POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - The Marist women's basketball team opened the 2012-13 season with their first official full-squad practice Tuesday evening. Per NCAA rules, basketball teams can begin practicing as early as 40 days prior to their first scheduled regular season game, but must have 10 days off in that period.
The Red Foxes are coming off their seventh consecutive Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championships and a second straight appearance in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Three starters from last year's squad return to the lineup this season including All-MAAC Third Team selection Leanne Ockenden (Syracuse, N.Y.) and MAAC All-Tournament member Casey Dulin (Milford, Conn.). The two juniors will lead the 2012-13 Red Foxes as captains along with senior Elizabeth Beynnon (Burlington, Vt.)
Ockenden continues to be the Red Foxes best three-point threat, leading the team with 60 made field goals from beyond the arc last season, while taking the most attempts (178) in the MAAC. She finished fourth on the team in scoring, with 8.8 points per game and third with a .434 field goal percentage.
After taking over the reigns as the starting point guard last season, Dulin went on to lead the Red Foxes with 1.9 steals per game while finishing third on the team in scoring with 9.4 points per game and averaging 3.0 assists per game. She was also second on the team, grabbing 4.1 rebounds per game and shot 80% (100-125) from the free-throw line.
Marist also adds five newcomers to the program this season. Sophomore Tori Jarosz (Cortlandt Manor, N.Y.), a 6-3 forward, is eligible this season after sitting out last year following her transfer from Vanderbilt. Additionally, four freshmen join the Red Foxes' roster with looks to make an immediate impact. Delaney Hollenbeck (Alpharetta, Ga.), a 6-5 center, and Madeline Blais (Exeter, N.H.) will provide depth in the frontcourt while Sydney Coffey (New Hope, Minn.) and Eileen Van Horn (Waukesha, Wisc.) will play pivotal roles at the guard position.
The Red Foxes will open their season versus Vermont on Friday, Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. in McCann Arena. The contest will be aired on ESPN3. The MAAC Preseason Awards Shows will also be hosted that day from McCann Arena. The Coaches' Preseason Poll will be announced along with the Preseason Player of the Year, and the Red Foxes will raise their MAAC Championship banner in a pregame ceremony.
Visit GoRedFoxes.com to purchase season tickets for the 2012-13 basketball season. The Marist Ticket Office can be reached at (845) 575-3553.
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