The 2016-17 Women's Basketball team were 11-18 on the year and 0-4 in the conference. Going 5-9 at home and 6-9 on the road the team was able to defeat Iowa Central Community College, North Iowa Area Community College, Iowa Lakes Community College, Ellsworth and Southeastern among others. With experienced sophomores coming back and a new group of freshman, the 2017-18 squad will look to improve on last year's record.
Three returning sophomores will lead the Tigers this season, Alyssa Roth, Loralei Silliga and Claudia Morente. Alyssa Roth is a 5'7 point guard from Clinton Iowa who averaged 25 minutes a game a year ago while making 72% of her free throws. Averaging over 10 points a game, Roth will be a key contributor this season. Fellow Sophomore Loralei Silliga is a 5'10 forward who played over 23 minutes per game a season ago. An efficient shooter, Silliga was 45% from the field and 38% from three. Averaging 12 points a game last season, Silliga will be counted on to take a larger roll this season.
Last years only All-Region selection, Claudia Morente is a 5'5 guard from Girona, Spain. Last season Morente averaged 37 minutes a game and averaged over 9 points a game. Head Coach Steve Garber had high praise for his sophomore guard stating, "Our All-Region selection last year was Claudia Morente and she will again be a vital part of our growth this season. As a point guard, she has shown very good composure in handling the ball, distributing it to the open players and adding some scoring abilities as well. Her leadership in that position solidifies our ability to stay organized and disciplined in our approach to each game".
Improving year to year is essential in building a quality program and that is what the Tigers are trying to do. After a 4-25 record in 2015 and then 11-18 in 2016, the Tigers are set to take another leap in 2017.
"Our expectations coming into this season is to compete and develop into a team that is well-rounded and together." Stated Coach Garber at the team's media day, "We have some nice pieces that can fit well with each other if we continue to develop as the season progresses. Balance in scoring and a focus and discipline on the defensive end will allow us to compete and grow as a fundamentally sound group to be the best that we can be by the end of the year".
In junior college, where rosters recycle every year freshman are expected to contribute early on. Coach Garber will look to freshman Anna Jaumandreu and Maria Cruz Uceda to be active role players this season stating, "Both of our freshman Anna and Marie are extremely important to us in adding depth. Anna's ball handling, defense, and rebounding skills give us flexibility to place her in many spots on the floor. Marie's inside presence to defend and rebound will solidify some inside presence while her scoring will develop throughout the season as well."
The Men's and Women's Basketball teams will have their first ever Basketball Kickoff Night Tuesday October 17. The event starts at 6:00 PM in the Student Activity Center. There will be free admission but donations are welcome. Fans will be able to get autographs from players and watch and judge the men's dunk contest as well as watch the men and women's team compete in a three-point contest. The event will be followed by a meet and greet with players and coaches.
The first official game for the Women's Basketball team will be Wednesday, November 1 when they host William Penn University JV. The game will tip off at 6:00 PM in the Student Activity Center on the campus of Marshalltown Community College. For more information about the Women's Basketball team, please visit mccathletics.com.
