Photo courtesy of gobonnies.com
BY: SAMUEL WEILERT; STAFF WRITER
The St. Bonaventure women’s basketball season officially starts on Nov. 3, with their season opening matchup being against Mansfield University.
The team has a completely new look this year, with only two returning players from last year’s squad.
One of those players, sophomore guard Mackenzie Pettinelli, is looking to turn her experience into a leadership role.
“Being able to step into that leadership role and help give girls tips on the court really helps with our connection,” said Pettinelli.
She also mentioned how this year’s team will be much more physically equipped to compete in the Atlantic 10.
“This year we have a lot more physicality and are stronger, so I think we’ll be able to battle more with teams this year and not be as outsized as last year,” Pettinelli said.
Some of the new additions that will add to that physicality factor are freshman forwards Iva Corluka and Ivona Djikanovic. Over the summer, both players suited up for EuroBasket competitions for their home countries of Serbia and Croatia, respectively.
Corluka expressed how the competition was able to get her ready for the speed of college basketball.
“It definitely gets you ready for the speed,” said Corluka. “It was a shock how fast the game was, but that just makes it normal now coming into college.”
Djikanovic also stressed how the tournament will help her succeed at the next level. “It prepared me for college because of how much pressure there was,” Djikanovic said. “The team connected really well this year, and we finished in second because of that.”
To succeed next year, the Bonnies also need good veteran leadership. Graduate transfer guards Laycee Drake and Aaliyah Parker, along with returning senior forward Gabby Robinson, will be looked up to as the leading forces for the team.
“Lacey will definitely give a spark to the team, being that strong point guard we need,” said Pettinelli. “I also think Aliyah will be a real help to the team, having experience at other schools for a while.”
The Bonnies have five of their first seven games at home this year, and the players are looking for the fans to pack the Reilly Center.
“We should be a different team this year,” said Pettinelli. “Everyone should show up to the games.”
Djikanovic put it in even plainer terms: “Come and watch us ball out!”
