Central Connecticut State returns all five starters from the 2008-09 team that set a single-season program for wins (18), captured a WNIT postseason berth for the first time ever, and accounted for the top-ranked turnaround (12.5 game improvement) in all of NCAA Division I. With her Blue Devils having been selected third in the NEC Preseason Coaches Poll, head coach
Beryl Piper knows that her team is no longer flying under the radar.
"There's definitely more pressure on us this year," the third-year head coach said.
The Blue Devils' balanced lineup returns five individuals that averaged no fewer than 9.0 points per contest last season led by sophomore guard Shontice Simmons (12.5 ppg) who blossomed in the point guard role as a rookie. Junior Kerrianne Dugan, a second team all-NEC selection, averaged 11.6 points and 5.9 boards over 32 starts.
"We gelled as a team last year," Piper proclaimed. "Now, we have other players, along with the kids we had, to make us better this year."
One of those newcomers is Kirsten Daamen, who adds the 6-foot-3 size that CCSU lacked in the post. The New England native showed shot-blocking ability, averaging 4.7 rejections per game, during Pentucket [MA] Regional's 2008 North Sectional championship run. "She knows how to use her body well in the post so we're excited about her," said Piper. CCSU also added size at the wing position with Brooke Bailey, a 6-2 forward who elected to remain in her home state for college after her high school career produced All-Eastern Connecticut honors.
Despite the increase in confidence and personnel additions, Piper claims that talent alone won't carry the Blue Devils. "They are believing in themselves more, but, if we're to be successful, we have to be eager to work hard and prepare. We're talented, but I have high expectations and the players need to have those same expectations."
Overall Record (Past Four Years)
Last Year: 18-14
Last Two Years: 22-39
Last Three Years: 28-62
Last Four Years: 37-82
NEC Record (Past Four Years)
Last Year: 12-5
Last Two Years: 15-20
Last Three Years: 19-34
Last Four Years: 25-46
RPI Nat'l Rank/Conf. Standing
2008-09: 209/5th
2007-08: 317/11th
2006-07: 278/9th
Leading Returning Scorers
Shontice Simmons: 12.5 ppg
Kerrianne Dugan: 11.6 ppg
Leading Returning Rebounders
Leanne Crockett: 7.8 rpg
Kerrianne Dugan: 5.9 rpg