Women's Basketball
2006-07 Season Recap
Completing its season with a 12-13 (8-5 NEWMAC) record, the Clark University women’s basketball team rebounded from a rough start to finish strong. The Cougars opened the year with a pair of season opening losses to bring their bid for 11 straight Worcester City Tournament titles to a halt. After a winter break trip to Florida, the women’s squad rattled off seven straight conference wins for the first time since joining the NEWMAC (formerly the NEW-8) in the 1996-97 season.
Led by NEWMAC second-team All-Star Sarah Roderigue, the Cougars, who were ranked as high as third in the league, entered the conference tournament as the fifth-seed. They dropped a hard-fought first-round game to fourth-seed Wheaton College (74-72) to conclude the year.
In addition to Clark’s mid-season comeback, their line-up was flanked by first-year standout Jillian Camilleri, a three-time Worcester Area College Basketball Association Rookie of the Week and senior Ashley Auclair. Auclair capped her career seventh on Clark’s all-time scoring list with 1,452 points.
2006-07 Season Outlook
Since joining the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC; formerly the NEW-8) in 1996, the Clark University women’s basketball team has boasted a solid 176-96 record, scored four conference championships, and earned five post-season tournament berths, including four trips to the NCAA Division III Tournament.
Last season, the Cougars were on pace to add to the record-books with 11-first year players and just six upperclassmen, including two seniors, on the roster. They posted a 17-9 (7-6 NEWMAC) mark and advanced to the conference tournament semifinals for the third consecutive year.
“Some thought last season would be a rebuilding year, but I don’t believe in that,” said long-time head coach Pat Glispin. “The freshmen were the bulk of our team, but we had two seniors who provided great leadership and commitment to the program.”
The 2006-07 squad looks to continue the winning tradition that is Clark women’s basketball. Returning 11 players and three starters, not to mention a trio of top-notch recruits, the Cougars appear armed and ready to make a run at the conference championship.
Despite the loss of point guard Andrea Comen, a D3Hoops.com All-Northeast Region and league first-team all-star, Glispin feels several talented returnees can step up and fill the void. The dynamic duo of junior Kristin Healy and sophomore Sara Hagstrom are top candidates for the job. While Healy brings veteran leadership to the position, Hagstrom is noted for her defensive intensity. Senior tri-captain Jess Lamothe, another strong defender, can handle both backcourt positions, while sophomore Katie McCloskey provides three-point range at the off-guard spot. Second-year players Nicole LeVecque and Catherine Hart, and freshmen Emily Skelton and Liz Popken will also be in the mix.
“We don’t have a wealth of experience in the back-court,” said Glispin. “However, the only way you get experience is to get out there and play. It’s time for the younger players to take a major step forward.”
The Cougars appear to be stacked at the forward position, where Sarah Roderigue (10.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg) is back after a fine freshman campaign. The sophomore sensation will anchor a group that includes three promising freshmen, Jillian Camillari, Ruthie Briggs, and Shinikwa James. While Camillari brings quickness to the front-line, Briggs excels in interior defense and James will add size in the post. Glispin will also count on the trio for rebounding and low-post scoring. Senior tri-captain Kim Harris, a solid rebounder, will provide valuable minutes off the bench. Junior Katelyn Petty, sophomores Alena Katsnelson and Genna Farley, and newcomer Blaize Denfield round out the forward candidates.
With the graduation of Carolyn Towle, senior tri-captain Ashley Auclair (14.3 ppg, 8.3 rpg), the top returning rebounder, is penciled in as Clark’s point person in the paint. A second-team NEWMAC all-star last season and the Cougars 14th player to reach the 1,000 career-point milestone, Auclair will give Clark an inside scoring threat.
According to Coach Glispin, the improvement and experience of the substantial sophomore class will be a major factor in the teams’ success this season. “We have to blend our talented young players with the established veterans quickly,” she said. “In addition, some of our first-years are going to need to step up and provide some key support right from the jump.”
Facing another tough schedule, including the Land of Magic Classic in Orlando, Fla., where the Cougars will face one of the strongest programs in the country – the University of Southern Maine, Coach Glispin is optimistic about the year ahead.
“Our goal is to build upon and to improve on last year’s results,” she said. “This team has already shown the extra level of hard-work and commitment it takes to be successful.”
For more information about Clark University Women's Basketball, please contact head coach
Pat Glispin at (508) 793-7628 or by email
at pglispin@clarku.edu
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