With a young squad featuring just one senior, the Colby women had a 9-9 record at one point during the season before settling for a 9-16 finish and a berth in the NESCAC tournament.

Junior forward Wendy Bonner earned Maine All-State honors after leading the Mules in scoring (11.2) and rebounding (9.2). Bonner has 760 points and 586 rebounds heading into her final season next year. Bonner was second in the NESCAC in rebounding, fourth in field goal percentage (.505) and 15th in scoring.

Sophomore guard Sarah Kelly was the only Colby player to start all 25 games and led the team in assists (58) and steals (47). Kelly also earned NESCAC Winter All-Academic honors.

The 2002-03 team finished with an overall record of 18-7 and a 6-3 record in the NESCAC. The Mules will have to withstand the loss of four key seniors - Bianca Belcher, Drea DeAngelo, Christine O'Donnell, and Sarah Walsh. Walsh was just the second player in program history, and the first since 1984, to be selected to the National Kodak All-America Team. Walsh led the conference in scoring (17.8), rebounding (11.6), and finished as the program's all-time leader in rebounds (1,022) and steals (244). She also earned NESCAC and Maine State Player of the Year honors.

Colby will need its returning players to step up their games and take on new roles this season. The first-year players also must have an immediate impact on the program in order for the team to compete within NESCAC. Leading the way will be junior center Wendy Bonner '05, who was second on the team in scoring and rebounding at 13.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Bonner was an offensive force in the paint, shooting 53 percent from the floor and displaying tenacious rebounding abilities. Senior Caitlin Bourque '04, who will lead the charge as team captain, averaged 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds while making her defensive presence felt. Sarah Kelly '06 gained invaluable experience averaging 4.4 points and 3.2 rebounds as the first player off the bench. Kelly also broke the single-game steals record with seven and earned team most improved honors. Kate Emery '06 will return after suffering a knee injury in the second game last year. Alicia Burrows '04, Alanna Balboni '06, and Cassie Green '06 were all contributors off the bench and will need to bring their games to a new level.

Program Overview
Basketball, one of the oldest varsity programs for women at Colby, plays in the highly competitive NESCAC. Since the program's inception in 1968, women's basketball has developed a rich tradition of success by winning 55 percent of their games over their 35-year history. The Mules have won four ECAC Championships (1984, 1985, 1991, 2001). The program also has garnered 10 Colby-Bates-Bowdoin (CBB) titles and one co-championship since 1980. Under head coach Tricia O'Brien's direction, the Colby Mules have established themselves as a top team in New England. The program has achieved a 60-percent win percentage over the past eight seasons while playing what is arguably one of the most competitive schedules in New England. Six of the past seven seasons have included post-season bids.

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