by Dean Raymond

Correspondent

Cuyahoga Falls -- Third-year Walsh Jesuit girls basketball head coach Pete Zaccari hopes a nice blend of experience and youth will translate into a successful 2009-10 season for the Lady Warriors.

"The girls are working really hard as our the coaches," Zaccari said. "We gained a lot of experience last year and it gives us an advantage this year. We have five seniors this year and some talented underclassmen."

Zaccari commented on his 18-player roster:

* Senior captain Kara Goliat -- guard -- "She came on strong last year," Zaccari said. "She showed some toughness after separating her shoulder last year and is looking to have a big senior year," Zaccari said.

* Senior captain Cheryl Yu --guard/forward "She is probably our best defensive player and is a great athlete," Zaccari said.

* Senior captain Nneka Offodile -- center -- "She has a lot of athletic ability and has signed to play Division I basketball at Loyola of Maryland," Zaccari said.

* Senior Ariel McNair -- guard -- "A terrific defensive player who has signed a golf scholarship with Xavier," Zaccari said.

* Senior Sarah Sureck -- forward -- "She gained a lot of confidence last year and we're expecting big things from her this year," Zaccari said.

* Junior Kaela Segerson -- guard -- "She plays with a lot of heart and determination," Zaccari said. "She will be a role player for us," Zaccari said.

* Junior McKenzie Harry -- forward -- "One of our best shooters," Zaccari said. "She is getting better every day."

* Junior Alex DiPasquale -- guard -- "She had major foot surgery last year and should contribute this year as the season goes on," Zaccari said.

* Junior Jackie McCarty -- forward/center -- "She is working hard on her game and takes things seriously," Zaccari said. "She can run the floor and will help us in certain situations."

* Junior Annie Hagar -- guard -- "One of our toughest players," Zaccari said. "She played on the JV team last year."

* Sophomore Rachel Theriot -- guard -- "A phenomenal player who works really hard at her game," Zaccari said. "She is being recruited by just about everyone."

* Sophomore Liz Reeves -- forward -- "She has improved her game and endurance," Zaccari said. "She will give us a big boost coming off the bench."

* Sophomore Maddie Sheppard -- guard -- "She has great court awareness and is a great shooter," Zaccari said. "She will play significant minutes for us."

* Sophomore Courtney Iacobacci -- guard/forward -- "She is very athetic and can run the floor," Zaccari said. "She likes to play a physical game."

* Sophomore Nina Napolitano -- guard -- "She will be the captain on the JV team," Zaccari said. "She has improved her game and has a lot of potential."

* Freshman Sandra Yu -- guard -- "She has a lot of talent in soccer and basketball," Zaccari said. "She also has quickness and athletic ability. She is a winner."

* Freshman Jessa Gilberto -- guard -- "A terrific shooter who has a scorers mentality," Zaccari said. "She will only get better."

* Freshman Sophia Simone -- forward -- "She is a very physical player who can handle the ball," Zaccari said. "She will have a great career at Walsh Jesuit."

According to Zaccari, his coaching staff this year includes: Bill Ritch (varsity assistant), Nick Ciavarella (first-year varsity assistant), Beth Barker (JV head coach) and Joyce Bowers (freshman head coach).

"We want to play a tough schedule," Zaccari said. "It should prepare us well for the tournament."

Walsh was scheduled to play its season opener Nov. 28 at Cleveland Central Catholic but results weren't available at press time.. The home opener is Dec. 2 versus Twinsburg at 7:30.

The Lady Warriors will also play in the "Classic in the Country" for the first time Jan. 18 at 11:45 versus Kenton Ridge, Zaccari said.

Walsh Jesuit was 19-7 a year ago before losing to Wapakoneta in a Division II regional championship.

E-mail: stowsports@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3113