Adversity molded Versyp’s Bears UMaine women battled back after rough start

BURLINGTON, Vt. – The season ended in defeat Thursday for the University of Maine women’s basketball team.

The eight Black Bears, who had endured numerous setbacks on their way to a 12-16 record, had failed in their bid to challenge for the America East title.

With the sting of defeat fresh in her mind, UMaine sophomore Ellen Geraghty was asked to evaluate the 2000-01 season.

“I can honestly tell you that this year, for me personally, has been the best year of my life…,” Geraghty said, choking back tears.

“That goes to say a lot for these eight kids and for all that we’ve been through, the different adversities that we’ve had to overcome,” she continued. “That says so much about a new coaching staff … especially for coach V [Sharon Versyp].”

Geraghty’s comments speak to the heart and determination of this UMaine team which, under the leadership of a demanding but caring coach, stuck together and achieved considerable success.

“These young ladies have gone through a lot and I feel I have gotten every ounce of potential out of them,” Versyp said. “… We’ll just keep rising from this.”

The rebuilding of the team began with the arrival of rookie head coach Versyp. The Bears had limited experience returning, led by senior co-captain Kizzy Lopez and sophomore forward Anna James.

The challenges were many.

Pam Cruz was unable to play because of a summer knee injury. Christy Grover, the starting center, left the team at Christmas citing a chronic foot injury.

In late January, junior Lacey Stone was dismissed from the squad for an undisclosed violation of team rules. Then guard Erica Sobel, whom UMaine picked up in November, rejoined the softball squad in February.

“There has been a lot of ups and downs, but we’ve stuck through it and that’s what’s so important to me: our attitudes about facing adversity. And coach’s attitude,” Lopez said.

The Bears stumbled early, losing 11 of their first 15 games, including seven straight. But UMaine responded by winning seven of eight and eventually climbed from 10th place to earn the No. 4 seed for the conference tournament.

“We did a nice job the second part of the season totally turning the corner,” Versyp said. “I think that was a great feat and I give them a lot of credit.”

UMaine had to overcome inexperience at point guard, where junior co-captain Tracy Guerrette and Geraghty slowly emerged as capable performers, cutting back on frequent turnovers. Early on, freshman Julie Veilleux of Augusta also helped fill that void.

The Bears relied heavily on the inside play of freshman Heather Ernest of Temple. Ernest, who went on to earn a spot on the league’s all-rookie team and the all-conference third team, wound up as UMaine’s leading scorer and rebounder and posted 17 double-doubles.

While the pressure to perform, and not foul out, remained great on Ernest and defensive specialist James, the versatile Lopez began to assert herself during the Bears’ resurgence.

The catalyst for the turnaround seemed to be a team-building session that refocused the team on its long-term goals and dismissed short-term pressures. Versyp’s knack for being able to relate to the players was an important dynamic in the Bears’ resilience.

“… The woman’s [Versyp] awesome and everything that we’ve gone through, she’s been there to yell at us and she’s been there to give us a hug. You can’t ask for anything more,” Geraghty said.

Freshman guard Melissa Heon established herself as a consistent defensive stopper for UMaine, taking advantage of her quickness and intensity while shutting down some of the opponents’ top scorers. Junior Eva Moldre backed up the post players.

UMaine’s willingness and ability to play strong man-to-man defense also was a key in its competitiveness, although the Bears did throw in zone when necessary.

With only one senior and a single junior among the regulars, the Bears are confident the future will bring continued improvement.

“We’ve established a good foundation,” Guerrette said. “We have such a great bond between the eight of us. It’s sad to see Kizzy go, but I think we’re really looking forward to next year.”