Basketball, one of the oldest varsity programs for women at Colby, competes in the highly competitive New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC). Since its inception in 1968, Colby's women's basketball program has developed a rich tradition of success. The White Mules have won four Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Championships (1984, 1985, 1991, and 2001). The program has also garnered 10 Colby-Bates-Bowdoin (CBB) titles and one co-championship since 1980.

Under O'Brien's direction, the Colby Mules have established themselves as a top team in New England. The program has achieved a 62 percent winning percentage over the past six years while arguably playing one of the most competitive schedules in New England. In addition, four of the past five seasons have included an ECAC post-season bid. Last season the team finished with a 22-7 record and earned a fifth seed in the ECAC tournament. The team overcame all obstacles on the road and returned home with the program's fourth ECAC Championship, defeating Bates, Amherst, and Wellesley colleges along the way.

2001-2002 Preview

The Colby Women's Basketball team enters the season with a challenge ahead. The team must fill a huge void from the loss of Kim Condon, Jen Hallee, and Mandy Cochrane to graduation. The Mules must also endure the first semester departures of co-MVP's Sarah Walsh and Bianca Belcher, as well as Jasmine Ashe (6.8 ppg), Carli Parisella (6.3 ppg), and Drea DeAngelo, all of whom are studying abroad. Maine State Player of the Year Walsh (13.2ppg/10.6 rpg) earned All-NESCAC and All-New England honors last season and brought home the ECAC Tournament Most Valuable Player Award. Belcher (10.9ppg/4.9rpg/3.3 apg) is the backbone of the team, the floor leader, and at 5'5" is the team's second leading rebounder.

With an intense first semester schedule, co-captains Katy Lawson (6.5ppg/3.4rpp) and Christine O'Donnell will lead the way for the young and inexperienced group. Lawson is a versatile player with the ability to score off the dribble, from the perimeter, or in the post. "O'D" returns as the team's top defender and consistently gives the team offensive rebounding sparks and second-chance opportunities.

Kate Chuprevich, Caitlin Bourque, and Alyssa Henley should all see action up front, while Cara Dionese and Alicia Burrows will carry the load in the backcourt.

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