Strong Seniors to Lead Worcester Girls

BERLIN- With a roster top heavy with seniors, the sky's the limit for Worcester Prep's girls' varsity basketball team this year.

The Mallards will certainly be experienced as they hit the floor for the 2008-2009 season with seven seniors on the 11-player roster. Worcester will be led this year by returning starters and senior captains Hilary Roughton, Meegan Jayne Smith and Jackie Wangel, giving the Mallards a strong, veteran presence on the floor.

In addition, Worcester will feature seniors Anna and Sophie Townsend, along with seniors Elizabeth Hudson and Erin Ternahan, providing talented, veteran seniors at positions all over the floor. Beyond the strong senior class, Worcester will feature a pair of juniors in Theresa Ciletti and Carrie Hall, who is expected to run the point this season. Worcester has just two underclassmen on the varsity roster this year in sophomore Michelle Wangel and freshman Kelly Chandler, both of whom are expected to contribute.

Strong defense has always been a hallmark of Worcester Prep's girls' varsity basketball teams and that will continue under Coach Sharon Repass, who is entering her second year at the helm and should have her players operating effectively under her system. Worcester lost a lot of scoring when Melanie Leiner and Marie Enderle graduated last year, but with a strong defense creating turnovers and opportunities at the other end, the Mallards should be able to put points on the board.

As usual, Worcester will play a schedule loaded with ESIAC teams. After the holiday break, the Mallards will hit the floor running with road games against Greenwood Mennonite and Salisbury School and a home opener against Salisbury Christian next week.