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Fresh off its fourth Pennsylvania Athletic Conference Championship and sixth NCAA Tournament appearance, Gwynedd-Mercy, along with its eight returning letterwinners, will look to return to the postseason in 2006-07. Last season the Griffins, posted a 25-4 mark and a perfect 16-0 in conference play. They were the first team in league history to go undefeated in the regular season and conference tournament. This season, Gwynedd will no doubt have the bullseyes on their backs.

Among the returning veterans is two-time all-conference pick Jackie Dougherty, who also is versatile to play in the post. She was among the team leaders in scoring, field goal percentage, rebounding, steals, and assists. Senior Michelle Sgrillo and junior Beccie Strohecker also can play either guard or forward positions. Sgrillo, a valuable contributor for three seasons, played in all 29 games and will push for a starting spot this season. Strohecker enjoyed her first full year as a Griffin, after transferring into the second semester her freshman season.

In the backcourt, junior Karen Tierney and sophomores Kristy Cramp and Bridget Morrin will all contribute immensely. Tierney came off the bench in all 29 games but still led the team and was ranked second in the league in assists. Cramp, who was named last season's PAC Rookie of the Year, is one of the league's top three-point threats. She connected on 74 trifectas on 42% shooting from downtown last year. Morrin saw increased playing time last season before an injury in late January cut short her rookie year. Kristian Woodridge and Alana Rumpel, starters at Harcum Junior College last season, have the experience to push the veterans. Freshmen Bridget Gibson, Erica Fulforth, and Kate Winsiewski will also figure into the backcourt mix.

Senior Ashley Vandiver was named the PAC Tournament MVP last year as she posted back-to-back double-doubles in two games. In her first season as a Griffin, she led the team in rebounding and blocks and also led the PAC in field goal percentage. She'll be counted on along with sophomore Jess Smith to lead a young frontcourt. Newcomers Kate McGinn and Jackie Dooley and will look to see playing time.
Vandiver, along with Dougherty, are also on the verge of personal milestones, as each are within striking distance of reaching the career 1,000-point mark. Vandiver currently sits at 823 career points while Dougherty is closer at 857 points.

The schedule has the Griffins opening the season up at the Kean University Tournament with the likes of Albright, Lehman, and the host Cougars. Among the other road trips include a mid-holiday trek to Florida, where they'll play two games in Orlando. When they return in January, Gwynedd-Mercy will host the GMC Women's Classic featuring Widener, Ursinus, and Misericordia. On January 15th, the Griffins will take on Wesley in a rematch of last season's PAC Championship victory here at the Griffin Complex.

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