Women's basketball

2009-10 Season Preview

Philosophy Change, But Goal Remains Same: Win it All

Purchase, NY (Nov. 15, 2009) – All any team ever talks about these days is about how hard they’ve been working in the offseason, how the chemistry is better than ever, and how the new players will take a little time to adjust but will ultimately prove to be the missing pieces needed to solidify the team.

The Purchase Panthers women’s basketball team has gone with an opposite approach. Instead of the incessant talking, the praising and the backslapping, the “Orange and Blue” take to the courts and let their game speak for themselves.

This season, according to head coach Steven Loscher, the focus is less on trying to outscore opponents and more on trying to make defense Purchase’s trademark. The Panthers, known long for their high-scoring attributes, have remade the roster for 2009-10 with a handful of quick, scrappy defenders.

“This is the best team I’ve had in my six years here at Purchase,” exclaimed Loscher, which is saying a lot since his teams have averaged double-digit wins during his tenure.

With all-time leading scorer Jen Danio lost to graduation, returning All-Skyline guard Jessie Domes will be expected to shoulder the load offensively. Last year, Domes became the second Panther to eclipse the 1,000 point mark for her career, following in the footsteps of her former teammate. With Danio gone, it will be up to Domes to lead the way in not only scoring but in keeping the team together.

Domes won’t be flying solo though, as fellow senior co-captain and defensive specialist Shayla Diaz will return for her final season as well. With a roster filled of promising sophomores, including speedy guard Melanie Culpepper, the tough Alyse LaPadula and vocal playmaker Jasmine Davis, Purchase has a young nucleus in place to contend now.

Junior forward Sarah Straub should also provide a stabilizing presence on the defense, racing for loose balls and helping talented center Liila Mack out in the paint.

Top newcomers Jessica Bullock and Imani Floyd also provide Loscher more bench flexibility. This could be one of the deepest and talented rosters in Purchase history.

-Oren Vourman