by Trevor Morris

The temperature has dropped, leaves have fallen, and volleyball, tennis, golf, and soccer seasons have come to an end for the fall. For Penn State Altoona, the focus now turns towards indoor athletics, and for the 22nd year of the women's basketball program.

The team is led by head coach Casey Wilt, along with assistant coaches Dustin Martin, Janelle Nardozza, John Nardozza, and Lindsey Port. Wilt has coached the program for six seasons and is aiming for more success in her seventh.

Last season's team was on pace to finish with its first overall winning record since 2009-10 before a four-game skid to end the season put the team's overall record at 12-14. But the team still finished with a 10-8 Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference record and was able to play in the Eastern College Athletic Conference Division III Championship Tournament for the first time ever.

Penn State Altoona consistently found success on the offensive side of the floor last season, averaging 68.9 points per game and 15.6 assists per game. The Lady Lions are poised to continue to succeed, as their two leading scorers, junior guard/forward Alexis Cannistraci (Tyrone, PA/Tyrone) and senior guard Finnley Christine (Tyrone, PA/Tyrone), both return. Cannistraci and Christine averaged 17.1 and 14.9 points per game, respectively, and are looking to again lead the team in scoring alongside senior guard/forward Kaley Strittmatter (Williamsburg, PA/Penn Cambria) and senior guard Paige Burk (Claysburg, PA/Claysburg-Kimmel).

Penn State Altoona will be looking to improve its defense, after the team allowed 71.6 points per game last season. But the Lady Lions did average 3.4 blocks per game, the third-most per game in the AMCC last year.

In addition to the returns of starters Burk, Cannistraci, Christine, and Strittmatter, the team also welcomes back junior guard Sydney Snyder (New Enterprise, PA/Northern Bedford), who returns for her second season with the team after transferring from Division II Davis & Elkins College, senior guard Kassidy Sorichetti (Halifax, PA/Halifax), who is back after a year away from the program, sophomore guard Alivia Borlie (Belsano, PA/Bishop Carroll), and sophomore guard/forward Chloe Inman (Annville, PA/Annville-Cleona).

The team has also brought in several freshmen: guards Sarah Huston (Coatesville, PA/Coatesville), Grace Zhang (Shanghai, China/Shanghai United International School), and Eriel Fortson (Mount Union, PA/Mount Union), guard/forwards Kassidy McChessney (Williamsburg, PA/Williamsburg) and Kaitlin Deal (West Deptford, NJ/Gloucester County Institute of Technology), and forwards Lilley Beadling (Fredericktown, PA/Bethlehem-Center), Alyssa Hibbs (Richfield, PA/East Juniata), and Erin Towler (West Chester, PA/Unionville), and Kaitlin Deal (West Deptford, NJ/Gloucester County I.T.).

Coach Wilt was able to answer some questions that provide clarity on the upcoming season, and she shows excitement about this team. The Q&A is shown below, under the home game schedule.

Q&A with Coach Wilt:

What are the team's goals coming into this season?​

Our short-term goals are to take care of the little things and be detail oriented. We are working to take care of the ball so our opportunities to get quality shots increase, turning into more points scored for us. We are also focusing on boxing out and hitting the offensive boards. We are relatively consistent on the defensive boards, but we can't say the same on the offensive end.   Charles Barkley put rebounding quite simply when he was asked about his rebounding technique. His response, "go get the ball." That's what we need to do; we need to go get the ball.

In order for us to find success in these two areas, we need to be detail oriented on both ends of the floor. The smallest of details can leave a lasting impact on the game. We need to be willing to stay focused and simply outwork our opponents by diving after loose balls, digging in on dribble penetration, and jumping for rebounds.

Long term, we are striving for excellence so that we can experience success. Our biggest contender at times has been our mental toughness. We need to remain mentally strong and continue to strive for excellence through every shining moment and every hurdle along the way. I want this group to gamble and take risks, so they understand what their true potential and capabilities are. We have experience and talent coming back, and that's being paired with a skilled group of newcomers. I believe we have what it takes to win the AMCC.

Which players are you looking to step up this season? How and why?

​My expectation is that everyone is ready to step up this season. Each of them brings value and a different dynamic to the team. We will lean on our seniors and juniors to lead by example until our newcomers gather themselves. Finn and Lex have been recognized within the AMCC as players to watch for the upcoming season. Both of them had standout years since coming on board with our program. Finn sits approximately 30 points away from scoring her 1,000th point, and Lex is around 300 away. In addition to their abilities to score, they both give us a spark on the defensive end. Lex ranked first in defensive rebounding, second in total rebounds, and third in rebounds per game in the AMCC. She is tough to deal with on the court, and we expect her to have an immediate impact again. Finn ranked fifth in points per game, sixth in three-point percentage, and seventh in total points within the AMCC. A benefit with the two of them being on the floor together is that they know each other's tendencies so well. They read one another's body language and often times make decisions based upon the chemistry they have with one another.

Paige and Sydney are two of the best long-range shooters around. Their outside shot, paired with their ability to take you off the dribble, is difficult to defend. Paige had a big impact on our team defensively last season. She reads passing lanes very well and gets off her feet quickly to defend when shots are going up. Syd's most impressive quality that she brings to the court is her game IQ – she truly understands it on a higher level. It's like watching her play a chess game because she's always thinking and seeing two steps ahead.

We will rely heavily on Kaley, Kassidy Sorichetti, Alivia, and Chloe to provide sparks for us on the floor, as well. Kaley is a true leader; she's calm, encouraging, and level-headed. She's our voice of reason when things get off track a little. Kay has a habit of playing it safe, and we are really encouraging her to take more risks. She's responding well to this request, so I'm excited to see how she incorporates it into her game this year. Kass and Liv bring chaos and quickness on the defensive end. They have quick feet and hands – they're like little firecrackers going off. We will be asking them to stretch themselves and be just as assertive on the offensive end. Both can put the ball through the hoop, but they need to be willing to pull the trigger in games. Chloe came in this year as a whole new player. She busted her butt in the offseason and has developed her game tremendously. What she's showing us now in practices and scrimmages is impressive.

We have a strong group of freshmen that are busting their tails. Sarah will be relied on in the point guard position. She is a natural leader on the floor with a scoring mentality. Her up-tempo approach fits nicely with our program. Kassidy McChessney, Alyssa Hibbs, Kaitlin Deal, Erin Towler, and Lilley Beadling add depth to our post positions. All have nice size, but each of them has a unique skill set that will benefit our program. Grace Zhang and Eriel Fortson are two guards who are working to sharpen their understanding of the game so that their skill set can continue to grow.

What about this team makes you excited for this season?

​The thing that excites me most about this team is how well they have meshed together, and the fact that they are always cheering one another on. Practices are loud and fun because they're constantly acknowledging and supporting one another during drills and scrimmages. They're a special group with an immense amount of talent. We are ready to compete!

Are any games on the schedule looking extra-important?

Our first game against Geneva is one that we are looking forward to compete in. Last year Geneva fought us hard in the Arena, and I anticipate the same scenario to play out on Wednesday, November 13.

Each year, we look forward to conference play. The AMCC is filled with talented players that continually challenge us as a unit to compete at the highest level possible. This year, we are hoping to surpass last year's fourth place finish.

The women's basketball program is looking for its first winning season since 2009-10. How do you plan on turning it around? What has been the toughest obstacle?

Last season we fell short of our goal and lost to Behrend in the first round of playoffs, but we were able to obtain an ECAC bid, the first-ever for the women's basketball program. We will continue to use last year as teachable moments. The great thing about this group is that they have the passion and want to win. We are going to approach each game with a fighter's mentality and give our best.