By: By Al Barba
Live Stats |
2017-18 Roster |
2016-17 Statistics
KENNESAW, Ga. – The Kennesaw State women's basketball team will make its 2017-18 season debut this weekend when it hosts Thomas University in an exhibition Sunday at the KSU Convocation Center beginning at 2 p.m. Following the game, the Owls will hold an autograph session.
This season marks the second year of the
Agnus Berenato Era after she took over the helm of the women's basketball program in March of 2016. She is entering her 31st season as a Division I head coach.
Thomas University, which plays at the NAIA level, is coming off a 65-61 victory over Selma in its season opener on Oct. 30.
GUEST COACHES
For the second year in a row, Berenato will welcome guest coaches to the bench, with Nancy and Kevin Prochaska filling that role on Sunday. The couple has long been associated with Kennesaw State, serving as professors at the University. Nancy spent 26 years as a business professor, while Kevin is a geologist, professor and writer.
Kennesaw State enters the new campaign looking to build upon a 10-20 season that included a victory in the ASUN Conference Championship and trip to the conference semifinals. Senior
Clara Young, the Owls' lone returning starter from a year ago, and sophomore
Carlotta Gianolla, who was a unanimous ASUN Conference Freshman of the Year, highlight the Owls' roster.
The roster is comprised of one senior (Young), three juniors (
Simina Avram,
Janae Omusi and
Iceis Walker), two sophomores (Gianolla,
Alexandra Landby) and five freshmen (
Caroline Dan,
Breanna Hoover,
Lexi Mann,
Alexis Poole,
Kamiyah Street).
Kennesaw State, which opens its season Nov. 10 at Clemson, plays its first seven games on the road before making its regular-season home debut on Nov. 30 when it hosts Georgia State at the KSU Convocation Center beginning at 7 p.m.
Season tickets for the upcoming 2017-18 season are currently on sale and priced at $39. To purchase tickets, visit KSUOwls.com/tickets or call (470) KSU-Owls (6957).
TEAM NOTES
• Kennesaw State will play 11 of its 14 non-conference games on the road and 18 of 28 contests away from the KSU Convocation Center.
• The Owls' schedule includes seven opponents – Maryland (NCAA), Miami (NCAA), Florida Gulf Coast (NCAA), Ole Miss (WNIT), Georgia Tech (WNIT), Stetson (WNIT) and Jacksonville (WNIT) – who advanced to postseason play a year ago and 10 teams that posted winning records.
• KSU has two teams on its schedule – Maryland (No. 6) and Miami (No. 16) – who finished the 2016-17 season ranked in the Associated Press' Top 25.
• Two teams – Florida Gulf Coast (No. 10) and Stetson (No. 17) – concluded the 2016-17 season ranked in the Mid-Major Top 25 Poll.
• Kennesaw State will play six opponents – Ole Miss, Maryland, Middle Georgia State, East Carolina, Western Michigan and Southern Illinois – for the first time.
• Sophomore forward/center
Carlotta Gianolla, who was unanimously tabbed the 2016-17 ASUN Conference Freshman of the Year after averaging 11.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.0 rebounds a contest. She also enjoyed a big summer as she competed on the U-20 Italian National Team that participated in the European Championships in Portugal.
• Senior guard
Clara Young returns as KSU's lone starter from last season after starting all 30 games and averaging 8.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.7 steals a contest. She enters the 2017-18 season tied for fifth in KSU Division I history with 180 assists and tied for third in assists per game (3.0).
• With an 8-6 conference mark last season, the Owls posted their first winning ASUN Conference campaign since finishing 11-9 during the 2008-09 season.
To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State women's basketball news follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook. Follow Coach Berenato on Twitter @KSUCoachB.
- #GoKSUOwls -
