Laura Franceski (57): The 6-foot-2 senior forward had 57 blocks last season, averaging 1.9 per game. Franceski is primed to be the leader for this team, and you can and expect her 9.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game from last year to improve this season.

Erica Carter (49): The junior is a potent threat from the outside as she hit 49 3-pointers last season while shooting 39 percent. Carter averaged 9.8 points per game last season. Both of these numbers are expected to climb.

Muffy Sadler (.804): Sadler shot 80.4 percent from the free-throw line last season, and with her upgraded role in the offense this year, that consistency will prove to be vital. She notched four points and two rebounds per game last year.

Jackie Ward (30): The sophomore played in all 30 games last season, one of only six players to do so, as a reliable bench performer. She made four starts and averaged 1.9 points a game.

Darryll Peterson (7.6): As a sophomore last season, she came off the bench averaging 7.6 minutes a game. She found ways to use her minutes successfully and propel her team. She averaged 1.2 points and 1.1 rebounds a game.

Erin Owens (1.9): Owens averaged 1.9 points per game in only 19 games of play. The 6-foot-2 senior center will see some minutes this season as she gives the Bearcats more size underneath the basket.

Jaki Goldner (.455): A sophomore, Goldner had a field goal average of .455 percent in limited action last season. Her presence on the bench will provide head coach Nicole Scholl with a deeper bench.

Theodora Pantelli (.429): During limited minutes last season, the junior had a field goal average of nearly 43 percent. Pantelli has been part of the program for two years and will fit into her role on the bench comfortably.

Sinead O’Reilly (6-foot-2): The freshman stands at 6-foot-2 and will be a factor under the basket this season. She will be involved both offensively and defensively.

Orla O’Reilly (2007): The freshman was named the Irish Examiner National Junior Sports Star of the Year in 2007. She will be a key guard off the bench and she seems to fit nicely into Scholl’s new game plan.

Viive-Kai Rebane (14.0): Perhaps bringing in an Eastern European player will give everyone shivers remembering Laine Kurpniece. Freshman Rebane is a recruit from Estonia, and scored 14 points per game last season for Tallinn. She will have looks at a starting spot this season.

Andrea Holmes (MVP): The freshman point guard was named her high school league MVP for 2007 and 2008. She will be competing for the starting position and will most definitely be a factor this season in the team’s success.

Kiara Conner (+): A shoulder injury means a medical redshirt season for freshman Conner this season.

Emma Cronk (6-foot-4): Cronk, a transfer from Ontario, Canada, stands at 6-foot-4, but due to transfer rules will not play this season. When she comes to the lineup next season, she will have an entire year of practice under Scholl.