The 2000-2001 Swarthmore women's basketball team will look to build upon the success of last year's squad. In 1999-2000 the Garnet posted a 14-11 mark, setting the school standard for victories, amd made its first ever post-season appearance with a trip to the Centennial Conference semifinals.

Expectations are high as the Garnet return four starters, including Centennial Conference Player of the Year, Heather Kile (Marlton, NJ). The junior tri-captain led the conference in scoring (19.0 ppg) and rebounding (13.7 rpg) while garnering first team all conference honors for the second consecutive season. The forward placed eighth in the NCAA Division III rnaks in rebounding and 20th in scoring.

Joining Kile on the frontline is sophomore center Sarah Tufano (Cromwell, CT). Tufano finished 11th in the Centennial in scoring (11.6 ppg) and second in free throw percentage (.847) which placed her14th in Division III. Tufano also averaged six rebounds per game. Rounding out the forwards are juniros Emily Gray (Redding, CT) and Caitlin Ryland (Ellicott City, MD). Gray picked up her play in the second-half of the season and will serve as a tri-captain while Ryland will rebound from season-ending knee surgery.

Senior captain Heather Marandola (Madison, ME) leads the backcourt. The three-year starter led the team in assists (2.6 apg) and was third on the squad in scoring (8.6 ppg). Joining Marndola in the backcourt are junior Katie Tarr (Glen Mills, PA) and sophomore Alison Furman (Wynnewood, PA). Both guards saw significant playing time last season.

First-year players Katie Robinson (Medfield, MA), McKenna Coll (Nazareth, PA), Gretchen Heitz (Oakton, VA) and Jerusha Rodgers (Denver, CO) will all make an immediate impact and will help propel the Garnet to the next level.