It’s an almost new team for the Flyers after a successful Elite Eight run that saw them knock off two Bay State Conference rivals in Brookline and Natick.
The historic season was head coach Kristen Audet-Fucarcile’s first time bringing Framingham that deep into the playoffs in her 10 seasons at the helm.
The team returns just six players and all of last year’s starters either graduated or transferred. Among those gone are Carey Davison MVP Allie Regan (graduation) and her younger sister, Stephie (transferred to Dexter Southfield).
While last season’s team relied on its veterans, this year’s squad has more freshman (four) than seniors (three).
A lot will hinge of the return and health of Grace Hanna. The senior opened last season as a starter before tearing her ACL the second game into the season.
“She’s going to be someone that’s a big leader for us,” Audet-Fucarile said. “She will play whatever role I ask her to, but she is she would be her point guard when she comes back.”
All the returners move from reserve roles into being counted on to lead the team. After experiencing a deep playoff run, senior Korery Xayasane and juniors Celia Ruddock and Jianna Da Rocha carry the standard into this season.
“We had a lot of young kids at tryouts and those six kids where pulling players aside, telling them how to do certain drills. They’re all going to be playing in a new role this year,” Audet-Fucarile said.
Don’t be surprised if freshmen see the court this season. Sophie Fresco brings a strong shot from the outside while Jazzy Marshall will be one of the taller forwards for a team that needs rebounding.
With no easy games on the schedule, Audet-Fucarile is being proactive in telling her players to push through the learning curve.
“I think the big thing with them is keeping them calm and realizing that this is this is the beginning of a season is the first time you’re playing at this pace. First time you could have a senior guarding you,” she said. “We’re going to do the best to get them is prepared as possible, but some of it is going to be experience.
