooklyn, N.Y.), and Jillian Barrett (Philadelphia, Pa.), in what promises to be a balanced and deep Ducks’ roster that can hurt opponents in a variety of ways.

“We have everybody back up front and we have Tori [O’Connor] back from her injury last year so we should be really strong up front. I think that’s going to be a big strength of ours, is our size and strength up front, our ability to score in the low post and the paint, and rebound,” said Hochberg. “At the same time I think we’ll also be able to score from the perimeter. We have our shooters back. Brittany [Fuller], Dawn [Garcia], and Sarah [Gehring] can all shoot the three, as can Cindy [Hassler]. We should be able to score from the paint and we should be able to knock down shots from the perimeter and that’s pretty much what you want.”

O’Connor’s presence, coupled with Armstrong, Fuller, Hassler, Barnes, and freshmen forwards Ellie Kleinhans (East Lyme, Conn.) and Isa Guzman (Union City, N.J.) should give Stevens added depth up front, while sophomore transfer Kathleen Schuckers (Lincoln Park, N.J.) and Candace Shpock (Randolph, N.J.) along with Lavin’s emergence, give the Ducks extra options in the backcourt.

“Tori [O’Connor] back adds a presence in the paint and just having added depth up front allows us to play bigger lineups unlike last year,” Hochberg said. “We’ve also got depth on the perimeter. We expect a lot out of Brianne [Lavin], who’s been playing behind Dani [Dudek] all these years. She should be ready to step in and really give us good on-ball defense and run the show.”

Last season, Stevens ranked first in the conference in scoring offense with 68.1 points per game. The Ducks also lead the league in field-goal percentage (.431), assists (14.72), assist-to-turnover ratio (.98), and scoring margin (+13.3), while ranking second in three-point field-goal percentage (.339) and three-pointers made with 5.69 per contest. Stevens was equally impressive on the defensive end, ranking first in scoring defense, surrendering just 54.8 points per game. The Ducks also ranked first in field-goal percentage defense (.328), defensive rebounds (29.52), and rebound margin (+5.7), a trend Stevens hopes to extend into this season.

“We just have to make people work,” said Hochberg. “We have to contest shots, try to outrebound people, and be physical. We’re going to try to get stops every time down the floor.”

Perhaps the biggest question facing the Ducks entering this season is who will help fill Dudek’s void as the team’s unquestioned leader. After an illustrious four-year career, Dudek finished as one of only two known women’s college basketball players who accumulated at least 1,200 points, 800 rebounds, and 600 assists, and was the team’s go-to player down the stretch. But with six players returning from last year’s roster that breached the double-digit scoring plateau on at least one occasion, Hocherg remains confident the Ducks will find ways to compensate for Dudek’s absence.

“I think we’ll be very balanced this year. We have kids who can make plays and I’m really optimistic and excited about who we can become this year,” said Hochberg. “The biggest thing is, who is going to step up in Dani’s absence and be that go-to player in the clutch? I think we have a number of people that can be that person and maybe we do it by committee. With that being said, I think that we’ll be harder to defend this year. I expect a lot of balance this year offensively and on any given night I think anybody can hurt you.”

The Ducks’ mettle will be put to the test early and often this season as the team navigates its way through a grueling non-conference slate before opening up Empire 8 play. Stevens will square off with five opponents who earned postseason berths last year, beginning with a showdown against The College of New Jersey on Sunday, November 15, in both team’s season-opener. The Lions are coming off a 28-5 season and a NCAA Division III Tournament Final Four appearance.

“What’s good about playing such a tough schedule early is that we’ll find out how good we are,” said Hochberg. “We’ll see how good we might be and what we need to work on.”

Stevens will also face the University of Scranton, which advanced to last year’s Elite Eight, on December 2. The Ducks open up conference play against Alfred University and Rochester Institute of Technology on December 5 and 6, respectively, before taking the court against ECAC Upstate champion St. John Fisher College on January 2 and ECAC Upstate runner-up Ithaca College on January 16. Dudek and second-year assistant coach Stephanie Del Preore hope to help Hochberg guide the Ducks through one of its toughest schedules to date.

“I think we have a great staff in place and it’s a good mix of personalities that I think can help us get the most out of this team,” explained Hochberg. “We’re happy to have Steph [Preore] back. She does a great job with our post players and brings a lot of energy everyday and gets the most out of the kids. Dani puts forth the same effort she did for four years as a player, into coaching, and we’re happy to have her. She does a great job working with our guards and can really relate, get through, and communicate with them.”

With time, Hochberg believes that a balanced attack, complimented by the emergence of several key players throughout the season, could help propel the Ducks to another memorable season on the Hudson.

“We want to improve every day, get better game in and game out, and we expect to win. We are going into every game expecting to win, while also knowing we really have to play hard and execute and outwork the other team to have a chance to win. I’m optimistic of what we could become this year,” Hochberg said. “While every team is special, I feel like this team has the chance to be really special by the end of the season as long as we continue to work day in and day out and take nothing for granted.”

Positional Breakdown

Guards

Sarah Gehring (Senior, Guard, 5-7)
Last season: Returning team co-captain… Started all 29 games last season… Averaged 6.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game… Netted double-digit points on nine occasions… Went 8-for-12 (.667) with a season-high 22 points and five three-pointers against SUNY New Paltz… Had multiple assists 12 times…Dished out a season-high five assists against Elmira and William Paterson… Grabbed at least three rebounds in 21 games.

Coaches Corner: “Sarah is a really strong perimeter defender. She’s a good outside shooter and one of our important leaders on the floor. She’ll do the little things that sometimes go unnoticed and she’s very tough.”

Brianne Lavin (Senior, Guard, 5-6)
Last season: Appeared in all 29 games last year as a reserve guard… Averaged 1.7 points and 1.4 assists in 8.0 minutes per game… Had a season-high eight points, two rebounds, and five assists against Rochester Institute of Technology… Scored six points and had three steals against Hartwick… Tied a season-high with five assists against New Jersey City University.

Coaches Corner: “We expect Brianne to really step up and play a lot of minutes at point. She’s a good on-ball defender, handles the ball well, gets into the paint and is a really good passer. She has also really improved her scoring ability inside and out. I think she’s primed to have a really strong senior year.

Dawn Garcia (Sophomore, Guard, 5-6)
Last season: Appeared in all 29 games last season averaging 5.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists per game… Netted double-digit points in five contests… Led the team with a season-high 14 points against New Jersey City University on a season-high 5-for-8 (.625) showing from the floor… Equaled her season-high with 14 points against Ithaca… Made a season-high four threes in both contests… Had 10 points and a season-high eight rebounds against St. John Fisher.

Coaches Corner: “Dawn should see sometime at the point. She can hurt you a lot of different ways. She can handle the ball and she can shoot. She just knows how to play and can put the ball in the basket.”

Kathleen Schuckers (Sophomore, Guard, 5-6)
Outlook: Sophomore transfer from Monmouth University… Member of the Ducks’ women’s soccer team… Led Stevens in points (21), goals (9), and assists (3) in her first season at Castle Point… Versatile athlete who should give Stevens added depth in the backcourt.

Coaches Corner: “Schuckers is quick, strong, and a tenacious defender. She really gets after it at the defensive end and can certainly shoot the ball from three, handle it, and score on the offensive end as well. We’re really excited about how she can help us.”

Candace Shpock (Freshman, Guard, 5-9)
High School: All-county performer at Randolph High School… Ranked in the top-20 in the county in scoring.

Coaches Corner: “Candace is a versatile player who can really get into the lane and score. She wants to be good and is willing to put forth that effort.”

Forwards

Brittany Fuller (Senior, Forward, 5-11)
Last season: Returning team co-captain… Started all but one game last season... Averaged 12.0 points and 6.7 rebounds per game… Totaled a team-high 36 blocks… Led the team in scoring seven times and rebounding on eight occasions… Had four double-doubles on the season… Tallied double-digit points 21 times… Scored a team-high 16 points in the team’s season-opener against the College of Staten Island… Poured in a season-high 28 points against Rochester Institute of Technology… Went 5-for-7 (.714) with 10 points against St. John Fisher… Pulled down a season-high 12 rebounds against Alfred… Collected a season-high five steals against Merchant Marine and a season-best four blocks against Utica.

Coaches Corner: “Fuller is a bit of a do-everything forward. She’s a shot-blocker, a three-point shooter, and someone who can score inside and out. We can, as always, expect a lot from her and she’s another kid who’s primed for a big senior season.”

Cynthia Hassler (Junior, Forward, 6-1)
Last season: Made 16 appearances averaging 3.8 points and 1.3 rebounds in 9.9 minutes… Really came on as the season progressed… Scored double-digits on three occasions… Had a season-high 11 points against Rochester Institute of Technology and Alfred… Scored 10 points against Elmira.

Coaches Corner: “Cindy came up big for us late in the year, especially in the NCAA Tournament. She changed the face of the Mary Washington game. She can flat-out shoot the three, but she also has the size and strength to score in the paint. We expect her to have a more expanded role this year and she’s instant offense off the bench.”

Jillian Barrett (Sophomore, Forward, 5-11)
Last season: Appeared in all 29 games last season, making five starts… Averaged 6.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game… Second on the team in blocks with 24… Finished with double-digit points seven times… Had a season-high 16 points on 7-for-11 (.636) shooting against Elmira… Tallied 14 points and 12 rebounds against Nazareth… Grabbed a season-high 13 rebounds against St. John Fisher… Collected a season-high three steals against Hartwick, Montclair State, and Middlebury… Had a season-high five blocks against Ithaca.

Coaches Corner: “Jill came back in great shape. She has improved on her post footwork, her shooting range, and her overall strength and we expect big things from her after a really strong freshman year.”

Taryn Barnes (Sophomore, Forward, 5-9)
Last season: Saw limited action, appearing in just five games… Had two points against Worchester State College and Middlebury… Tallied two assists against New Jersey City University… Will look to play a more integral role after a stellar preseason.

Coaches Corner: “Barnes has been a pleasant surprise. She has had an outstanding preseason. She’s improved on her overall game and has really shot the ball well.”

Isa Guzman (Freshman, Forward, 5-11)
High School: Varsity letterwinner at Union Hill High School… Gives Stevens added size on the frontline and can put pressure on the defense by knocking down shots from the outside.

Coaches Corner: “Isa is another one of those 5-11 kids we have that can really shoot the three. Coming off of an injury last year, she’s excited to get going, and can really help us from the perimeter by knocking down shots.”

Ellie Kleinhans (Freshman, Forward, 5-9)
High School: ECC All-Conference student-athlete at East Lyme High School… Tireless worker who can provide some much needed energy off the bench.

Coaches Corner: “Ellie works hard every day in practice. While she may be a little under-sized, she plays really hard all the time and knows how to play. She’s very willing and very able to outwork you on every possession and is an outstanding perimeter shooter.”

Centers

Paige Armstrong (Junior, Center, 5-10)
Last season: Appeared in 26 games, making 25 starts… Averaged 9.7 points and finished tied for first on the team in rebounds with 7.8 per game… Led the team in scoring five times… Broke the double-digit scoring plateau 13 times… Led the team in rebounding on 11 occasions… Had seven double-doubles on the season… Scored a season-high 18 points and pulled down eight rebounds against Hartwick… Had 11 points and a season-high 18 rebounds in the season-opener against the College of Staten Island… Put forth a 15-point, 15-rebound effort against William Paterson… Led the team in scoring and rebounding in both of its NCAA Tournament games, tallying 13 points and 12 rebounds against the University of Mary Washington before a having a 17-point, 10-rebound night against New York University.

Coaches Corner: “Paige is so consistent in the paint. She tries to outwork her opponent on every possession. She has a great attitude and is really going to step into a leadership role. She has gotten better and better every year. After the postseason she had last year, we really expect her to take it to the next level and possibly be an all-conference type player.”

Victoria O'Connor (Junior, Center, 6-1)
Last season: Returns after missing last season with a knee injury… Averaged 4.0 points and 5.2 rebounds as a freshman, making 30 appearances…Finished the season tied for first on the team in blocks with 34… Will help give the Ducks a greater low-post presence.

Coaches Corner: “Tori looks like she didn’t miss a beat coming off the injury. She’s strong and picked up right where she left off freshman year and even increased her shooting range. She had a great attitude throughout the whole year off and is just another example of someone who hung in and contributed and couldn’t wait to get back on the floor. She’s just a physical, strong kid, who will really give us that extra body, that extra presence down low that we were missing last year.”