Women's basketball preview

The weather is starting to cool down and it's getting dark earlier which could only mean one thing -- basketball season. 

For the Fredonia State women's basketball team, it's a new era. New head coach Sherri Nowatzki, a 1989 alumna, enters her first season at the helm of the Blue Devils.

Nowatzki is a coaching veteran. She's had many stops before landing at her alma mater, including a seven-year run at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, a Division l program.

Senior guard Mary Culeton likes what she sees in Nowatzki's coaching philosophy. "I think we're already bought in at this point. She's a very good coach. She has a lot of experience," said Culeton.

One of the top things on the minds of the team is to make the playoffs. Last year they finished just one game out of the playoffs at 7-11 in SUNYAC play.

"It definitely motivates us. I think our goal this season is to make SUNYACs and go far in SUNYACs. The past two years have been growing periods, and I think we have a lot of talent on this team," said Culeton. Overall the Devils sported a 12-13 record a year ago.

Senior guard Jaden Sciotti added this, "I think with our work ethic, we could push towards the SUNYAC championship."

As Culeton spoke about, this team does have talent, returning their top three leading scorers from a season ago. Perhaps none more important than reigning SUNYAC Rookie of the Year, Grace Alexander.

Alexander led the team in points-per-game (13.8), three-pointers (44), free throws (36), steals (38), and was second on the team in assists (57). Along with SUNYAC Rookie of the Year, Alexander was Third-Team All Conference.

The Blue Devils also return their second leading scorer and leading rebounder, Allie Wandell. She averaged 10.0 ppg and 6.0 rpg. Wandell, a dual-sport athlete, also finished First Team All SUNYAC in softball this past spring.

Culeton averaged 7.4 ppg a season ago, and topped the Devils with 68 assists.

Sciotti spoke about how she's excited to see how coach Nowatzki incorporates those players into the offense. "She has incorporated our offense so our top scorers have the ball in their hands with the opportunity to score."

When asked about a game they had circled on the schedule, both Culeton and Sciotti said that no game is more important than the other. "We definitely want to beat everyone," said Culeton. "But overall, just win as many games as possible."

Both Culeton and Sciotti agreed that their home win against Geneseo was their favorite game of last season. It was a Top 10 Highlight of the Year at the annual Athletics Gala. After only having one win against the school since 2011, they wanted to beat them as this was the final time they'd meet as SUNYAC rivals. After a back and forth game, the Blue Devils were able to walk away with a big 61-56 win over the Knights. Assistant Coach Rich Norton even jumped in the pool after the game to celebrate the win.

The Blue Devils have their first home game on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. in Dods Hall.