2001-2002 Season Preview

The 2001-2002 UMaine-Farmington Women’s Basketball team will combine an experienced group of veterans and a large number of first-year players in its quest for another Maine Athletic Conference Championship. A formidable schedule awaits UMF and third-year coach, Jamie Beaudoin (UMF, ’97). The outlook is positive, however, as the Beavers return three athletes who played in all 25 games for last year’s 12-13 squad.  The squad will need to improve its depth and find shooting from the perimeter to replace the three four-year starters who graduated last spring.

The group of veterans will be led by lone senior and team captain Rachel Bard (Winslow, Maine). Bard has emerged as one of the premier guards in the state. She combines superior defensive play and unselfish passing to make for a strong all-around game.  Rachel’s four steals per game and 5.4 assists placed her thirteenth and fourteenth respectively in NCAA Division III. She also averaged 7.6 points and 4.4 rebounds while playing a team-high 793 minutes. 

Joining Bard in the backcourt will be junior guard Megan Woodcock (Farmington, Maine). Woodcock is an athletic guard who averaged 8.6 points and shot 76% from the line in a reserve role last season. The combination of Woodcock and Bard gives the Beavers one of the best defensive guard duos in the state. 

Up front, UMF’s Jocelyn Sawyer (Cornish, Maine) is a mobile 6-foot forward who finished second on the team in scoring last season at 14 points per game. Sawyer contributed 6.4 rebounds a contest and led the team in free throw percentage at 79%.  Sawyer’s range and ability to get to the free throw line make her a dangerous offensive threat for the Beavers. 

Junior Samantha Hunt (Fairfield, Maine) returns to the team after a year away from the game. At six feet, Hunt gives the Beavers another inside presence. A strong rebounder with a soft touch around the hoop, Hunt should combine with Jocelyn Sawyer to provide the team with a very respectable inside combo during the upcoming campaign. 

A big question for the Beavers will be the development of several first-year players.  UMF will look to forwards Kate LaHaye (Belfast, Maine), Molly Bean (S. Paris, Maine), Cheryl Kempton (Cumberland, Maine), and Desirae Haines (Lincoln, Maine), to make an early contribution in their careers. On the perimeter, Danielle Bourassa (Old Orchard Beach, Maine), and Sophia Stanley could see court time as well.

The Beavers open the season in Salem Massachusetts, with potential games against three powerful Division III programs in MIT, University of Southern Maine, and Salem State.  USM and Salem are perennial contenders for the national championship. UMF will also face traditional MAC rivals St. Joseph’s College and Husson College, as well as Thomas College and UMaine-Machias, who return a wealth of talent.

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