BUFFALO, N.Y. - After a two-win campaign a season ago, the Villa Maria College Women's Basketball Team is poised for a turnaround
 
"Last season tested us with injuries, a small roster, and the challenges of a major rebuild," said Head Coach Serena Sordetto.  "Through resilience and grit, we pushed forward, competed every game, and finished strong.  It was a huge step for our program, showing that we stayed the course and never backed down."
 
After leading the Vikings in scoring a season ago, senior Mia Special returns to the court, ready to power a resurgence for the program.  She led the Vikings last season playing 34 minutes per game and also averaged a team-best 16.4 points per game.  Special will be looked upon to be the court general alongside two other senior returners in Zilkia Figueroa and Daishya Stallings.
 
"The most important lesson I learned during last season and that will help us this season is the 'next play mentality'," she said.  "This is something Coach Sordetto says every day.  As a senior point guard, I have the ball in my hands a lot, and it just helps my confidence knowing the coaches trust my decision-making.  Having a coach who has this much trust in me is the best. It allows me to play freely and be myself on the court."
 
"We're excited about the speed, intensity, and passion our backcourt brings this season," Sordetto added while also mentioning the impact she expects transfers Promise Myers, Kiara Mercado, and Alyssa Saavedra to have on the court.  In addition, the Vikings boast a strong incoming freshman class including center Lyliana Edwards, Angelina Budelewski, Layla Gallant, and Alana Cornish.
 
The Vikings are determined to continue rebuilding the program through their senior leaders, hard work, and unwavering determination.
 
"This season, there is so much I am looking forward to," Special said.  "It is my last season, so personally, I am just trying to enjoy everything and make every moment on the court count.  I try to lead by example each and every day while also becoming a more vocal leader on and off the court.  I believe I can help my teammates out with any challenges that are thrown our way."
 
"We are building something special here with this group of young women," Head Coach Serena Sordetto said.  "They have been working hard all preseason and can't wait to tip off.  Our team motto this year is being 'ALL-IN' - in the classroom and on the court - to achieve our goals."
 
The Vikings open the season on November 8th against Penn State Dubois.