2001-2002 SEASON OUTLOOK

After winning the 2001 Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Tournament title, Guilford head coach Barb Bausch and her team look to build upon last season's success. Ten letter winners return from Guilford's first NCAA Tournament squad in hopes of improving on last season's 22-7 record and second-round appearance in the NCAA Division III playoffs.

The Quakers need to replace graduated seniors Arden Miller '01 and Marlo Biernacki '01 from last year's team. Miller, the 2001 ODAC Tournament Most Valuable Player, led Guilford in scoring (12.2 ppg) and rebounding (7.8 rpg) for the third straight season in 2001 and finished her career with six school records. Biernacki, a forward like Miller, started 11 games for the Quakers last season and averaged 2.6 points and 2.4 rebounds per game.

After winning the ODAC championship and reaching the NCAA Tournament, the Quakers will be the ODAC's hunted team this season. The ODAC coaches picked Guilford as the team to beat in their preseason poll and Bausch knows her team needs to be stronger and smarter to repeat as league champs. A year of experience for the team's seven sophomores, combined the savvy of two seniors and a junior, give Guilford an experienced base upon which to build.

Bausch turns to senior captains Erin Beacham and Amy Evans to lead this year's team to another stellar season. Both players received All-ODAC recognition in the 2000-01 season and were named to the 2001 All-Tournament team. Beacham (10.7 ppg), a three-year captain, is a scoring threat from her shooting guard position and a strong leader on and off the court. Evans (7.6 ppg) again joined the team in late October due to soccer commitments. She spent the off-season working on her outside shot in hopes of increasing her scoring.

For the first time in two years, Guilford returns a large core of its team, all of whom contributed to the Quakers' record-setting season in 2000-01. Aside from Beacham and Evans, Guilford returns several key reserves from last year's club. The preseason roster totals 15, giving the team a deep and talented bench. Bausch's goal is to have at least five players scoring in double figures this season. Five of the top six scorers from last year's team are back, which makes it a reachable goal.

Bausch expects great things from her sophomore class. Guard Dara Burke (3.9 ppg, 2.4 rpg), who is recovering from an ACL injury, is a great defender and one of Guilford's steals leaders. She has great quickness and a valuable asset in transition. Guard A.J. Robertson (5.6 ppg) led the Quakers with 20 three-pointers last year. Point guard Nicole McCrory (2.0 ppg) is expected to see more time running the offense in her second season. Forward Jackie Hardenbergh (6.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg) is a strong rebounder and has a scoring threat inside and outside of the post. Guilford's lone junior, center Shannon Underwood (5.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg), adds a strong interior presence and can also score.

This year's five-member recruiting class adds depth and competition within the team. The Quakers' second straight large first-year group creates challenges for spots on the court, which improves the team's overall play, according to Bausch. This year's class features strong outside shooters and some needed post players.

In addition to the new players, Guilford added two new coaches to the staff. Chris Kosiba '97, an assistant for the past two years, left for the head women's basketball coaching position at Hilbert (NY) College. Bausch brought in two coaches, Bari Nixon '97 and former Guilford men's assistant Ron Brafford. With a large team comprised of mostly underclassmen, the additional coaches can provide more personalized instruction.

The Quakers open the season in Demorest, GA, at the Piedmont College Tournament. The Quakers play Oglethorpe in the first round and Toccoa Falls or Piedmont in the second. They return home to a rematch of last year's ODAC Tournament final against Emory & Henry November 28. The team's annual meeting with crosstown rival Greensboro College will be played at the Greensboro Coliseum December 4. Guilford also plays a non-conference contest with Averett December 8.

-Angela Rioux '02