The Observer

Issue date: 2/5/10 Section: Basketball

The Spartans start two freshmen:guards Evy Iacono (left) and Erica Iafelice (right). Iacono is in the top three for the Spartans in scoring, assists and steals. Iafelice's 39 assists are second best on the team. [Click to enlarge]

Looking down the box score after a women's basketball game, you might be surprised at the all new names that fill the roster. Coming off a season with little depth in a lineup with eight healthy players on a good day, coach Jennifer Reimer is excited to finally give her starters some much deserved rest. With a freshman class of eight players doubling the returning roster, Case's biggest strength is most apparent in their youth on the court.

The freshman making the arguably biggest impact on the court this season is Evy Iacono, a guard from Cincinnati. Iacono, who has started every game for the Spartans thus far, was a member of three state championship teams at Mount Notre Dame High School. Iacono attributes much of her success this season to the high level of competition she faced in high school.

"I think many of my high school practices were very college-like and that helped me adapt very easily when I got to college," Iacono said. "Playing AAU allowed me to play against D-I athletes as well as other players for local schools."

If there's arguably a disadvantage for the Spartans each season, it is how the schedule is laid out over the course of the season. While having the UAA games scheduled consecutively allow for extra preparation, the Spartans faced just one ranked opponent until they played the University of Rochester, which was the start of conference play. The slow start didn't throw off Iacono in her preparation for the conference schedule.

"I try not to over-think…letting the game come to me allows me to open it up for other people as well, allowing me to get into the game best."

Despite being in her first season, Iacono is ready for the big time.

"We're obviously a little undersized, but we make up for that with our speed…We've got to be mentally tough when adversity hits. We've got the potential and the skill, we just need to take it to the next level," said Iacono.

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools