With the return of all five starters and the addition of the first three athletic scholarship recipients in more than three decades, the women’s basketball team has high expectations for the year ahead. But head coach DoBee Plaisance sees it no different than any other season.
“My expectations are not any different from any year,” Plaisance said. “I expect to win every game we go into … anything less and I would be letting my team down.”
Students got a glimpse of the team’s potential Monday as the ‘Pack rallied to beat Campbellsville, the ninth-ranked team in the country, 65-56 in the Den.
Marjorie Bilinski, finance sophomore, scored a game high 21 points, and Joelle Bordelon, sociology junior, had a double-double with 12 points and 12 assists.
After trailing 38-32 with 16:33 remaining in the second half, the ‘Pack went on a 23-7 run to take a commanding lead. Bordelon scored eight of her 12 points during the stretch. Dani Holland, criminal justice junior, finished with 13 points, and general studies sophomore Kiely Schork added 12.
The 32nd-ranked ‘Pack finished 21-11 last year, and has so far improved to 2-3 this season after facing three ranked opponents.
Bilinski, last year’s top scorer, is expected to provide Loyola with both points and rebounds. She averaged 14.3 points and 7.4 rebounds per game last year.
Holland was named to the preseason All-Gulf Coast Athletic Conference team. She averaged 11.8 points and 9.8 rebounds her freshman year.
Holland and guards Schork and Kate Pilgreen, music business senior, provide the ‘Pack with shooting ability. The team led the conference in three-point percentage (.356) last year.
Additions to the team include guards Catherine Blanchard, general studies freshman,and Christine Mainguy, general studies freshman, and forward Rebekah Bankston, general studies freshman.
According to Plaisance, the team has a balanced attack.
“We are excellent from outside, but we have established an inside presence. We use lack of size to create mismatches with other teams.”
Plaisance said the team’s execution is key for the season.
“Our ability to execute is key both offensively and defensively,” Plaisance said. “I am looking forward to [the upcoming season]. I hope the hard work pays off.”
The ‘Pack returns to action on Nov.16 at Southeastern University.
Michael Nissman can be reached at [email protected].
