University of Richmond Athletics
Women's Basketball Picked Third In Atlantic 10 Preseason Poll
10/21/2009 | Women's Basketball
Oct. 21, 2009
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. -
The Richmond women's basketball team was picked third out of 14 teams in the preseason poll released during the Atlantic 10 Women's Basketball Media Day. Junior Brittani Shells was selected to the All-Conference first team and All-Conference defensive team.
The Spiders, who advanced to their first-ever A-10 Championship game, return 10 student-athletes from last year's 24-10 squad, including all five starters. The 24-10 mark was the Spiders' best since the 1988-89 season and third best overall record in program history.
"We are excited about being picked tied for third in the league, even getting a first place vote is exciting," said head coach Michael Shafer. "It means that we have moved the program in the right direction and we have the potential to compete for the A-10 championship as well as NCAA bids. I think this league is so tough that teams 2 through 14 are all capable of knocking each other off at any given time, so finishing 3rd will be a great challenge. We are looking forward to that challenge."
Richmond's top scorer, junior guard Brittani Shells, returns to lead the backcourt. Shells, an All-Conference first-team and All-Conference defensive team selection last season, led the Spiders with 15.1 points and 2.3 steals per game. Shells led the Spiders with ten 20-point or better games and swiped a career-best 78 steals last season which ranked second for steals in a singles season on the Spiders' all-time list.
"Brittani is a special player," said Shafer. "She works harder than her competitors, she is driven to be successful, she is humble and hungry. I am very proud of her accomplishments and this recognition, because she has earned every honor she has received. I think the country will start to hear more about Brittani Shells this season, because she has improved her game, again, this summer."
Senior Danielle Bell will return as one of the Spiders' top long-range shooters. Bell appeared and started in all 34 games last season, and scored a season-high 19 points, including five three pointers, against conference rival, George Washington. Sophomores Rachael Bilney, Abby Oliver, and redshirt Kara Powell will all contribute in the backcourt.
The frontcourt returns the talents of sophomore Sam Bilney, junior Nikita Thomas. Bilney posted a breakout season last year before suffering a season-ending injury and will return as a major contributor this year.
Goring returns as the Spiders' third leading scorer at 6.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Goring posted a career-performance against Rhode Island, scoring 24 points and grabbing 15 boards.
The Spiders open with Western Carolina Nov. 13th at 4:00 p.m. in the first of four doubleheaders with the men.
