In her first year, women’s basketball head coach Lori Gear McBride helped improve the Mules’ season record by four wins over last year, returning the team to the NESCAC playoffs after a year’s absence. Colby (10-15) qualified for the league playoffs by taking a big 60-38 road win at Middlebury in mid-February.

In their league quarterfinal the Mules played a solid first half, staying close to Bates before the Bobcats pulled away. Over the season sophomore forward Katie McCabe led the team in scoring (12.6), rebounding (6.9), and field-goal percentage (.526).

Senior forward Kate Emery averaged 7.4 points and 6.6 rebounds, while junior guard Tracy Nale averaged 8.3 points.

The Mules lose just two seniors to graduation and Gear McBride will have an opportunity to bring her first recruiting class to Colby after being hired in late August of last year.

The Colby College women's basketball team gave a scare to Bates College in the first half, but the Bobcats took control in the second half to pull away for a 65-44 win in a New England Small College Athletic Conference quarterfinal game on Saturday at Alumni Gym.

Colby ends its season at 10-15 overall.

Katie McCabe finished off a fine season for the eighth-seeded Mules with 16 points on 6-for-11 shooting and nine rebounds. She led Colby this year in scoring (12.6), rebounding (6.9) and field goal percentage (.526).

The game was tied 10-10 about eight minutes into the first half until the Bobcats went on a 13-4 run to take a 23-12 lead with 7:29 left. Colby, though, battled back and scored the next 11 points to tie the game at 23-23 with 1:29 remaining to halftime. Bates hit two baskets in the final 40 seconds to take a 27-23 lead at the break.

The top-seeded Bobcats used a 17-2 run in the first nine minutes of the second half to pull away for a 44-25 lead.

Regina Wohl, who had missed the last 10 games with an injury, returned to the lineup for Colby and had nine points. Kate Emery, playing in her final game in a Colby uniform, had seven points and 12 rebounds. Tanya Rosbash contributed four assists and five rebounds.

The eighth-seeded Colby women's basketball team visits top-seeded Bates College in a NESCAC quarterfinal game Saturday at 2 p.m.

Admission to the game is free and there will be a section for Colby fans in Bates' Alumni Gym. If you cannot make it to the game, Colby's WMHB (89.7 FM) will broadcast the game. Here is the link for the Web -- http://www.colby.edu/wmhb/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=36

Sophomore forward Katie McCabe leads the Mules in scoring (12.5) rebounding (6.8) and field goal percentage (.525). Tracy Nale is second in scoring at 8.3 points per game, while Kate Emery averages 7.4 points and 6.4 rebounds. Alanna Balboni has played well since earning a starting spot and averages 5.1 points and 5.4 rebounds.

In the backcourt, Tanya Rosbash also earned a starting spot and leads the team in assists with 58 in 17 games.

Colby lost twice to Bates (17-7) during the regular season, but the Mules played one of their better games in a 62-52 setback at home to the Bobcats on January 4. In the game in Lewiston, Bates took a 61-37 victory.

The Mules (10-14) finished the season by winning three of their last four games, including a huge NESCAC win over Middlebury College to clinch a playoff spot.

Jackie Grady (Wilmington, Mass.) had a double-double and Alanna Balboni (Rye, N.H.) made her final home game memorable with 14 points as the Colby College women's basketball team closed out the regular season with an 82-25 victory over University of Maine at Machias on Tuesday at Wadsworth Gymnasium.

Grady had collegiate-highs of 12 points and 12 rebounds, including eight offensive boards. Balboni, one of two Colby seniors playing their final home games, had 14 points on 7-for-10 shooting and pulled down seven rebounds.

Katie McCabe (Watertown, Conn.) also had 14 points on 7-for-9 shooting and had six rebounds. Tracy Nale (Waterville, Maine) shot 5-for-6 from the field and had 12 points, while senior tri-captain Kate Emery (Westford, Mass.) had nine rebounds and four assists in her final home game. Tanya Rosbash (Newton, Mass.) finished with a team-high seven assists and Sarah Whitfield (Wiscasset, Maine) had five points and five rebounds.

Colby, which had 28 offensive rebounds and 28 assists, led 42-9 at halftime. McCabe had 10 points and five boards in the opening half.

Angela Qualey (Benedicta, Maine) led Maine-Machias (5-11) with 17 points and six rebounds. Caitlin Heller (Palmerton, Pa.) had four assists and five rebounds.

Colby is the eighth seed and will play at top-seeded Bates College in a New England Small College Athletic Conference quarterfinal game Saturday at 2 p.m.

The Colby College women's basketball team will play for the final time at home on Tuesday when the Mules entertain Maine-Machias at 6 p.m. at Wadsworth Gymnasium.

The big game this week, though, will take place on Saturday when the Mules travel down the highway to Lewiston for a NESCAC quarterfinal game at Bates College at 2 p.m. Admission is free to the contest and there will seating saved for Colby fans.

Colby got to the NESCAC playoffs with a 60-38 win at Middlebury College on Saturday. The Mules will be the eighth seed in the playoffs and Bates is the top seed.

The Mules are 9-14 overall, already three wins better than last year’s win total. Katie McCabe leads Colby in scoring (12.1), rebounding (6.8) and field goal percentage (.496). Tracy Nale is second in scoring for the Mules at 8.3 points per game and she is shooting 47 percent from 3-point range (18-for-38). Tonight is the final home game for seniors Kate Emery and Alanna Balboni. Emery is averaging 7.7 points and 6.3 rebounds, while Balboni is at 4.5 points and 5.3 rebounds.

The Mules have a 7-7 record in non-conference games this year, including last Tuesday’s 54-49 victory over St. Joseph’s College.

Maine-Machias comes into the game at 5-10 overall after taking a 70-46 win over Fisher College on Saturday. Colby and Maine-Machias have just one common opponent on the schedule. The Mules have a 53-43 win over Maine-Presque Isle, while the Clippers have lost to UMPI three times this season by scores of 59-41, 65-52 and 78-29....Colby has a 12-2 lead in the all-time series with Maine-Machias.

The Colby College women's basketball team had four players in double figures as the Mules took a 60-38 win over Middlebury College and secured a New England Small College Athletic Conference playoff bid on Saturday.

The Mules and Middlebury both finished with 2-7 records in the league, but Colby earned the eighth seed thanks to the head-to-head victory. The Mules will play at top-seeded Bates College in a NESCAC quarterfinal next Saturday at 2 p.m.

Alanna Balboni had 12 points and 11 rebounds to lead Colby (9-14). Katie McCabe had a big all-around game with 12 points, seven rebounds and a team-high six assists. Tracy Nale led all scorers with 13 points, while Kate Emery finished with 11 points and seven rebounds. Tanya Rosbash added five points, five rebounds and four assists for the winners.

Colby led 24-23 at halftime and the game was tied at 28-28 early in the second half. The Mules, though, went on a 14-4 run to build a 42-32 advantage about 10 minutes into the half. Colby outscored the Panthers by an 18-6 margin to close out the game and secure the important win.

The Mules had a 42-31 advantage on the boards and Colby shot a fine 52 percent from the field. Colby shot 59 percent (13-for-22) in the second half. Meanwhile, the Mules' defense held Middlebury to just 22 percent shooting for the game and just a 19 percent effort in the second half.

Colby also shot 6-for-11 from 3-point range, including 3-for-5 from Emery.

The Mules will play host to Maine-Machias at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the final regular season game of the year.

In Friday's NESCAC game, Williams took a 61-31 victory over the Mules.

Fresh off a non-conference win over St. Joseph's on Tuesday, the Colby women's basketball team heads into the final weekend of NESCAC regular season play.

The Mules play at Williams College on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and then visit Middlebury College for a 2 p.m. game Saturday.

Colby, 8-13 overall and 1-6 in the league, needs at least one victory to have a chance at the conference playoffs. The best scenario for the Mules would be to win both games this weekend, which would all but guarantee a playoff bid. Winning once would likely get the Mules into the playoffs, but there could still be tiebreakers with other teams that have two wins in the league.

Alanna Balboni and Katie McCabe keyed Colby's win over St. Joseph's on Tuesday. Balboni has rebounded well in the past few games, while McCabe has sparked Colby with her scoring and rebounding. Meanwhile, Tanya Rosbash has 18 assists in her last two games.

Alanna Balboni finished with collegiate-highs of 14 points and 16 rebounds as the Colby College women's basketball team held St. Joseph's College to just 29 percent shooting in the second half in taking a 54-49 non-conference victory on Tuesday night.

Balboni finished with eight offensive rebounds and was 6-for-12 from the field. Katie McCabe added a game-high 19 points on 8-for-12 shooting and ripped eight rebounds for Colby (8-13). Tanya Rosbash had nine assists for the second straight game and also had six points, Kate Emery had five points and seven rebounds, and Tracy Nale had six points.

St. Joseph's (7-12) led 27-26 at halftime, but the Mules allowed just 22 points in the second half while keeping the Monks under 30 percent from the field. Colby also had a 47-37 advantage in rebounding in the game.

Megan Farrell led St. Joseph's with 11 points.

Colby will play New England Small College Athletic Conference games at Williams College at 7:30 p.m. Friday and then at Middlebury College at 2 p.m. Saturday in the final regular season league games of the year. The Mules finish the regular season next Tuesday at home against Maine-Machias at 6 p.m.

The Colby women's basketball team will play at St. Joseph's College in a non-conference game Tuesday at 7 p.m. before heading back into NESCAC action this coming weekend.

St. Joseph's, which lost a number of starters from last year's 16-win team, is 7-10 this year. In common opponent games with Colby, the Monks have lost to Maine Maritime (57-39), Maine-Presque Isle (50-42), Gordon (69-60) and Maine-Farmington (84-46).

Katie McCabe leads Colby in scoring (12.3), rebounding (7.1), field goal percentage (.490), steals (20) and blocked shots (6).

Tanya Rosbash leads the Mules in total assists with 37, Tracy Nale averages 8.4 points and Kate Emery averages eight points a game.

Colby returns to league play at Williams College on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

The Colby women's basketball team battled hard in the opening half against Wesleyan University to lead much of the first 20 minutes, but the Cardinals height advantage took its toll in the second half as Wesleyan posted a 74-62 NESCAC win.

Colby and Wesleyan, which came into the weekend tied for first in the league, spent much of the first half either tied or the game close both ways. The Mules had their biggest lead of the half at 31-27 before Wesleyan made a late run to take a 34-33 lead at the break.

Katie McCabe (Watertown, Conn.) led the Mules with 21 points on 10-for-17 shooting and had nine rebounds (six offensive) against a tall forward line for Wesleyan. Tracy Nale (Waterville, Maine) added 13 points and Tanya Rosbash (Newton, Mass.) had nine assists, eight points and five rebounds.

The inside combination of Hannah Stubbs and Ashley Mastrangelo combined for 39 points to lead Wesleyan.

Colby plays a non-conference game at St. Joseph's on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

The Colby women's basketball team got off to a great start, but Connecticut College chipped away for a 64-59 NESCAC win on Friday at Wadsworth Gymnasium.

The Mules scored the first 11 points of the game and led 17-7 at one point, but the Camels took a 26-22 lead at halftime.

Connecticut College never gave up the lead in the second half as the Mules got the margin down to one point on one occasion. Colby trailed just 54-52 after Tanya Rosbash (Newton, Mass.) nailed a 3-point shot with 3:23 remaining, but the Camels answered that with one of their own when Kenly hit a 3-pointer with 2:39 left for a 57-52 lead.

Kate Emery (Westford, Mass.) had 13 points, 12 rebounds and four assists to lead Colby. Katie McCabe (Watertown, Conn.) added 14 points, Rosbash had 13 points and Alanna Balboni (Rye, N.H.) had seven points and 10 rebounds.

Colby will play host to Wesleyan University on Saturday at 3 p.m. in a league game.

Colby radio station WMHB (89.7 FM) will broadcast Friday's important 7 p.m. game between the Colby College women's basketball team and Connecticut College in New England Small College Athletic Conference play.

Those listening from outside the Waterville area, can listen to the webcast at the following link: http://www.colby.edu/wmhb/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=36

Sophomore forward Katie McCabe earned the Maine Women's Basketball Coaches Association Player of the Week honor for her play last week. She has earned the award twice this season. McCabe leads Colby in scoring (11.7), rebounding (7.1), field goal percentage (.480), steals (tied with 19) and blocked shots (6).

Tracy Nale (8.5 ppg) and Kate Emery (8.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg) are other top scorers for the Mules (7-11, 1-4 NESCAC).

Connecticut College is 7-13 overall and 0-6 in the league. With a win, the Mules would guarantee a finish ahead of the Camels in the league standings.

Colby will also play host to Wesleyan University (14-5, 5-1) at 3 p.m. Saturday.

For the second time this season, Colby College women's basketball player Katie McCabe (Watertown, Conn.) was named the Maine Women's Basketball Coaches Association Player of the Week.

McCabe earned Co-Player of the Week honors with Maine Maritime Academy's Shelly Gott. The sophomore forward also was Player of the Week for the week ending December 4.

McCabe averaged 19.7 points on 63 percent shooting (25-for-40), 8.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists in three games last week. She shot 11-for-13 from the field for 23 points and added nine rebounds and four assists in a 63-59 win over Trinity College in New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) play on Friday. McCabe had 23 points on 10-for-16 shooting and added10 rebounds in a non-conference game against University of Maine at Farmington last Tuesday. She closed out the week with 13 points, seven rebounds and three assists against Amherst College in another NESCAC game Saturday.

McCabe is closing in on 500 career points in just her second year at Colby. She has 475 points and 286 rebounds in two seasons.

In the latest NESCAC statistics, McCabe ranks eighth in field goal percentage (48 percent), ninth in rebounding (7.4) and 11th in scoring (11.7). She leads the Mules in scoring, rebounding, field goal percentage, steals and blocked shots.

After taking its first league win of the season Friday night, the Colby College women's basketball team fell 59-45 to Amherst College in New England Small College Athletic Conference play Saturday.

Katie McCabe finished with 13 points, seven rebounds and three assists for the Mules. McCabe had 59 points in three games this week.

Stefanie Reiff led four Amherst (8-9, 3-2 NESCAC) players in double figures with 16 points and nine rebounds.

Colby (7-11, 1-4) also received 10 points from Kate Emery, Courtney Williams (Norwood, Mass.) had eight, and Alanna Balboni (Rye, N.H.) had seven points and five rebounds.

The Mules will be back in action next Friday against Connecticut College at home at 7 p.m. in an important league game.

Kate Emery (Westford, Mass.) made her first basket of the game a big one with a 3-point play with 20 seconds left to lift the Colby College women's basketball team to a 63-59 win over Trinity College in a New England Small College Athletic Conference game Friday night at Wadsworth Gymnasium.

Colby (7-10, 1-3 NESCAC) appeared to have the game in hand with a 59-44 lead after Laura Williamson (Manchester, Conn.) nailed a 3-point shot with 5:23 remaining.

The Bantams (6-10, 1-3 NESCAC), though, fought back with a 15-0 run to tie the game at 59-59 with 39 seconds left. Leigh Melanson (Woburn, Mass.) had 10 points and one assist during the run and finished with 22 points, 10 rebounds and six assists.

After a timeout, Colby's Tanya Rosbash (Newton, Mass.) drove the lane and found Emery open on the baseline. Emery hit a shot from about eight feet and then made the clutch free throw to give the Mules a 62-59 lead with 20 seconds left.

Trinity had two 3-point shot opportunities to tie the game, but Colby finally got the rebound and was fouled. Rosbash hit the front end of the one-and-one to give Colby the final margin.

Katie McCabe (Watertown, Conn.) had 23 points for the second straight game and shot 11-for-13 from the field, added nine rebounds, four assists and two blocked shots. Courtney Williams (Norwood, Mass.) had 12 points, while Rosbash finished with eight points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals. Emery had a team-high five assists for the Mules.

Colby's Laura Williamson (Manchester, Conn.) gave the Mules a spark off the bench in the first half. She had nine points, four rebounds and four assists for the game, but was a calming factor in the first half with six points, three assists and no turnovers to help the Mules open up a 35-26 lead at the break.

Sarah Cox (Norwell, Mass.) had 13 points and three assists, while Catherine Maher (Newtown, Conn.) had 12 points and three assists for Trinity. Deirdre Savageau (Framingham, Mass.) added eight points.

Colby plays host to Amherst College on Saturday at 3 p.m. in a league game. Trinity heads to Bowdoin College for a 2 p.m. game tomorrow.

Colby radio station WMHB (89.7 FM) will broadcast this weekend's women's basketball games as the Mules entertain Trinity College at 7 p.m. Friday and then play host to Amherst College on Saturday at 3 p.m.

Those listening from outside the Waterville area, can listen to the webcast at the following link: http://www.colby.edu/wmhb/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=36

On Tuesday, despite 23 points and 10 rebounds from Katie McCabe (Watertown, Conn.) the Colby College women's basketball team dropped a 79-70 non-conference game to University of Maine at Farmington on Tuesday at Wadsworth Gymnasium.

The Mules led 35-32 at halftime and held a 57-55 lead with just over six minutes remaining, but the Beavers used a big rebounding and free throw advantage to pull out the victory.

Colby heads back into New England Small College Athletic Conference action Friday at 7 p.m. with a home game against Trinity College.

Karen Sirois (Augusta, Maine) had 28 points and Kari Simpson (Wells, Maine) had all 20 of her points in the second half to help Maine-Farmington secure the win.

McCabe shot 10-for-16 from the field to lead Colby (6-10). Kate Emery (Westford, Mass.) and Tracy Nale (Waterville, Maine) both had 14 points, while Rosbash had seven assists.

The Colby women's basketball team will take a break from NESCAC play to go up against University of Maine at Farmington in non-conference play Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Wadsworth Gymnasium.

The Mules won their last non-conference game with a 50-38 victory over Gordon last Wednesday.

On Saturday, the Bowdoin College women's basketball team defeated rival Colby 72-40 in NESCAC action on Saturday. The Polar Bears, ranked eighth in the latest national poll, improve to 13-2 (2-1 NESCAC), while Colby falls to 6-9 (0-3).

The Mules were the last team to beat Bowdoin on its home court dating back to the 2001 season.

Katie McCabe led Colby with 10 points and Tracy Nale had nine.

Four Bowdoin players reached double figures, led by a game-high 16 from Jill Anelauskas.

Katie McCabe finished with 17 points and added eight rebounds as the Colby College women's basketball team took a 50-38 victory over Gordon College in non-conference play Wednesday night.

McCabe had six offensive rebounds and finished 7-for-14 from the field.

Tracy Nale added 13 points, including 3-for-4 from 3-point range, for the Mules (6-8). Kate Emery had eight points and eight rebounds, Lauren Duval had eight points and three steals, and Courtney Williams led the way in assists with four.

Gordon (2-11) received 14 points and six rebounds from Kristen Helgesen. Amy Dodd added 11 points and seven rebounds for the Fighting Scots.

Colby will play at Bowdoin College in a NESCAC game Saturday at 7 p.m.

After two conference games over the weekend, the Colby women's basketball team will play at Gordon College on Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Colby started NESCAC play with setbacks to Tufts and Bates over the weekend.

In a 61-37 loss to Bates on Saturday, Colby junior Tracy Nale (Waterville, Maine) was the lone Mule in double figures, with 13 points to go with three steals. First-year Lauren Duval (Shrewsbury, Mass.) added eight points and a team-high six rebounds.

In a 61-41 defeat at Tufts on Friday, Kate Emery nearly finished with a double-double for the visitors, recording nine points and nine rebounds. Sophomore Katie McCabe posted seven points and seven rebounds for the Mules. First-year Lauren Duval was productive with four points, five rebounds and three steals in 15 minutes.

Katie McCabe, pictured at right, had 18 points to lead the Colby College women's basketball team to a 53-43 victory over University of Maine at Presque Isle on Saturday in non-conference basketball.

Kate Emery added 12 points for the Mules, who move to 5-6 this season. Laura Williamson had 10 points and Courtney Williams added six points.

Colby led 28-24 at halftime and then held UMPI (5-3) to just 19 points in the second half.

The Mules head into the most important part of the season starting with Friday's 7 p.m. game at Tufts University in the opening game of NESCAC play. Colby will then play at Bates on Saturday at 3 p.m.

Colby will play its final non-conference game before starting league play when the Mules travel to Maine-Presque Isle for a 2 p.m. game Saturday.

The Mules will play at Tufts next Friday and then visit Bates on Saturday.

On Wednesday, Meg Coffin (Westford, Mass.) had 18 of her game-high 24 points in the second half to lead Bates to a 62-52 non-conference victory over Colby at Wadsworth Gymnasium.

Colby (4-6) shot 56 percent from the field (15-for-27) and had a 21-15 rebounding advantage in taking a 33-30 halftime lead. Katie McCabe (Watertown, Conn.) had eight of her team-high 13 points in the opening half.

Lauren Duval (Shrewsbury, Mass.), pictured below right, had 11 points on 5-for-7 shooting and had five rebounds for Colby. Tracy Nale (Waterville, Maine) added nine points and four rebounds for the Mules.

Gillian Brignac shot 7-for-8 from the field and had 15 points and seven rebounds in leading Suffolk University to a 59-56 win over Colby College in the consolation game of the WPI Invitational on Saturday.

Kerry Bowman added 11 points and seven rebounds for Suffolk, which led 34-32 at halftime. Jenn Fogg had 10 points and eight rebounds, while Sarah Gregory had 10 points for the winners.

Kate Emery finished with 10 points and 15 rebounds (six offensive) to pace Colby (4-5). Regina Wohl contributed nine points, six rebounds and five assists for the Mules. Tracy Nale had 10 points, while Courtney Williams and Laura Williamson both had eight points.

The Mules fell 74-53 to WPI in the opening round of the tourney on Friday night.

Colby plays host to Bates College in a non-conference game Wednesday at 5 p.m.

The Colby College women's basketball team has a 4-3 record heading into the holiday break.

The Mules will return to action Friday, December 30 at 5 p.m. against the host school in the WPI Tournament. Wesleyan and Suffolk will play in the other game at 7 p.m. The championship game is December 31 at 3 p.m. with the consolation game ahead of that contest at 1 p.m.

Colby then has a few days off before playing host to Bates College on January 4 at 5 p.m.

In the Mules' last game before break, Julia Loonin (New York, N.Y.) shot 6-for-7 from 3-point range and had 22 points to go along with six assists to lead fourth-ranked Bowdoin to a 73-51 win in non-conference women's basketball Saturday night at Wadsworth Gymnasium.

Eileen Flaherty (Fairfield, Conn.) added 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Polar Bears, who led 37-26 at halftime. Marisa Berne (Falmouth, Maine) added 12 points and seven rebounds, while Justine Pouravelis (Old Orchard Beach, Maine) had 10 points and six boards.

Tracy Nale (Waterville, Maine) had 16 of her team-high 20 points in the first half for Colby. Regina Wohl (Westbrook, Maine) and Laura Williamson (Manchester, Conn.) both had eight points for the Mules. Nale shot a solid 9-for-15 from the field.

Colby College sophomore women's basketball player Katie McCabe (Taft School/Watertown, Conn.) was honored as the Maine Women's Basketball Coaches Association Co-Player of the Week on Monday for the week ending December 4.

McCabe averaged 20.5 points and nine rebounds in two games for the Mules. She had 22 points and eight rebounds in a 77-52 win against Rivier College last Wednesday. McCabe then had 19 points and 10 rebounds in a 63-58 loss to Emmanuel College, which was preseason ranked 13th in the country. McCabe shot 59 percent (17-for-29) from the field in the two games.

McCabe is leading the Mules this season in scoring (14.4) and field goal percentage (.556). She is second on the Mules in rebounding (7.4).

In 28 career games with Colby, McCabe is averaging 12.0 points (337 points) and 7.0 rebounds (195).

McCabe shared the award with University of Southern Maine's Ashley Marble.

Ashley Marble had 19 points and eight rebounds as the top-ranked University of Southern Maine women's basketball team took a 63-24 win over Colby College in non-conference women's basketball Wednesday.

Marble was 8-for-11 from the field to lead Southern Maine (6-0), ranked number one in the latest USA Today/ESPN Division III national poll. Megan Myles added 12 points and Lauren Samuelson finished with 10 for the Huskies.

Kate Emery led Colby (4-2) with nine points and Regina Wohl added seven points.

The Mules return to action Saturday at home against fourth-ranked Bowdoin College at 5 p.m.

The Colby College women's basketball team had two players with a double-double in scoring and rebounding, but Emmanuel College was able to hold on for a 63-58 non-conference victory Saturday.

Colby fell to 4-1 on the season, while Emmanuel improved to 3-2. Emmanuel started the season as the 13th-ranked team in the D3hoops.com national poll.

Katie McCabe (Watertown, Conn.) had 19 points on 9-for-15 shooting and added 10 rebounds to lead the Mules. Kate Emery (Westford, Mass.) finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Regina Wohl (Westbrook, Maine) had 11 points. Tracy Nale (Waterville, Maine had six points and five rebounds for Colby.

Emmanuel led 33-23 at halftime, but the Mules settled down in the second half and there were 10 lead changes and eight ties in the game.

Alyssa McCoy (Washington, D.C.) had a game-high 21 points and 11 rebounds to pace Emmanuel. Jade Paez (Bronx, N.Y.) added 16 points and six assists, while Brittany Bushman (Portsmouth, N.H.) had 12 points and five assists.

Colby had a better shooting percentage (44 to 39 percent) and had a slight edge in rebounding (36-34), but the Mules were hurt by 28 turnovers.

The Mules will play at third-ranked Southern Maine this Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

Katie McCabe (Watertown, Conn.) had 22 points on 8-for-14 shooting and added eight rebounds to help the Colby College women's basketball team move to 4-0 with an easy 77-52 win over Rivier College on Wednesday.

The Mules, who led 47-30 at halftime, also got 17 points from first-year player Courtney Williams (Norwood, Mass.). She was 6-for-10 from the field, including a 3-for-5 effort from 3-point range. Regina Wohl (Westbrook, Maine) added 11 points and five rebounds, Kate Emery (Westford, Mass.) added a team-best 10 rebounds to go along with six points, and Kathleen Nicholson (Tuftonboro, N.H.) had eight assists.

Rivier received 19 points from Amanda Knowles and had 17 points and 12 rebounds by Elise Begnoche.

Colby's schedule heats up starting Saturday when the Mules play three teams in eight days that made the NCAA Tournament last year. Colby is at Emmanuel College this Saturday at 1 p.m., plays at third-ranked Southern Maine next Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., and then hosts second-ranked Bowdoin College at 7 p.m. next Saturday. Emmanuel is no longer ranked, but started the season at 13th in the preseason rankings.

Change is the predominant theme for the Colby College women's basketball team this year, as the Mules enter the 2005-2006 season with a new coaching staff, a new sense of optimism and an opportunity to put last season's injuries and disappointing finish in the past.

"The energy, enthusiasm and work ethic this team has demonstrated is very encouraging," said McBride. "We have a group of players committed to being successful this season and, as any coach knows, that is vital to turning goals into reality."

Head coach Lori Gear McBride makes her collegiate head coaching debut with a roster that includes four returning starters and eight players who started multiple games last season. Headlining the group is sophomore forward Katie McCabe, who started 21 of 23 games in which she played in her first season of college basketball. McCabe is the team's leading returning scorer (11.5 ppg) and rebounder (6.9 rpg) and, more importantly, finished the 2004-2005 season by scoring in double figures in the final 11 contests.

"Katie got a late start with us this preseason because of soccer, but she is clearly an exceptional athlete who has a real good feel for the game," said McBride. "She will be an important player for us in the post."

Fellow sophomore Regina Wohl started all 18 games in which she played last season, averaging 9.2 ppg while leading the team with 32 three-pointers. She will be the Mules' top outside threat this season.

"Regina is a pure shooter, but she can do a lot of other good things on the court," said McBride. "She and Katie will give us a nice foundation this season."

The point guard position will be controlled by another sophomore, Kathleen Nicholson, who also started all 18 games in which she played in 2004-2005. Nicholson suffered a season-ending knee injury and missed the final six games, but appears ready for a return in the season opener.

"We took it slowly with Kathleen in the preseason, but she is getting back to where she needs to be," said McBride. "She is a very offense-minded point guard, but also can be very creative as a playmaker. She is always looking to make something happen when the ball is in her hands."

Junior Tracy Nale, who has returned to the team after a one-year hiatus, has been a pleasant addition thus far and will earn a starting nod at one of the guard spots. Nale, who averaged 2.6 ppg as a freshman in 2003-2004, gives the Mules another scoring threat on the perimeter.

"Tracy's return has been a real lift to the program," said McBride. "She has done everything we have asked and has really emerged as a leader on our team."

Joining McCabe in the frontcourt is Kate Emery, a senior who also returned after a year away. Emery possesses good size (6-0) and strength in the post and will be counted on for significant minutes this season. She started 11 games two years ago, averaging 6.3 ppg. Molly Rice, another captain who also plays field hockey, will see significant minutes at forward after averaging 3.5 ppg. last season.

"Kate is one of our tri-captains and gives us both leadership and toughness in the post," said McBride. "Molly is a solid post player who brings a nice outside touch to the position. She has a chance to be a real major contributor if she continues to progress."

Lauren Duval, a freshman from Shrewsbury, MA, and 6-1 sophomore Jackie Grady round out the post players.

"Lauren has worked very hard to narrow the gap on the transition from high school to college and will push others for playing time," said McBride. "Jackie is the hardest worker on our team and will have an impact on the program in the future. Her work ethic will likely make that happen sooner than later if she continues to improve at her current rate."

Providing depth to the frontcourt are Laura Williamson, who has been slowed by recurring knee soreness following a successful soccer season, and freshman Courtney Williams. Williamson was one of three to suffer season-ending knee injuries last season, but has been a major contributor in each of the past two seasons, averaging 7.1 ppg. a year ago. Williams is a combo guard who can provide relief at three different positions on the floor - providing a versatility that will lead to playing time. Kate Riley (1.3 ppg), who will spend the spring semester overseas, Katie Harris (2.6 ppg.) and freshman Sarah Whitfield round out the backcourt.

"Laura is a tremendous competitor and I expect her to be back soon and helping us in a variety of ways," said McBride. "Courtney has been impressive this fall with her maturity and skill level."

Tanya Rosbash, who averaged 8.8 ppg. last season as a freshman but was also a victim of a season-ending injury, has yet to return due to lingering effects. She should begin practicing with the team following the holiday break. Alanna Balboni, who also was separated from the program last season, remains on the sidelines with a foot injury suffered this fall.

"I haven't seen Tanya play live, but I have heard nothing but good things about her talent level," said McBride. "It is frustrating to have so many injuries to consider because the kids are all so driven to be successful. We need to be cautious, though, and allow things to heal properly before moving forward."

The season begins with the Colby Tip-Off Tournament featuring Newbury and Husson on the weekend of November 18-20. The Mules then embark on a tough five-game stretch to close the fall semester that includes games vs. NCAA participants Maine Maritime, Emmanuel, Southern Maine and Bowdoin before breaking for exams. Colby returns to action on Dec. 30 for a holiday tournament at WPI in Worcester, MA before a trip to UMaine-Presque Isle and the start of NESCAC play - with sights focused on a return to the NESCAC Tournament.

"We certainly have an ambitious schedule that will leave no doubt about our level of preparedness once the league schedule starts in January," said McBride. "The girls have been wonderful in response to a new coaching staff, a new system and new expectations.

"I think the wins and losses will take care of themselves if we continue to put forth the level of effort we did during the preseason."

Women's Basketball at Colby

Basketball, one of the oldest varsity programs for women at Colby, competes in the highly competitive NESCAC league. Since its inception in 1968, women’s basketball has developed a rich tradition of success by winning 55 percent of its games over its 37-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 former head coach Patricia O’Brien’s direction, the Colby Mules established themselves as a top team in New England. O'Brien's program achieved a 56 percent winning percentage over the past 10 seasons while playing one of the most competitive schedules in New England. Seven of the past 10 seasons have included a post-season bid. New head coach Lori Gear McBride will enter her first season in 2005-06.

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