Pieces in place for Fayette women to roar
Given the steps they’ve taken in the past six seasons, it’s notable that the women’s basketball program at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, has existed for only six seasons.
“We started with nothing,” said Kurt Mattern, the program’s only head coach.
Although the Lady Roaring Lions were unable to repeat as PSUAC champions last year, they finished in the conference final four for the fourth straight year and upset the top-seeded team in the first round of the USCAA National Championships at the Eberly Campus.
Fayette may have only nine players this year, but there is quality in the roster from top to bottom.
Senior Jill Guthrie was PSUAC Player of the Year and an All-American in 2012, but tore her ACL in the second half of last season and missed the stretch run. Mattern said Guthrie has come back from rehabilitation stronger than ever.
Fellow seniors Shelby Yourchik and Stephanie Longo have been working hard in the off season and are also ready for their final seasons.
Junior Caitlin Wontroba will take over at point guard from graduate Kasey Ruble, who was an All-American and a 1,000 point scorer. Guard Kaytlin Novak also graduated after four seasons with the program.
Ruble remains with the program as she takes over the assistant coaching position after athletic director Vince Capozzi retired from coaching.
“Kasey and I have been together for four years and she brings a nice mix and so much energy to the position,” Mattern said.
Junior Shelby Dziak is a member of the Fayette softball team and brings additional athleticism to the roster.
Sophomores Shannon Flament and Tara Neely made significant contributions during Guthrie’s absence last year and should take bigger steps after their first year.
The program has only two freshmen, but Mattern said both have the potential to be starters early in the schedule.
Albert Gallatin graduate Courtney Haines “will be phenomenal,” Mattern said. “She’s the next Jill (Guthrie), expends every ounce of energy she has and is so coachable.”
The other freshman will be “the first true center we’ve ever had.” Kate Miller from Bald Eagle stands 6-4. “She’s not only tall, but also good and a hard worker.”
Matter said Miller’s presence will allow the other players to settle into their true positions on the court. “These are nine of the most talented players we’ve had. All nine are legitimate basketball players.”
Mattern said the biggest keys to the team’s success will be Wontroba’s adjustment to the point guard position and having everything fall into place in conference play.
“With all the talent around her we’ll go only as far as she pushes us. She has to drive the bus.”
The conference schedule will be a grind with Mattern noting that Beaver and Brandywine are always strong, Scranton will be a challenger and 2013 runner-up Greater Allegheny should be the favorite.
“We have the shooters, the height, every piece,” Mattern said. “Things just have to fall right for us. Depth will be a concern. But this is the most talented team since I’ve been here.”