Staff Writer
After being one step away from the NEWMAC Championship game last season, there is a calm but focused sense of urgency among the players and coaches.
“The team vibe this season is definitely different from the past. There are no cliques,” said senior co-captain Kelly Murphy. “We’re all getting along great.”
After finishing with an overall record of 13-14, and a conference record of 12-6 last season, all eyes are on senior captains Murphy, Kelly Slattery, and Andrea Butler to lead the charge.
Slattery was the team’s leading scorer last season and averaged 13.4 points per game, while Murphy followed closely behind with 10.5 points per game.
With a tougher offseason schedule in the fall before NEWMACs, Murphy is confident in the team’s overall conditioning.
“It’s always a heavier load in the beginning, but we’re in better shape going into this season than we’ve ever been,” said Murphy. “So it’ll be fun to see if we can run with the top teams.”
Head coach Naomi Graves will be entering her 21st season at the helm for the Pride with a career record of 294-142. At her side will be assistant coaches Staci Andrews and Corey Finch. Finch played at SC for four seasons and was the NEWMAC Player of the Year her senior year.
The Pride’s first game will be Nov. 15th at Worcester State.