FREDONIA, N.Y. -- The womens basketball team's run at the SUNYAC title this year begins this weekend when they open vs. Grove City at the Penn State Behrend Tip Off Tournament. Third-year coach Linda Hill-MacDonald has her sights set on her team making a deep run in the conference tournament.

Aiding the Blue Devils' efforts will be the return of their starting lineup, a pair of athletic transfers and four freshmen that have Hill-MacDonald very excited. "We can go down the bench pretty deep," she said. "We have a group that is competing for playing time at every spot. There has been healthy competition at every practice."

The charge will be led by senior Sabrina Macaulay (Newark N.Y. / Newark) who was Third Team all SUNYAC a year ago. The 5'11'' forward averaged 12.1 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, as well as providing toughness under the boards.

The backcourt will be led by junior Alexis Cheatham's (Lockport, N.Y. / Lockport) 14.5 points per game. Cheatham's 54 three-pointers last season ties her with Lori Taberski (1997-98) for first on the team's season list. She has 100 over two seasons, already ranking second to Taberski's 109 career threes. Cheatham's 190 career assists rank 11th in team history. 

Jacque Law (Machias, N.Y. / Pioneer) is the third double-digit scorer to return. Law was one of the SUNYAC's top freshman a year ago. She averaged 11.2 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. She also shown an outside touch with 27 three pointers.

"She can do a little bit of everything," said Hill-MacDonald. "She's not afraid to get physical and can go up against any defender. She can also shoot and drive off the dribble."

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In addition to Macaulay, two other seniors will factor into the team's success. According to coach Hill-MacDonald, point guard Sammy Villarini (Hamburg, N.Y. / Hamburg) is one of the hardest working players she has coached and will be the team's floor general.

Along with Macaulay, Katie Devine (Clarence, N.Y. / Clarence) is one of the team's co-captains. The 6'1'' senior has the length to make teams adjust their shots and runs the floor exceptionally well.

A pair of juniors entering their third season with the Blue Devils -- Jamie Curry (Ransomville, N.Y. / Wilson) and Kathryn Halloran (Angola, N.Y. / Immaculata) -- have shown the ability to fill important roles with nearly identical numbers last season.

Curry averaged 6.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game while making 20 starts. Halloran went for 6.5 points and 4.7 rebounds, making 11 starts.

Curry comes into this season with an improved shot and Halloran comes in with better overall fitness as they look to continue their improved play.
 
Emily Lasher (Wilson, N.Y. / Wilson) is the other returnee. She saw limited time as a freshman last year.

Two junior transfers are among those creating competition for playing time.

Taylor Storer (Gerry, N.Y. / Cassadaga Valley) was Third team All Region at Jamestown Community College as a freshman. She averaged about 10 points per game in two years and led the Jayhawks in assists both years, including 117 as a sophomore. Storer sees the floor well and has great quickness and speed.

Khyshwaunna Nance (Dunkirk, N.Y. / Dunkirk) comes in from Mercyhurst College where she played softball. The Dunkirk High School product was a 1,000-point scorer for the Marauders, and returns to the sport after a two-year absence. "Khee's athleticism is unbelievable. She has quickness and speed," said coach Hill-MacDonald. "I can see her game improving daily as she gets back into the game."

The freshman class will also factor in the depth of the team. Justice Nauden (Waterport, N.Y. / Charles D' Amico H.S.) is one of the top recruits and has a knack for finding the hoop. The 5'6'' guard will push for significant time as the season moves on. Sarah Sweazy (Rochester, N.Y. / Rush-Henrietta ) and Heaven Rollek (Springville, N.Y. / Springville) both come in well coached from outstanding high school programs.

Sweazy is a 6' guard who gives the Devils size on the perimeter and the ability to post up smaller players. "I have been surprised at how fast she has developed," said Hill-MacDonald.

Rollek plays with a great deal of passion and can rebound well for a 5'6'' guard. "She won't back down," said Hill-MacDonald.

Last but not least is Jenna Einink (Mayville, N.Y. / Chautauqua Lake). Einink will play in the front court and has shown great heart and toughness inside. MacDonald indicated that she battles the senior Macaulay every day in practice and it has made them both better. She also has the ability to step out and hit the occasional jumper.

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After Grove City on Friday, the Devils will take on either Hiram or Penn State Behrend on Saturday to conclude the Tip Off Tourney.

The home opener is Tuesday, Nov. 24th as they take on Nazareth at 7 p.m. in Steele Hall. SUNYAC play begins on Dec. 4 when they play host to Oswego.