Coker women hope to turn things around

By: By Shawn Singleton | SCNow
Published: November 14, 2009

The Coker women’s basketball team entered last season with high hopes as it looked to establish relevance in Conference Carolinas.
But the 2008-09 campaign turned into a repeat of the season before. Once again, key injuries were the story as the Cobras stumbled to an 11-17 overall record, though they did post a respectable 10-12 conference record.
With that in mind, Coker believes it can have a breakout season, and the team takes its initial step when it opens the season today at 3 p.m. against UNC Pembroke at Timberlake-Lawton Gymnasium.
“We’ll see what happens,” Cobras coach Carol Meegan said. “I’m hoping (our team) will come together this year.”
Meegan has confidence in her upperclassmen, and believes they’re ready to lead the Cobras into unchartered waters.
Seniors Henna Koponen and Lotta Aaltonen have been Coker’s most consistent scorers during their careers under Meegan. The Finland natives of Finland averaged 18.8 and 14.6 points per game, respectively.
“We have five seniors playing for us this year,” Meegan said. “They’re ready to take ownership of this team, and I’m excited about how we’ve been practicing.”
The Cobras also are happy to have seniors Heidi Rienstra, Kiesha Beavers and AG Stanciauskaite back from injuries.
“I believe that Kiesha Beavers could have a huge season,” Meegan said. “AG is coming back from a knee injury, and she isn’t even wearing a brace right now.”
Coker also returns guards Megan Thomas, Joanna Tyndall, Jasmine Alston, Alexis Blow and Ashley Wilkins. They also return center Maija Castren.
“We have more depth this year than we’ve had in the past,” Meegan said. “I’m feeling really good about this season, and to get the work done that we have to get done.”
The Cobras are picked to finish seventh in Conference Carolinas. Meegan knows Barton, Mount Olive and Anderson are the class of the conference but believes her team can join them this season if her players can stay healthy.
“I would like to think we can finish in the top four or five (in the conference). I think we’re ready,” she said. “If we stay healthy, we could finish at the top.”

Coker women hope to turn things around

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