COLGATE WOMEN'S BASKETBALL  BEGINS 
PRESEASON PRACTICE THIS WEEKEND

For Immediate Release
Oct. 12, 2000
Contact: Angela Aja, Athletic Communications
aaja@mail.colgate.edu

Hamilton, NY – The Colgate women's basketball team opens up  preseason practice on Saturday, Oct. 14 under sixth-year head coach Ron Rohn. The Red Raiders take to the newly renovated Cotterell Court, the home site of the team's contests, at noon.

At the conclusion of the 1999-00 season, the Red Raiders (13-16, 6-6) posted their best overall record in 10 years and their best Patriot League mark in five years. The squad earned the No. 3 seed going into last year's conference tournament, its highest ranking since the league's inception.

Rohn will look to improve upon last year's success by guiding this year's team to its first winning season in over a decade. The squad has a  chance to do just that with its top two point scorers returning. Preseason all-Patriot League selection Frances Boone and junior Sarah Parks will highlight the team's roster. Colgate also returns all-rookie selection Colleen McCaffrey and starting point guard Alison Hanson.  The program also welcomes eight freshman to this year's roster, the largest recruiting class in Colgate history.

"This year's team hopes to challenge for the Patriot League title," Rohn said. "With the number of young players we have, and how much improved the league will be, that is a lofty goal, but one I believe this team is ready to take on."

Boone, who led the team in scoring average the entire year, ended the 1999-00 season with 12.9 points per game. She led the league in steals with 96 while setting a new Colgate record for steals in a season. She was named second team all-Patriot League for her efforts, and will look to make the jump to first team this season.

Parks came into her own during the second half of the season scoring in double digits in the last nine of 10 games. She finished the season right behind Boone with 12.7 points per game and scored more points than any other Red Raider last season with a career-high 28 against Stony Brook in the final regular season contest.

McCaffrey had an impressive rookie season after becoming the team's best shooter from the 12-17 foot range. She led the league in conference free throw shooting with an .889 percentage. She will play a heavy factor in the team's success this season.

Hanson, who was one assist away from a triple double in last year's Patriot League semifinal game, will likely get the nod at point guard again this season. She started all but one game for the Red Raiders last year and may be the team's best kept secret heading into the start of the season.

Other returners include sophomore Jaime Glenn and Danielle Fields, who should contribute more to the team this season. All eight newcomers come from successful high school programs, and several should look to play a key role early on.

The Red Raiders open up the season on their home hardwood when they host non-conference rival Drexel on Nov. 18.