The women's basketball team found itself in tough times entering the final game of the season against conference rival New York University on Feb. 26. The squad was reeling, losing nine of its final 11 games and facing the certainty of a losing season.

However, the Judges rediscovered the team chemistry that had led them to a 9-3 start to the 2010-11 campaign. Led by a 17-point effort from forward Amber Strodthoff '11 and eight rebounds from guard Mia DePalo '11, the squad notched a 57-54 conference win that marked a satisfying end to an otherwise trying season.

Nine months later, the Judges prepare for their 2011-12 season opener tonight at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute, hoping to build upon the momentum from that thrilling victory at the end of last season.

"After every season, there are always lessons to be learned, whether it was a winning or losing season," said coach Carol Simon. "Probably the biggest thing we needed to do was mature as a group, which we saw in that final game. We also need to show that discipline on the court. ... Hopefully this comes with gaining experience."

Yet, this season, the team will be without Strodthoff and DePalo's leadership. Strodthoff was the second-leading scorer on the team with 9.0 points per game and also served as the Judges' defensive anchor, notching 6.0 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per match. DePalo was third on the team in rebounds and points per game, with 4.2 and 7.5, respectively.

Simon said that the Judges will miss their leadership but added that she still has high expectations for the team.

"They were fantastic players, but no person or persons ever replace players who graduate," said Simon. "Returners must continue to improve, and our expectations are that everyone will be a key contributor."

The team will return its leading scorer in guard Morgan Kendrew '12, who was the team's only player to average in double figures with 12.9 points per game last season. She will lead a Judges squad that is mostly composed of sophomores and juniors.

Center Samantha Anderson '13, second on the team last season with 4.7 rebounds per game, is expected to step in for Strodthoff in the paint. Forward Courtney Ness '13 also will help fill the void. Ness played particularly strong for the Judges down the stretch, averaging 6.8 points and 6.8 rebounds over the team's final five games.

Guards Kelly Ethier '12 and Kasey Dean '14, with 5.2 and 4.0 points per game, respectively, should figure prominently in the Judges' backcourt this season.

Simon is also excited about guards Hannah Cain '15 and Mikaela Garvin '15, the team's two rookies.

Garvin was named to the Honorable Mention All-State Team in Rhode Island her junior year of high school while also earning first team All-Division and All-Class honors. Cain was a star point guard in high school, winning numerous all-state and county honors her senior year.

"I think, given their potential, they will be assets for the team, both now and in the future," said Simon.

The squad hopes to rebound from a season where it finished below .500 at 12-13 and only notched a 4-10 record in University Athletic Association play.

"It's pretty simple. … We just need to be more consistent on the floor and win games," said Simon.

After tonight's game against WPI, the Judges travel to face Babson College on Thursday night before returning home for the Brandeis Judges Classic.