Senior leadership hopes to finish strong

Experience, skill, and a profound knowledge of basketball are three key attributes of this year's women's basketball team.

After graduating only one senior last season, the Vikings are experience-heavy this year, with four seniors and four juniors hoping to lead the team to regional and national tournament births.

"It's one of the more veteran teams that we've had in a long time," head coach Dave Krauth said.  "That should be an element of confidence for us."

This early in the season, Krauth is nervous to measure success, but he mentioned that if they make the progress he expects them to, they should be a solid team.

One of those key players will be junior Molly Hayes, who is two years removed from a knee injury and hoping to strengthen her role on the team.

"Last year, coming off the injury I was searching for my role on the team," Hayes said.  "Now that I have that first year under my belt, I know what's expected of me."

Krauth said he expects Hayes to continue her strong defense and solid offense.

"Molly is one of those players who simply has a nose for the ball," Krauth said.  "People notice her steals and defensive stats, but her scoring will be important for us."

Another guard presence the team will count on is senior Megan Doyle, who is, according to Krauth, one of the most vocal players on the court.

"We'll look for Megan a lot in scoring situations," Krauth said.  "She's great on defense as well, but when the shot clock is low, we'll look to get the ball to her."

The team is not the tallest, but Krauth has used ball handling and shooting accuracy to counter opposing teams' height.

"We have a lot of our taller girls who can step out and hit the three-point shot," Krauth said.  "Anytime you have that, it's helpful to a team."

Another big part of the team's success, according to Krauth, is "knowing the game."

"I think our team realizes that possessions will win us games," Krauth said.  "When the ball is in our hands, we want to keep it, and when the other team has it, we want it back.  That mindset is going to help us win."