Coach: Ellen Fitzkee, 11th season at Towson (121-154).
Affiliation: America East.
1997-98 record: 14-12 overall, 10-8 in America East.
Radio: WTMD (89.7 FM).
Arena: Towson Center (5,000).
Starters lost: Three.
Tickets: $8 adults, $4 children. Call 410-830-2244.
Best home game: Vermont, Jan. 16. Last year's regular-season champion Catamounts are the preseason favorites.
Best visiting player: Karalyn Church, Vermont, Jan. 16. The 6-foot junior was America East's Player of the Year as a sophomore.
Outlook: Towson, a surprising fourth last season, will have to put together another unexpected effort since the coaches have tabbed them to finish seventh in the 10-team league. The Tigers return eight players but must replace three graduated starters -- point guard LaTonya Joyner, top scorer Sonia Keiner and swing player Danita Smith. "We're getting closer to becoming a strong contender for the league championship," said Fitzkee, last season's conference Coach of the Year. "The challenge for this year's team is to build upon last season's win total and continue to take steps toward being a consistent team on both ends of the court." A breakthrough season by Shniece Perry, a preseason first-team All-America East selection, could keep Towson in the top half of the league.
Around the league: It's primarily a two-team race between Vermont and Maine, with Northeastern having an outside shot at the title.
Returning players
Name -- Jess Gordon
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 6-2
Pos. -- F/C
Fast breaks -- Will showcase more jump shots this year.
Name -- Michele Lanigan
Yr. -- Jr.
Ht. -- 5-9
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- First-year starting point guard.
@Name -- Jill McGowan
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 6-0
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Averaged 4.5 points as a reserve.
Name -- Shniece Perry
Yr. -- Jr.
Ht. -- 5-11
Pos. -- F
Fast breaks -- America East 2nd-teamer moves to small forward.
Name -- Mylisa Pilione
Yr. -- Jr.
Ht. -- 5-8
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Shot 42 percent from three-point range.
Name -- Catherine Speer
Yr. -- Jr.
Ht. -- 6-1
Pos. -- C
Fast breaks -- Played sparingly in 20 games.
Name -- Silesia Stevens
Yr. -- Sr.
Ht. -- 6-0
Pos. -- C
Fast breaks -- Most improved player on last season's squad.
@Name -- Lucy Welsing
Yr. -- Sr.
Ht. -- 6-1
Pos. -- F/C
Fast breaks -- Played in 10 games after becoming eligible at mid-season.
Name -- Kim Wright
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 5-11
Pos. -- F
Fast breaks -- Expected to be a more polished player.
Newcomers
Name -- Cherron Johnson
Yr. -- Fr.
Ht. -- 6-0
Pos. -- F
Fast breaks -- Raw talent who can run the floor.
Name -- Faith Jones
Yr. -- Fr.
Ht. -- 6-0
Pos. -- F
Fast breaks -- Intense player adds versatility to frontcourt.
Name -- Kyva Jones
Yr. -- Fr.
Ht. -- 6-1
Pos. -- F
Fast breaks -- Could emerge as the starter in the pivot.
Name -- Heather Mielnik
Yr. -- Fr.
Ht. -- 6-0
Pos. -- F
Fast breaks -- Hard-nosed with good defensive extincts.
Name -- Shonte Simpson
Yr. -- Fr.
Ht. -- 5-5
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- USA Today honorable mention All-American.
Pub Date: 11/13/98