If there is any agreement among all college coaches, from Division III to the Big Ten, from football to water polo, it is over the idea that the best thing about freshmen is that they become sophomores.

     Last year, the women’s basketball team (7-19 overall, 6-8 Ivy League) trotted out eight freshmen, all of whom quickly learned that a repeat of the 1995-96 team’s 20-11 season would be impossible. Princeton struggled early on, losing 11 of its first 12 games, but finished the season on an impressive note, winning four out of its last five and earning a tie for fifth in the Ivy League.

     Now, a year later, the Tigers are more experienced and return all five starters. Steady improvement over the next few seasons would make Princeton a viable contender for the league title in 1999 and 2000.

     But, according to head coach Liz Feeley, there is no “wait until next year” sentiment among this year’s group.

     “There’s a sense of urgency in this year’s team,” Feeley said. “They’re a close-knit group. The sophomores want to do it for the seniors.”

     Realistically, a league title would be shocking, especially considering that Harvard returns two-time Ivy League Player of the Year Allison Feaster. A .500 record overall would be a success for the Tigers, as would a top-three finish in the Ivy League.

     The starting lineup will consist of senior Zakiya Pressley at point guard, sophomores Maggie Langlas and Kate Thirolf on the wings and juniors Tesa Ho and Lea Ann Drohan in the post. Sophomore Erica Bowman and senior Sara Wetstone should see lots of playing time at the guard spots, while junior forward Julie Angell will provide some depth underneath.

Senior leadership

     Princeton has four seniors, and unlike last season, the seniors form an important part of the team: Pressley will start at point guard, and Wetstone will see a lot of time at both the point and off-guard positions.

     Pressley led the team in assists (3.5 per game) and is a good on-the-ball defender.

     “Zakiya doesn’t have the burden of having to carry the team this year,” Feeley said.

     Wetstone has had a terrific preseason, and the tri-captain’s work ethic has been tremendous -- a great example for teammates. According to Feeley, she’s always the first to dive on the floor for loose balls.

     Drohan, who will start at forward, will lead the young Tiger team. Drohan was tops on the team last year in scoring (9.8 points per game) and field goal percentage (.545) and led the league in blocked shots (1.7 per game). She was also named honorable mention All- Ivy.

     As Princeton’s best scoring option in the post, the six-foot Drohan must avoid the foul trouble that plagued her last season and grab even more rebounds, especially on the offensive boards. Four to six points a game solely on put-backs is what Feeley needs from Drohan, along with her usual strong post play.

     Ho may be the most feared basketball player on campus, men’s team included. She will sit out the first game of the season for last year’s incident against Penn, in which she punched a Quaker on the court. Ho is the Tigers’ most athletic player and will start opposite Drohan in the post.

     “She’s just beginning to come into her own,” Feeley said.

     Thirolf and Langlas will be counted on to improve upon their impressive freshmen seasons, where the duo earned spots on the Ivy League All-Rookie Team.

     Thirolf, along with Drohan and Wetstone, is one of the Tigers’ three captains. She is a fantastic rebounder, especially for a 5- 10 guard. Thirolf led the Tigers on the boards (5.1 rebounds per game) and was second on the team in scoring (8.7 ppg) last year. But Thirolf shot just 26 percent from behind the three-point arc last season, and an improved outside shot would add to Princeton’s arsenal.

     “Kate’s emerging as one of the better players in the league,” Feeley said.

     Having grown an inch over the summer, the 5-10 Langlas may be the Tigers’ most versatile player, capable of playing point guard or power forward. She is a terrific defender, with quick feet and long arms. Feeley is looking for Langlas to be more aggressive offensively -- specifically, to shoot the three more.

     Angell will also be one of the mainstays of the Princeton rotation. Angell gets up and down the floor well and will start in place of Ho in the season opener against Bucknell.

     “Angell can quietly do some damage,” Feeley said.

     Bowman, along with Wetstone, will be one of the first guards off the bench. The 5-8 Bowman plays with a lot of intensity and is a fierce rebounder. She was third on the team in rebounding (4.3 rpg) and played in all 26 games last year, starting nine of the last 11.

     “Erica doesn’t hesitate to dive on the floor,” Feeley said. “She wants that ball more than anyone else.”