By: Julie Pearson
Posted In: Sports
Photo credit: Chelse Melina
Senior Captain Kelli Miklovich with junior Kendra Lee following a game against Wentworth Institute of Technology.
The men’s basketball team has been highly successful this season with an overall record of 13-8 and a record of 10-3 in the Commonwealth Coast Conference.
The team is led by Captains Chris Collier with 16 points per game and nine rebounds, and Matt Coute also with 16 points per game. A welcome surprise for the team this season has been sophomores Matt Grendal and John Hazzard, along with freshmen Chris Goodridge and Andrew Rego. “All four, despite their inexperience, have elevated their games and made major contributions so far this season,” said Head Coach Sean Foster. Starter and key team member Matt Smolensky has been sidelined with a shoulder injury for half the season. The Seahawks held a team to under 40 points for only the second time in Salve basketball history on January 29 against Anna Maria College. The defending CCC Champions have amassed a record of 12-6 overall and 11-3 in the Commonwealth Coast Conference. Next week the Seahawks take on Tufts away, and on February 19 will play their last home regular season home game. Sole senior Kelli Miklovich will be honored at the game. “She is still our calming presence on the court,” said Coach Amanda Van Voorhis. All 8 players from last year’s team have returned and the five juniors have made their presence known as usual. These juniors include Meaghan Stapleton, Kelly Mallon, Kendra Lee, Jenn Leahy, and Lindsay Frederick. Stapleton, known for her shooting hand has been, “shooting extremely well from beyond the arc,” said Van Voorhis. “Mallon has a hot hand, and Frederick is getting it done in the paint grabbing boards, and muscling up put-backs.” Lee was sited as a steady reserve and Leahy as the behind the scenes player. Sophomores Megan Barry and Margaret O’Brien are wiser with a year of experience and have helped the squad with their confidence. Freshmen this year include Andrea Rand, Meaghan Dempsey, Katie Horan, and Kristen Stone have all added their talents to the team this year as well. The Commonwealth Coast Conference tournament begins February 22 at home.
