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Miami women's hoops set for season opener

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By Pete Conrad, Staff Writer 2:33 PM Thursday, November 10, 2011

OXFORD — Miami University women’s basketball coach Maria Fantanarosa is embracing no big picture right now, has no inflated goals. She remembers too well what happened last season.

The RedHawks open their regular season tonight at Temple with lots of familiar names and, Fantanarosa said, an entirely different outlook.

“This team is very different than the last couple years,” she said, “They’re more focused on where they want to go.

“It’s a very grounded group,” Fantanarosa said. “Their expectations aren’t too high. They don’t think they’re better than they are. I’m trying to keep it day-to-day in our expectations.”

Last season, she pointed out, the RedHawks had a good non-league season, at one point winning six straight.

And then, as Fantanarosa put it, they “tanked” in the Mid-American Conference, finishing 3-13 in league play, 11-19 overall.

There is no lack of returning talent.

Miami has two players who earned All-MAC recognition last season. Junior point guard Courtney Osborn led the team in scoring (17.3 points per game), assists and steals. Junior forward Kirsten Olowinski averaged a double-double a year ago (11.7 points, 11.1 rebounds).

“Courtney has the talent, but she’s also a hard-working player and is goal-oriented, which are qualities we expect in our leaders,” Fantanarosa said. “I’m also looking for Kirsten to take more leadership responsibility this year.”

Another player to watch is sophomore guard Hannah Robertson, who started six games last season and will start at lot more this year.

Other RedHawks who are contenders for starting spots are senior guard Maggie Boyer (11.8 points per game last season), senior forward Rachael Hencke (9.2 points), sophomore guard Haley Robertson, freshman guard Courtney Larson, senior forward Lillian Pitts, sophomore center Kelsey Simon and sophomore forward Erica Almady.

“We’re getting a lot of sparks off the bench, but starting the game we need players who are going to be consistent,” Fantanarosa said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or Pete.Conrad@coxinc.com.

RedHawks roster

Name Year Ht. Pos.

Erica Almady So. 5-11 F

Maggie Boyer Sr. 5-11 G

Hailey Griffo Fr. 5-9 G

Rachael Hencke Sr. 6-1 F

Kristin Judson So. 6-1 F

Courtney Larson Fr. 5-9 G

Nikki McKee Fr. 5-11 G

Kirsten Olowinski Jr. 6-1 F