As the weather gets colder, there is more excitement for a new sport’s season at Wilkes University. The Lady Colonels began their season Nov. 13.

“We need to play our best basketball in February,” states Head Coach Christopher Heery. The women’s basketball team finished 10-/14 in their 2014-/15 season and 4-/10 in the MAC Freedom Conference.

The team has lost some key players, but there is no doubt the team can fill up the opening spots successfully. “We will be a different team this year. We have four starters to replace, so it will be fun watching it all unfold.” said Coach Heery.

The backcourt for the Lady Colonels may be inexperienced, so playing time for these spots may be crucial, with three junior shooting guards Emily Sofranko, Haley Mesaros, and Missy Oertner, who have all appeared in more than 20 games last season. Sophomore point guard Emily DeAngelis will guide the way and welcome freshman point guard Autumn Washington to her first collegiate basketball game.

In the front court there is the most experienced with the two senior captains small forward Cara Basile and guard/forward Chelsea Smelas. Smelas is excited about the opportunity to lead her team.

“As a captain, I plan to be there for my teammates in any way that they need me on and off of the court. I will sacrifice whatever I have to in order for us to win.”

Basile also is very grateful to be considered a leader on the court.

“As a captain I try to stay as positive as I can, even when I’m feeling down. I also love to scream and yell so I try to use that at practice and games, I know a simple high five or pat on the back can help out my teammates.”

There also are three more sophomore guards assisting the captains in the front court Casey McFadden, Nicole Farrell, and Sarah Birchmeier, in addition to welcoming freshman forward Ashley Caster to the blue and gold army.

Both Coach Heery and captains know they will be some obstacles this season, but it’s up to the team to fix them early.

Chelsea Smelas admits, “One of the biggest obstacles we will face this season is learning how to play confidently with each other since it’s a new group of girls playing on the court together.”

Heery agrees with that statement.

“We will be a different team this year. We have four starters to replace, so it will be fun watching it all unfold.”

Basile also has high hopes for her team.

“My goals for the season are to definitely beat more teams in the conference than we did last year. A big time goal is to make it into the MAC playoffs and to hopefully get to the finals and win.”