The University of Maine at Presque Isle women’s basketball program has a young team coming into the 2008-09 season. There are four returning upperclassman from last year’s team, one of those being senior captain Erica Davis of North Yarmouth, who led the team in points and rebounds last season.
UMPI WOMEN’S BASKETBALL – Members of the University of Maine at Presque Isle women’s basketball team are, in front from left, Sam Carpenter, Emily Moore, Kathleen Higgins, Whitney Flint and Melissa Borjas. Back row, head coach Tracy Guerrette, student assistant Josh Engroff, Megan Korhonen, Erica Davis, Mindy Sullivan, Kathy Kilfoil, Karen Creighton, Cassie Green, and assistant coach Joy Davis.
Also returning from last year’s starting lineup is sophomore point guard Megan Korhonen of Littleton. Kathy Kilfoil of Johnville and Mindy Sullivan of Lisbon, both of whom were rookies on last year’s squad, are expected to play a larger contributing role in the post this season. All three upperclassmen were appointed as captains for the season.
The Lady Owls have added seven freshmen to the mix, two of which are from Aroostook County. Second-year head coach Tracy Guerrette said her goal is “to keep the best players from the county in the county.”
Whitney Flint of Ashland has made a solid transition from Class D basketball to the college level. “She’s getting better and gaining more confidence with every game that we play,” commented Guerrette. Sam Carpenter of Hodgdon is also a member of this year’s freshmen group. “Sam works hard every day in practice and the payoff is that she’s improving every day,” Guerrette said.
Emily Moore of Lisbon will step in and see playing time at the point guard position, to hopefully give Korhonen some relief. Moore, who has a great shooting touch and knowledge of the game, will also play the shooting guard for the Owls. Other freshmen playing at the guard spot for UMPI are Melissa Borjas of Boothbay and Kathleen Higgins of Cole Harbour. Both players have a high learning curve and are eager to improve their fundamental skills.
Rounding out the freshmen class are forwards Karen Creighton of Sussex, New Brunswick and Cassie Green of Truro, Nova Scotia. “Karen has a great body for the college game and the potential to become a solid player for the Owls,” Guerrette said. “Cassie is a pleasure to have on the team. She works hard every day in practice and will also develop into an off-the-bench contributor for our team.”
It’s a transition time for the Owl team as coach Guerrette will look to her freshman to take on greater roles throughout the season. The tough non-conference schedule will hopefully help the team gain experience and confidence as they look to compete in the NAIA Sunrise Conference for the first time in many years. Conference play will begin in January with a home contest against Fisher College of Boston, Mass.
“My team and I are excited for the opportunity to compete for a conference championship,” Guerrette said. “As part of the Sunrise Conference, we’re not only guaranteed home games, it also builds healthy rivalries which always helps to motivates athletes to rise to their full potential.”
All involved are excited for the potential of this year’s team, especially the coach. “I teach my players that every day is a learning experience. I tell them to focus on the process and desire of working hard every day to improve and get better, and not on winning and losing,” Guerrette said. “If we stay focused on the process, then the results will take care of themselves. I’m excited for the season and for the future of this program.”
