Oct. 16, 2009
DAVIS, Calif. - Fueled by 11 returners, including five with starting experience, the UC Davis women's basketball team opened preparations for the upcoming 2009-10 season on Friday night at Hickey Gym with sights set on the season opener on Nov. 13 at Seattle University.
The Aggies finished 11-18 overall and in fifth place in the Big West Conference with a 7-9 record. UC Davis advanced to the conference tournament for the second straight year after playing in the championship during its inaugural Big West season 2007-08.
UC Davis returns 10 of 11 players from last year's team, including All-Big West first-team selection Paige Mintun who averaged 13.0 ppg and 6.4 rebounds while leading the Aggies in assists (2.5 pg), blocks (44) and steals.
Also back are post Lauren Juric (8.7 ppg, 5.6 rpg) and Kasey Riecks (8.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg). Juric was named the conference's Freshman of the Year while joining Riecks on the All-Freshman team. Both were also named honorable mention all-conference.
Senior Haylee Donaghe, a second-team all-league pick two years ago, played just seven games last season before being sidelined for the season with an injury. She averaged 12.3 ppg during her junior year in 2007-08 while picking up a team-high 85 steals.
The starting experience of those four is complemented by junior Samantha Meggison who started 15 games during the latter half of last year, averaging 4.5 ppg and 3.0 rpg. Other returners include redshirt freshman wing Vicky Deely, sophomores Hana Asano and Cortney French, post Lisa Peterson and senior Ashley Curry. Anna Harp, who redshirted last year, returns for her junior season.
Newcomers to the floor include wing Heidi Hintz who sat out last season after transferring from the University of San Francisco, and freshman Blair Shinoda. Guard Hannah Stephens won't play until next season due to transfer rules after coming to UC Davis from the University of Utah.
The Aggie open the season at Seattle on Nov. 13 before visiting Washington State two days later. A three-game home stand - highlighted by a Nov. 22 date against NCAA Final Four participant Stanford - starts on Nov. 17.
Causeway Classic rival Sacramento State visits The Pavilion on Dec. 13 for another highlight with the Big West season tipping off on Jan. 2 at Cal State Fullerton. Humboldt State starts the season when it visits for an exhibition game on Nov. 5.
UC Davis head coach Sandy Simpson begins his 13th year as the Aggie' all-time wins leader. Simpson owns a 206-133 overall record.
