Last year’s record: 19-14
Notable Accomplishments: Defeating Fairfield in the first round of the WNIT for the program’s first-ever postseason win. Making it to the CAA championship game for only the second time in team history.
2011-12 in review: “We started off slow,” Coach Denise Dillon says. “As coaches, we can’t forget about that as much as we want the players to. We were pleased with the finish of getting to the championship game and then postseason play. Obviously the ultimate [goal] is to get to the NCAA tournament. Losing some of those nonconference games, that’s what sent us from the NCAA tournament to the NIT. But then we won a game [in the NIT], so overall, definitely, I think it was a successful year. But we want to iron out some of those bumps along the way this upcoming season. The out-of-conference games are what help when the committee’s getting together and they’re looking at your overall RPI and strength of schedule. We were very strong in both those categories, but our overall record did not match what they were looking for. So we’re really focusing in on the out-of-conference schedule and doing our best to win a lot of games on the road, and then having a strong year in conference.
The team will really miss: Seniors Tyler Hale, Kamile Nacickaite, Marisa Crane and Ayana Lee.
“Tyler will probably be the toughest player to replace,” Dillon says. “On and off the court she was a consistent, solid athlete and student and person. I always said the way Tyler Hale went is the way we went as a team. Those will be big shoes to fill.
“When you look at what Kamile did as a player, she was our leading scorer the last couple years. We have to count on the team collectively coming together to make up the points she put up on the board. Marisa, before her injury, was just so solid and such a threat out there. Ayana was consistent as a sixth man off the bench. They did some great things in the years they were with us.”
Top offensive threats: Hollie Mershon.
“She has proven each year how she develops a different part of her game. She came in as a solid shooter, but she’s really developed a game off the dribble, rebounding and putting the ball back in the basket, and handling the ball. She is really that player whose all-around ability is something we’re going to look for to take that leading role.
“We need Taylor Wootton to take more shots. She shoots the ball so consistently [mid 50 percent from the field] so we tell her she needs to take more shots.”
Defensive stoppers: Taylor Wootten.
“She’s our best defender. She’s capable of guarding guards, but as a post player she does a real nice job. We always put Taylor on the best offensive player on the other team. She doesn’t look to score as much because that’s her No. 1 focus, and you don’t want that to change.
“Renee Johnson-Allen is another senior for us in the guard position. She can lock down a quick guard on the other team.”
Impact newcomers: Meg Creighton, Rachel Pearson, Carrie Alexander and Pandora Wilson.
“I’m really excited about this freshman class we have. I think the four freshmen coming in have potential to step on the floor early in their careers at Drexel, and that’s exciting for everyone. Meg Creighton is a point guard, which is a position we need to fill. Rachel Pearson is a strong shooter. Carrie Alexander is a combo guard and can do a little bit of everything. And then Pandora Wilson in the post is another one who can get out there and play.”
Top CAA competition: Delaware and James Madison.
“Delaware will certainly be top not only in the CAA but in the nation. They’re returning Elena Delle Donne. They’ll be a unanimous pick to repeat as champions. James Madison will be another team that will find themselves at the top of the conference. It’s going to be interesting after that, but those two certainly, with the players they have returning and what they did last year, will be the top picks.”
No one’s won more Division I women’s basketball games at Drexel than Denise Dillon: “It’s a great accomplishment, I’m extremely proud of it, but I’m most proud of the opportunity to be here for enough years to accomplish such a milestone. I’ve had support from the top, and I’ve received so much support from our athletic director, Dr. Eric Zillmer.
“We wouldn’t be talking about it if they didn’t have the confidence in me and I didn’t have a tremendous staff and some great, great young women who played for the program. It’s something that’s next to my name, but it’s a milestone that so many were a part of.”
Why you should cheer for this team: “The 100 percent effort that our players put forth on both ends of the floor. There are many times that we might be outmatched size-wise defensively, but we make up for it by the pure effort that the girls put forth on the court. Offensively we play such a team system, a style that’s enjoyable to watch. The ball’s constantly moving, the players are moving on the floor and working together. It’s team basketball.”
After picking up their first-ever postseason win last season, Hollie Mershon and the Dragons are aiming even higher in the year to come.