Freshmen Trying To Lead Penn State's March To The Arch
Portland Pleasantly Surprised By Play Of Freshman Class
By Steve Sampsell

After 24 seasons coaching women's basketball, not much surprises Rene Portland.

The Penn State women's basketball coach has, however, been surprised by the contributions made already this season by her team's freshman players.

"We expected them to come in and play and help us," said Portland, who led the Lady Lions to their first Women's Final Four last season. "But, when we put our schedule together we expected Chrissy Falcone and Nichole Anaejionu to be here and they're not. Without them, the freshmen have been forced into much larger roles -- and they're doing so without missing a beat."

A career-ending knee injury forced Falcone, a senior guard with a good 3-point shot, to the bench and Anaejionu, a sophomore who had improved greatly at center, left the program because of academic problems. Those two departures accounted for some of the team's struggles at the start of the season, and the transition of four freshmen into more prominent roles helped provide a solution.

Of course, the transition has not been without problems. While the team's youngest players have worked to adapt to the challenges of moving from high school to college, the Lady Lions have worked to build cohesiveness and confidence as those players grow into larger roles.

At times, poor defense, inconsistency and sloppy play were evident as part of that transition. Still, with heavy burdens of immediate responsibility, the freshmen have done well.

Guard Kelly Mazzante made the transition the quickest. After years of hoping to be part of the program, she made the most of her opportunity once on campus. She moved into the starting lineup four games into the season and quickly became one of the team's most consistent offensive threats.

"In warm-ups for our first home game she came up to me with a smile on her face," Portland said. "She said, 'You know what I like about this? It's the first time I haven't had to wait at he will-call window for a game here.' She was one of the ones we thought could help us no matter what the situation, but it's just impossible to keep her out of the lineup."

From nearby Montoursville, the same town that produced New York Yankees' pitcher Mike Mussina, Mazzante probably faces the most pressure of any of the freshmen.

Every game means a crowd of friends and relatives visit the Bryce Jordan Center to watch her play.

Likewise, Jessica Brungo, a standout at North Allegheny High School, has handled the challenge of splitting time at guard and forward to earn regular playing time. Those two positions require considerably different talents in the Penn State system and someone who can handle both must be multi-talented and well-prepared.

For example, at guard, Brungo needs the confidence to shoot 3-pointers and the tenacity to play tight defense. At forward, the team expects her to capitalize on her speed and run the floor to produce uneven match-ups in a transition scheme. Also, she must position herself to provide a strong rebounding presence.

Centers Courtney Upshaw and Jackie Shook have earned regular playing time as well.

Five freshmen expected to be in uniform this season, but Jennifer Brenden suffered a season-ending knee injury in practice the same week that Falcone was injured. The other four freshmen rallied around Brenden's injury, and that cameraderie helped Portland realize the pride and promise of the entire group.

"They want to play in a Final Four before their careers end," Portland said. "They're a very focused, determined group. They're a group we really need this season."

Along with the losses of Anaejionu and Falcone, other injuries - especially a nagging knee injury for junior forward Rashana Barnes -- have meant increased opportunities for the freshmen. A mix of experience, previous success and talent make the freshmen uniquely qualified to meet the expectations Portland has for the program.

On the heels of last season's Final Four appearance, and with Portland's streak of 20-victory seasons, those expecations remain high. For example, the Lady Lions end each practice with a huddle and this exchange between Portland and the players.

Portland: "What's your goal?"

Players: "The Arch in March!"

It's a reference to the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, site of the 2001 Women's Final Four, and it's a goal the team cannot reach without considerable contributions from its freshmen.

"We knew coming in that they could help us, that they could provide some depth," Portland said. "But they've become a big part of our team sooner than any of us expected. We've asked a lot of them, and because they're a special group, and a group that really complements each other and complements the players we already had on the team, they've been able to provide what we need."

Steve Sampsell is a freelance writer who lives in State College.