Then-sophomore Jordan Grays (Elk Grove, Calif.) on defense in a game against Framingham State on Nov. 19, 2013.

The women’s basketball team is looking forward to rebounding from a disappointing 9-16 season with only 5 conference wins in 2013-14.  This year, the team is eager to prove that they can compete for a top spot in the CCC conference.

The 2014-15 season will bring many changes.  Leading scorer Ruby Leon will not be returning to the team, so the Lions will have to find new ways to put those points on the board.  The team has added new players that they hope will bring a fresh, positive energy to the team.

Junior guard Jordan Grays (Elk Grove, Calif.) spoke very highly of her new teammates and expects that this year will be very different from past seasons.

“My biggest expectation for this season is that we will prove everyone in our conference wrong,” Grays said, “We have been known as one of the bottom teams in the conference, but this year I believe we have what it takes to compete with any team we play against.”

The team lost senior Abbie Tonello, but with the experience they gained from last year, the team has grown and  new players should step into leadership roles.

With the addition of a few junior college transfers, Grays is excited for what she hopes they will bring to the team this season.

“The new additions provide a lot of experience to our team, but they are also willing to adapt to our style of play.  They bring in different skills that will help compliment what we already have,” Grays said.

Junior Jessica Valadez is also very eager for this season and believes that the team is very dedicated this year and that their team effort will pay off.

“I believe that our hard work will match a level of play that will lead us to a record unlike that of previous years,” Valadez commented, “We have very strong team chemistry, and this will help us to form a bond on the court.”

The team is eager to begin the season and prove that they can compete amongst the elite in the CCC this time around.  With a blend of returner players and newcomers the team hopes their experience and dedication will help lead them to new heights this season.