PREVIEW: REGIS COLLEGE OPENS CONFERENCE PLAY WITH COLBY-SAWYER

WESTON, Mass.—Having lost its last three non-conference match-ups, including a 11-point decision to Tufts University Thursday, the Regis College women’s basketball team will look to improve its season starting with conference opponent Colby-Sawyer College Saturday at 1:00 p.m.

The Commonwealth Coast Conference foes opened last season facing each other as well. Regis College (6-5) narrowly escaped then, defeating the Chargers 75-73. The two teams will enter Saturday’s game fairly evenly matched through the first half of the season.

Breaking down the Chargers

Colby-Sawyer (4-6) started out hot, winning its first four games before dropping its last six. The Chargers, who also lost to Tufts (70-36), is led by Taylor DeSanty and Katelyn Stravinsky in points this season. DeSanty is averaging 14.2 points per game, while Stravinsky is registering 11.9 PPG. Freshman Mari Meserve has an outright hold on the top spot in rebounds (73) averaging 7.3 rebounds per game.

Its 32-point loss to Tufts was its worst of the season, a 72-55 loss to No. 18 Bowdoin ranks second. Colby-Sawyer has six upperclassmen compared to Regis’ four. The Chargers lost one its best players to graduation, and that gap will surely be where Regis College can take advantage. Colby-Sawyer is shooting less than 35 percent from behind the three-point line, and just shy of that from the field (34.5).

How Regis College Matches Up

Regis College holds a handed advantage in the post with senior Sarah McNult ranking in the top 10 in the conference and nationally in rebounds. McNult is without question a force in the paint that can score, and has a radar for being where the ball is soon to be—her hands.

McNult has collected 144 boards this season, a total that leads TCCC players, and gives her possession of ninth in the NCAA. Colby-Sawyer is well aware of her ability to rebound, and she is where second-chance scoring opportunities will help Regis College jump to and maintain an early lead.

Returning junior point guard Stephanie Crawford has been one of the best guards in the conference since her freshman year. Crawford has an innate skill to penetrate the paint. Her move is not flashy, but it is effective. Able to also shoot the three-ball, many of her attempts are in the 8-to 12-foot range.

Crawford has posted more than 20 points twice this season, with a season-high 29 points coming against Suffolk. She scored 22 against Saint Lawrence. She also is better than 79 percent from the free-throw line. Clearly able to score, her 13.5 PPG is a team-high; Crawford is tied for second in the TCCC in assists (45).

New member Claire Ramonas is another option for the Pride on the boards and scoring. Ramonas can score, play defense, and does the little things well. In speaking with head coach Julie Plant earlier in the season, she said, “Clarie can do it all.”

The freshman is second in points per game (9.8) for Regis College, and second in rebounds (76). However, her stats are not reflective of her on-court ability. As she develops over her career, manages her playing time, and finds her role within the Plant system, she will be a conference force to reckon with.

Other contributing members that will make a difference in the Colby-Sawyer game will be Brittany White, Stefanie Wozmak, and Lauren Kimble. Stating these three does not downplay the contribution of the Pride supporting cast, as this year’s depth is capable of playing their role very well.

White is one of the most impressive players in the conference. Gifted with speed and athleticism, she will need both to be noticeable Saturday. Able to get to the basket by beating opponents with her first step, White must finish at the rim, and stay out of foul trouble.

Wozmak is a spitfire of energy that shoots the three pointers well. Also capable of mid and short-range jumpers, Wozmak is a scorer when her confidence is high. Kimble is a complement to Crawford in the respects that she penetrates the lane. In 11 games played this season Kimble has just 10 turnovers, and has done much of her damage from the three-point line (4-of-9).

If Regis College plays solid on both sides of the ball, stays composed when the score is close, and jumps to an early lead, look for the Pride to easily move to 1-0 in the conference. At times the Pride can play to the level of its opponent, which is sometimes lower, and not the style of play that Plant has preached.

When it does the latter, Regis College wins.