By Pat Mariboe
Senior Sports Writer
The Shorewomen have decided to turn the page and start a new chapter on the court this season.
After finishing last season with a 3-21 overall record, they look to make amends for their poor form last year with a new, youthful group of players, along with some returners. Head Coach Alisha Mosley, who has been a part of the program here at Washington College since 2013, is excited with the look of the team and the preseason work they’ve put in during practice.
“Preseason has been great so far,” said Mosley. “Because of NCAA rules, we got an extra week of practice and are much further ahead then we were last season. Our preseason started with Jonnie Jenkins and his sports performance staff when school started. The girls really bought into getting stronger and in better shape and it has showed in practice. I am very fortunate enough to bring back seven returners from last season and five starters who all have come back excited about this season. Our newcomers have provided competition, and our returners have stepped up to the challenge. I expect it to be an exciting year.”
One of those returners, senior Ali Grundy, has been with the Shorewomen since her freshman year and the team is looking forward to her leadership both on and off the court. As she is the only senior on the roster.
“As a senior, I feel responsible to set the tempo with high energy in practice that will translate over to games,” said Grundy. “It’s important to me to set the tone for my teammates and always strive to push ourselves and each other to become the best team we can be this season. Preseason has been very successful thus far. We worked harder this preseason than seasons in the past and it definitely shows on the court. We have a number of girls who can run the ball exceptionally well and hopefully that will allow us to exploit our transition offense this season.”
The Shorewomen started off last season with a respectable record, as they maintained a 3-5 overall record at the end of December. However, those three wins would be the last they would see the whole season, as they went on to lose their final 16 games to finish with a 3-21 overall record while failing to win a single Centennial Conference game. The Shorewomen have been training nonstop to get ready for the season and look to exhibit their new style of play in an exhibition game against Wilmington on Wednesday, Nov. 9.
“Our preparation for this season started in the spring of last year,” said Mosley. “Our team has bought into working on their skill development and conditioning in the off season. We are more mature and confident as a whole and have brought in some very talented newcomers. I’m looking forward to seeing all their hard work pay off. Last year was a tough season record wise, but as a whole we got better everyday and I believe it will show more towards the beginning of this season.”
Following their contest against Wilmington, the team will face off against Hood and will also compete in the Pepsi Tip-Off Tournament on Nov. 19 and 20 before their first Centennial Conference game of the year against Swarthmore on Nov. 22.
“The upcoming season is a test for us to see how we have improved as a team,” said Grundy. “Returning everyone from last year has allowed us to grow together and understand each players strengths on the court. Its no secret that we are an underdog in the conference, but i’m confident that we have the ability to compete with top teams in our conference and turn a lot of heads this season.”