Elmira College Women's Basketball Outlook

"WE ARE EC!" is the mantra for the 2011-2012 Elmira College women's basketball team. The Soaring Eagles are striving to improve on last season's 5-20 record. In her fourth season leading the Soaring Eagles, coach Shannon Howley is counting on speed, youth and experience to be the formula for success in the competitive Empire 8 Conference.

In order to reach new heights this season, returning players Darcy James 12' (Castile, NY -- Letchworth Central), Jess Zoltowski '14 (Erie, PA -- Harbor Creek), Maria Thannhauser '14 (Newfield, NY -- Newfield), Elizabeth Forrest '14 (North Walpole, NH -- Fall Mountain), Tempestt Black '14 (Wolcott, NY -- North-Rose Wolcott) must set the tone for the Soaring Eagles.

James, the lone fourth year player returning, is looking to make strides from last year. Last season, James started 23 of 25 games averaging 17.2 minutes per game.  She will be counted on as one of the key leaders this upcoming season. Zoltowski was having a successful first year, averaging 31.9 minutes, 10.5 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. She was slowed by a wrist injury and was limited to 19 games. Thannhauser also had an immediate impact in her first year. She started 18 games and averaged 24.2 minutes, 9.7 points and 3.0 rebounds per game. Black and Forrest finished last season with a combined 93 rebounds. 

First year players will be counted on to make an immediate impact for the Soaring Eagles this season. Breen Loney '14 (West Chesterfield, NH -- Keene), Alexis Perryman '15 (Queensbury, NY -- Queensbury), Alex Balara '15 (Marlton, NJ -- Gloucester Catholic), Marki Michaels '13, Samantha Strzepek '15 (Lee Center, NY -- Rome Catholic), Kelsey Geisler '15 (Staten Island, NY -- St Peter's) all will be called on to fill vital roles if the Soaring Eagles are going to find their way up the conference standings.

With a combination of speed, youth and experience, this team can find rhythm early in the season en route to a successful 2011-2012 campaign.