In Division I basketball, labels such as “freshmen,” “rookies” and “first-year players” often carry negative connotations.

Freshmen not only are less experienced than their teammates, but are trying to learn new offensive systems and defensive schemes. Plus, they’re adjusting to a more physical style of basketball, against better competition. All of those challenges are magnified by the academic rigors of attending college.

The five freshmen on the University of Maine women’s basketball team have proven themselves equal to the task. Already, the Class of 2000 has become an important part of the 8-6 Black Bears’ success this season.

Jamie Cassidy, a 6-foot-4 forward from Methuen, Mass., has started the last seven games. Katie Clark of Bangor, a 6-foot guard, started the first eight games before undergoing surgery for an abdominal hernia.

Lately, 5-10 guard Kristen McCormick of Medford, Mass., has moved into the starting lineup. Meanwhile, 5-7 guard Amy Vachon of Augusta is Maine’s first guard off the bench. Jessie Bruyere of Cape Elizabeth, a 6-7 center, has seen spot time.

“Of course I’m very pleased and I think that they can do a lot more,” said Maine coach Joanne Palombo-McCallie, whose rookies were subjected to tremendous competition during the non-conference portion of Maine’s schedule.

“I’m not surprised, but certainly it’s encouraging,” she said of the newcomers’ production.

Maine’s freshmen make up 39 percent of the 13-woman roster. They have accounted for 41 percent of the team’s assists, 40 percent of its points and minutes played, and 31 percent of its total rebounds.

Palombo believes their success begins with the basics: defense, rebounding and the phsyical aspect.

“It’s a learning process, and as long as they’re playing tough defense and rebounding, the offense takes care of itself,” Palombo said. “Really, the big transition for them is to understand how tough and physical it is.”

Maine’s opponents quickly are finding out how tough and physical Cassidy can be. She is averaging 15.3 points and 6.9 rebounds, ranking eighth and ninth, respectively, among America East players. Cassidy leads the league and ranks second nationally with a .915 free-throw percentage. She is second in America East field-goal percentage at .554.

“She’s definitely getting more dominating,” Palombo said. “She’s a tough post player. She has a nice little shot and she’s very aggressive.”

Vachon has been integral in Maine’s pressure defense and running the offense. She is averaging 5.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.0 steals, and leads the squad with 3.7 assists per game.

Vachon can hit the 3-pointer, but usually concentrates on distributing the ball to her teammates and harrassing opponents on the defensive side of things.

“She’s a pressure player, that’s Amy for you,” Palombo said. “That’s why she won two state titles [at Cony High School].”

McCormick (4.1 ppg) is emerging as a hustling defender capable of hitting the open jumper. Bruyere continues to improve her footwork and defensive mechanics, and gives the Bears a significant physical presence in the middle.

Clark (5.6 ppg) is recovering from her surgery, but hopes to return before the end of the season. Her forte is tenacious defense and strong penetration moves.

In spite of their early accomplishments, Palombo fully expects much more from her formidable freshmen in the future.

“I think in some respects we’ve just touched the tip of the iceberg,” Palombo said. “Some of them have only touched upon their potential and are growing to that next step of consistency.”

UMaine’s Formidable Freshmen (Statistics through Jan. 11)

Player Points Reb. Asst. Steals Jamie Cassidy 214 97 23 5 Amy Vachon 75 48 52 28 Kristen McCormick 58 16 6 3 Katie Clark 45 17 6 2 Jessie Bruyere 13 5 0 1 Totals 405 183 87 39