Building up to their season opener, the Redhawks concluded the preseason with a 70-44 win over Saint Martin's to close out the exhibition season with a perfect 2-0 record. Junior Tatiana Heck led the SU attack with 14 points and four rebounds in 21 minutes of work.
"I really like our team's confidence," said head coach Joan Bonvicini after concluding the preseason. "We go into every game playing really hard and are a very scrappy team. Our defense affects opposing team's offense and what we lack in size we make up with how hard we play."
As part of the "Countdown to Showtime" series, part three will introduce fans to the remaining members of the Redhawk women's basketball team - the forwards and centers.
Senior Ashley Brown
After missing the 2008-09 with an injury, senior forward Ashley Brown has bounced back into basketball form and has already showcased herself as a strong force in the Redhawk lineup. Brown has helped light up the backcourt with 18 total points in SU's preseason contests.
"Ashley is an outstanding 3-point shooter," said Bonvicini. "She is a smart player and a good rebounder. She is also an improved defensive player and is able to add a presence offensively on the court."
Redshirt Freshman Carley Butcher
After getting her true freshman season cut short with a season-ending injury, Carley Butcher has rehabbed back from a knee injury to provide dominance and height down low. With two off the bench appearances this preseason, the versatile 6-1 Butcher has tallied 12 points and six rebounds in 30 minutes of exhibition action.
"Carley is coming off a knee injury, but she's getting better and stronger everyday," Bonvicini stated. "This is really like her freshman year, and she will grow by leaps and bounds. She is going to be a strong post player."
Junior Julee Christianson
After seeing action in all 29 contests last year, Julee Christianson returns to the SU lineup to bring added momentum to the post position. In her two exhibition appearances, she was a strong defender in 29 combined minutes on the floor.
"Julie will come off the bench and bring energy onto the court," Bonvicini commented. "She is a good defensive player and can hit the open shot. She reads the court well and can mix it up."
Junior Tatiana Heck
Adding size and strength the Redhawk lineup is junior Tatiana Heck. She has proven to be a consistent force over her first two seasons and had a standout preseason. She was the top SeattleU performer versus Saint Martin's on Nov. 7, as she scored 14 points, had four rebounds, made two assists and had a steal in 21 minutes on the floor.
"Tatiana has become our low post presence," Bonvicini stated. "She has become a good rebounder, reads the court well and is a very good defender. She can really mix it up and plays bigger than what she is."
Sophomore Maggie McCarthy
A strong wing player who has been integral in SeattleU's two preseason victories, Maggie McCarthy will be called upon to provide big plays throughout the season. In SU's first exhibition game, the Burlingame, Calif. native led with a team-leading 18 points and had nine rebounds in 30 minutes on the floor. In the final preseason game, McCarthy had 13 points and four rebounds.
"Maggie is scrappy and plays hard," Bonvicini said. "She moves well without the ball and for her size she is an outstanding rebounder."
Sophomore Samantha Messersmith
Returning for her second season at SU, Samantha Messersmith will be looked to be a solid off the bench performer. In the Redhawks preseason contest versus Saint Martin's, Messersmith scored five pivotal points to aid in SeattleU's offensive scoring spurt to aid in going 2-0 in the exhibition season.
"Sam is just energy," said Bonvicini. "She brings energy off the bench, she can get out on the break and run, and she can hit the three or go to the hole. She is a solid defender too."
Bonvicini's Final Thought
"I really like our team's confidence and we go into every game playing hard," concluded the first season head coach. "I like the way our players come off of the bench. We are utilizing everyone and as long as we continue to play hard, good things will happen."