CAMBRIDGE, Mass. --The Lesley University women's basketball team comes into the 2013-2014 season with optimism, looking to improve on their 2012-2013 record. The Lynx remain eager to start the season in search of their first NECC title since the 2009-2010 season. The returning players have invested a lot of time and effort into building a winning program and they truly believe that this is the season when that hard work will pay off.

Under second year head coach, Jason Talanian, the Lynx developed team chemistry that will be a key component to their success this winter.  The Lynx will also look to use their experience and depth to propel them to the playoffs.  They return the majority of last year's young team and will also rely on newcomers for valuable minutes.  The system that is in place promotes significant playing time from all of the members of the team to help counter foul trouble and injury.

Among the key returners from last year's team are Shannon Baker (Lynbrook, N.Y.), Ari Dimou (Manchester, N.H.), and Sarah Apgar (Andover, N.J.).  Baker shot a team best from the field (34.3%), averaging 10.5 points per game. Dimou averaged 6 PPG, 5.6 REB/G, and 1.8 AST/G while Apgar led the team in minutes per game (30.9) and steals per game (2.7).

Based on the NECC Preseason Coaches Poll, the Lynx have been selected to finish 9th in the conference.  Defending champion, Regis College, received eight of the ten first place votes while Elms College received the remaining two. Lesley's schedule this year also contains tough road matchups against non conference foes Vermont Tech, Norwich University, Gordon College, and Rivier College.

Lesley will open up their season this Saturday, November 16th at 5:30 pm at Wheaton College.