Welcome to the Atlantic 10 Women's Basketball Tipoff for the 2022-23 season. This afternoon, we feature the Saint Joseph's Hawks.
Saint Joseph's – Website |
Roster |
Schedule
Social Central
Twitter: @SJUHawks_WBB |
@CindyGriffin11
Instagram: @sjuhawks_wbb
A special for atlantic10.com, by Zac Weiss (@ZacharyMWeiss)
Last season, a young Saint Joseph’s team was selected just 10th overall in the Atlantic 10 Preseason Poll, but a youthful effort blossomed into a significant run during the league's championship, as the Hawks secured two victories – including an upset of No. 2 overall Rhode Island – en route to a semifinal appearance.
Now, St. Joe's has been picked sixth in the very same preseason poll, setting up the Hawks to do big things this season, just with not as much surprise.
“We have a great group coming back from last year’s end-of-season run and we’re looking to build on that,” Saint Joseph’s head coach Cindy Griffin said. “We’re a little bit older and a little bit wiser. Things are happening quicker, and they’ve responded really well to the speed of play and also just to anything we’ve thrown at them.”
It was a slow start for the Hawks last year, as the early chemistry was just a bit off sync and still working to grow and find an identity, dropping six in a row after a season-opening victory over Maryland Eastern Shore.
Following a stoppage in play, the Hawks still struggled to find their footing, posting a 2-5 record in conference play before winning back-to-back matchups against Davidson before then playing Rhode Island to within 10 points.
“We showed a lot of resilience,” said Griffin. “It was pretty rough to start out the season, we were very young in a lot of spots, so we went through a lot of growing pains. We’re looking forward to getting off to a really good start this year it’s going to be very important for this group to experience success early and maintain that level of intensity throughout the season.”
After beating Duquesne in the team's Atlantic 10 Championship opener, the Hawks defeated second-overall seeded Rhode Island thanks in large part to a 20-8 third quarter margin.
Though the run ended with a loss to eventual champion Massachusetts, the pair of major wins earned respect from the conference’s coaches.
It also left a clear impression on graduate student guard Katie Jekot (9.6 ppg/116 assts/84.4 pct. FT). The captain was named to the Atlantic 10 Preseason All-Conference Second Team and opted to take the COVID year and play with a team she feels is only going to raise its collective level of play.
“I have so much love for this program and for my teammates,” Jekot offered. “We did really well towards the end of the season and I knew we were going to be pretty good this year. I wanted to be a part of that and bring my leadership to this team. I also wanted to further my education.”
Another name with some earned recognition returns as well: Talya Brugler (10.6 ppg/5.7 rebs/50.4% FG), a dynamic forward who was named to Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week on six separate occasions before ultimately being named A-10 Rookie of the Year.
Brugler was one of six players placed on the Atlantic 10 Preseason All-Conference Third Team and is eager to improve upon her freshman campaign.
“In my freshman year, there were many ups and downs that I went through, but the thing I think I learned the most was understanding the pace of the game and where and when I can get shots and find my teammates,” Brugler noted. “I’m excited to bring that back this season with better pace and finding better shots.”
Mackenzie Smith (9.1 ppg/38.6 pct. 3-pt FG) joined Brugler on the All-Rookie Team last year, thrice eclipsing the 20-point plateau.
Griffin acknowledged her three-point shooting ability, but also stressed that Smith can shoot the pull-up and has a first step to the basket she deemed 'incredible.'
“Just being able to bring that skillset daily and being a little more consistent, that’s going to be a challenge for any player,” Griffin continued. “The consistency part of it, especially for a younger player is really important. Putting in the reps and then maximizing the time on court in practice, she’s one of our hardest workers and is always willing to learn. When you have a player like that, you know that she’s going to be very successful.”
Julia Nystrom (4.6 ppg/1x A-10 ROTW) made it three Hawks on the All-Rookie Team, a feat she accomplished after racking up 18 points against Harvard.
Laila Fair was the fourth Hawks player to make the All-Rookie Team, which was the most from a program in A-10 history. Fair also earned All-Championship Team acclaim, but at season’s end transferred to Massachusetts.
There are three newcomers that could play serious post roles in the form of Hartford transfer Paula Marina (13 ppg/21 starts/America East Second Team All-Conference), freshmen Judit Ambrona and Laura Ziegler. Jaden Walker also remains available as a post option for the Hawks.
Olivia Mullins (4.4 ppg/five starts) showed the ability to score with three double-digit efforts a season ago and can be a reliable guard option if called upon. Additionally, Emma Boslet, freshman Emerson Devenie and Kaylie Griffin round out the guard depth on the roster.
With a year under most of the youth’s collective belts, there is a clearer understanding of pace and intent. Now the ball is moving, shots are falling, communication is at an all-time high and the Hawks' stock seems to be on the rise.
“Our communication and the buy-in on our team,” Brugler assessed. “Everyone has the same goal and we’re willing to do whatever it takes to achieve it.”