by Zach D'Amico, Sports Information Student Assistant

For the Saint Vincent women's basketball team, there certainly is no "I" in "team."

That's probably why there wasn't a single player on last year's team who averaged double-digits in points.

"The unique thing about this team is that we have eight to 10 players that can score the ball," head coach Jimmy Petruska said.  And that's exactly what Petruska expects for the 2018-19 season. 

"We are going to rely on a lot of different players to score the ball… In years past, you could count on 'well that player is going to get her 10, 15 or 20 a game," Petruska said.  But that probably won't be the case this year, according to Petruska. 

The Bearcats graduated two of their top three scorers, so they will look to players like four-year starter Maria Morgan to produce offensively.  "(Morgan) is a very good all-around basketball player. But what's unique about Maria is her zest for the highlight play. And she knows that," Petruska said.  Morgan started in all 29 games in which she appeared last season, averaging 8.6 points-per-game while leading the team with 74 assists. "She was an excellent scorer in high school. And she's proven herself here, obviously.

"She can score multiple ways but her passing is also one of her greatest attributes," Petruska said. 

Saint Vincent features just one other senior on its roster in Christina Davis.  "(Davis) is an integral part of the team, with veteran play. She's a very savvy player.  "Both (Morgan and Davis) can shoot the ball very well. And both have done a great job with leadership. Verbally, but also showing the way," Petruska said.

The Bearcats return a trio of juniors in Kayla Slovenec, Paige Montrose and Taylor Boring, who will also be key contributors offensively.  Last season, the Bearcats (19-10, 14-4) finished third in the President's Athletic Conference regular season. However, they ultimately fell, 63-62, to No. 2-seeded Washington & Jefferson College in the semifinals of the PAC championship tournament. 

Despite losing in heartbreaking fashion, Petruska doesn't want his team to worry about avenging last season's losses.   "One of the things we've tried to change here is always looking and focusing on the past," Petruska explained.

By treating every game the same and by focusing on the "preparation and the means to play your very best," Petruska believes that this will eliminate the pressure that comes with facing tougher opponents.  "Our expectations, our internal expectations within the team are very clear," Petruska said. "I think they are unified expectations on how we prepare, on how we compete and the level of commitment and dedication that we feel is required to do our best possible in all areas."

The Bearcats open their season at home against Muskingum University at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, November 9.