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Home  |  Roster  |  Schedule/Results  |  Coaching Staff  |  News  |  Team Statistics | Giving

November 3, 2008
Slug Women Ready to Get the Season Started

SANTA CRUZ, CA -- The Slugs can hardly wait to get the 2008-2009 season rolling, last season proved to be a tough one as all the odds were stacked against a young slug team with eight new players. The Slugs were forced to play their entire season on the road and in unfamiliar practice facilities as the west field house was undergoing required maintenance and renovation. Now, with a team of solid returners, talented new faces and a 'new' gym the slugs are ready to put the 2007-08 season behind them.

Although the Slugs graduated three seniors last year, they are returning nine solid players while bringing in five new. Leading the returners this season is senior guard and captain Kayleigh Calandri. After earning First Team All-Independent last season, breaking six records, including hitting the 1,000 point mark, you can look for Calandri to lead the way once again in her final season. Also part of the senior class is forward captain Melissa Junge and point guard Elsa Tang. Junge, who led the posts in scoring last season and was the team's second leading scorer, is looking to increase her numbers and to continue to lead the way for the posts. Tang, the only returning point guard, will be leading way with three new point guards joining the team.

The two juniors returning this season are forward Molly Davisson and guard Iveth Cuellar. Davisson brings a lot to the table as a player. She finished last season as the team's third leading scorer and rebounder and is versatile enough to play both the guard and post position. Cuellar, being only one of four guards returning this season, will bring the Slugs experience, athleticism, and hard work each day.

The Slugs are also returning four sophomores this season: Mikaela Medeiros the lone guard, and three post players; Lydia Andrews, Lauren Nixon, and Zakiya Sharpe. Medeiros, one of this year's team captains, will bring in her leadership skills, hard work and dedication, as well as her solid perimeter shooting to the team. Andrews, a power forward, has strength, quickness under the basket, and a great feel for the game. Look for her and Junge to control the power forward position. Nixon has the ability to play both power and small forward. With that versatility and continuation on improving, she will make a large contribution to the front court. Sharpe is moving into the post position after playing on the perimeter last season. She is extremely athletic and has a great sense for the where the ball is. Look for her to make a huge impact with her athleticism and shot blocking abilities.

Rounding out the line up for the 2008-2009 season for the Slugs are five new faces. The three recruited freshman entering the line up are point guard Jen Marquez and guards Danielle Mofsowitz and Alison Scarborough. Marquez, from Urban HS (San Francisco, CA), has the speed and quickness that every coach loves to see in a point guard. She sees the floor extremely well and is a great defender. Mofsowitz, from Saugus HS (Saugus, CA), can shoot extremely well and is a very solid defender. As she develops into the speed of the college game, she has the ability to become a great all-around player. Scarborough, from Drake HS (San Anselmo, CA), is a very versatile player. She has the ability to move from the one, two, and three spot. She sees the floor well and can get herself to the basket with great finishing abilities. She is also another great defender.

Rounding out the new addition to the Slugs are walk-on sophomore point guard, Jessica Borja and freshman forward Amanda Rabe. Borja is a quick point guard who can push the ball and see the floor well. Rabe is a very fundamental post player. She positions herself on the floor well both offensively and defensively and works extremely well with other players. As she grows and develops strength at the college level she will become an impact post player.

Overall, the Slugs look confident with a balanced and strong team with a wealth of experience and depth. With a schedule full of familiar opponents, a newly renovated West Field House, and 14 players committed to growing and developing as a team, the Slugs are looking forward to a successful 2008-09 season.