Monica Fischer is used to playing a major role on her teams. The Fallston junior is a three-year starter in soccer and is about to start for the third year in lacrosse, a sport in which she is being recruited by a number of Division I schools.

However, Fischer is playing a different role on the basketball team during her first varsity season. She's a backup point guard, one who doesn't get a guaranteed number of minutes, but a player who's had to step up because of top scorer Jess Harlee's recent eye injury, giving the Cougars some crucial minutes off the bench.

Not being the star in this sport doesn't matter to Fischer, who looks to contribute where she can. She played much of the fourth quarter and got a crucial assist in the team's 44-43 victory over Aberdeen on Jan. 24, making a pass that set up the Cougars' final basket.

How hard was it for you to adjust to being a backup in basketball after starting in your other sports?

It is different, but when I get in a game, I am ready to play all the time and will do what I need to do to help the team.

Is it tougher to be a reserve than a starter?

Coming off the bench, you feel you have to be a bigger part when you come in - and be a bigger leader. You have to prove yourself and step up quickly. You have to keep doing what the starters were doing and keep your team going on the court.

What's your favorite sport of the ones you play at Fallston?

My favorite sport is lacrosse. I like playing midfield, and I play on a men's club team over the summer. This will be my third year on the varsity. I started as a freshman.

Do you think you will feel added pressure this lacrosse season because of your college decision coming up?

No. I don't think so. The colleges [Georgetown, Penn State, Syracuse, Princeton and others] looked at me in the summer when I played with the men's team, and I have kept in contact with them, and I'm narrowing it down. What's in your iPod right now?

Well, it's a little bit of everything. There's rap, lots of rap. I've got all kinds of rap.

What else do you do at school besides playing three sports?

I am a part of the varsity club, the Spanish club and the Future Business Leaders of America. My [major] in college will be something with business. I'm in the Spanish Honor Society, as well.

What is your personal goal for this season in basketball?

When I get into the game, I want to take on a role and not be selfish. I want to play good defense and take a shot once in a while. I'd like to be more confident in my shooting.

What do you think your role will be next year as a senior?

I would definitely like to step up more and be a leader, be more confident in shooting. I want to help make our team as strong as it was last year [when it went to the state final four] and as strong as it is this year.