Senior captain Ciletti only returner from '08-09 squad

OCEAN CITY TODAY/LISA CAPITELLI

Senior co-captain Theresa Ciletti, with the ball during practice Nov. 18, is the only returning player from last year's squad. OCEAN CITY TODAY/LISA CAPITELLI (Nov. 20, 2009) Seven players graduated from the 2008-09 Worcester Prep girls' basketball team, two transferred to other schools and one decided not to compete this season. That leaves only one returning player from the 6-13 squad, senior Theresa Ciletti.

"We're starting fresh after last season. We're still learning new things and getting in the groove of basketball. It's starting off slow, but I think it will end with a bang," she said. "It shouldn't be too hard to lead the team this year. We all have the skill level and I think we'll be able to work together as a team."

"Theresa contributed a lot last year. She hit key baskets in several games," said third-year Coach Sharon Repass. "She knows the system and I'm excited about her experience at point guard."

Senior Sara Noyes played for Salisbury School before transferring to Worcester last year. Since she came to the school in November, she was ineligible to play basketball at that time. Repass said Noyes will be a big contributor at forward this year.

Mallard Coach Sharon Repass "I just hope I can lead everyone and maybe they can learn something from me," Noyes said. "We have a lot of athletic girls and a lot of potential. It's going to be hard, but it's going to be a good challenge."

Repass said Ciletti and Noyes are strong players and good leaders and will look to the co-captains to take the inexperienced players under their wings.

Sophomore Olivia Wilgus, who competed for junior varsity last season, will take the court as a forward. Senior Molly Dickerson, junior Devon Zorn and freshman Molly Marshall will be key additions to the squad at guard, Repass said. Junior Anna Pavlos and senior Laura Breslau round out the eight-player roster.

The Lady Mallards are enthusiastic, coachable, eager to learn and they work hard, Repass said.

"It's a new team and we're trying to find a combination that meshes well because they never played together before," she said. "There's one returner so everyone has an equal chance to play, which makes for more competitive practices. The goal is to take the new group and bring them together."

Repass said she is impressed with the team's defense, which continues to be solid year after year. Shooting, on the other hand, is a work in progress.

Repass is confident the Mallards will improve over the course of the season and peak at the right time.

"I'm happy with the enthusiasm. I think things are going well so far," she said. "I'm excited for the season."