Introducing the 2005 Roadrunners

Women add to strong foundation

by Matt Gunn
gunnma@mscd.edu

The Metro women's basketball team begins 2005 on the heels of its best season in more than 10 years.

Last year, the Roadrunners surprised much of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference on their way to a 24-7 regular season record and the RMAC championship.

"I think this year should be a good compliment to last year and I think we have the ability to pick up where we left off," sophomore Paige Powers said.

Metro graduated three seniors last year, losing two starters in Stephenie Davis and Natasha Molock. The 'Runners are a young team with no seniors, but that doesn't mean the team is without experienced players.

Five members of last year's championship team, including starters Rianna Harris and Danielle Ellerington, returned for another season. Powers returns as the team's three-point leader and a preseason all-RMAC pick.

"We do have a very young team, but our chemistry has been real good so far," Powers said.

Metro's youth comes in the form of five freshmen: Stacey Cox, Jess Eason, Megan Sinclair, Erica Valenzuela and Jessica von Tillow, who hope to follow the success of last year's newcomers.

"As a sophomore, I have one year of experience behind me," Powers said. " I just try to do what I can to help the freshman players with anything-whether on the court or off."

The season opens on the road Nov. 18 and 19 in the CSU-Pueblo Classic with games against Tarleton State University and Black Hills State University.

"We have a really tough pre-conference schedule that I think will be a promising challenge for us," Powers said. "I think that it will do a good job of preparing us for conference play."

Once RMAC play begins, Metro can expect the usual rivalry against Regis University. Regis was picked to finish first in the East Division.

"I'm excited that the season has come and getting to play with such talented friends and teammates," Powers said.