POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (November 13, 2017) – The Vassar women's basketball team opens the 2017-18 campaign on Wednesday, November 15 on the road at William Paterson at 6:00 p.m.
 
Vassar is looking to improve upon their 12-13 overall record from a season ago that included a 9-7 conference mark. The Brewers bring back nearly their entire roster from the 2016-17 squad as that team did not have any seniors. Their top five leading scorers are all back as Ariella Rosenthal (14.9), Sophie Nick (12.1), Nicole Teta (9.4), Isa Peczuh (8.4), and Samarah Cook (7.9) will all have another year of experience under their belt when they step on the court this season.
 
Last season, Rosenthal, Nick, and Maeve Sussman started in all 25 games for Vassar, while both Peczuh and Teta appeared in all 25 contests. Individually, Rosenthal earned All-ECAC Second Team, All-D3Hoops.com Regional Third Team, and All-Liberty League First Team honors last season. Nick was named to the Liberty League All-Rookie Team, the 2016-17 Liberty League Rookie of the Year, the ECAC Rookie of the Year, and the D3Hoops.com Regional Rookie of the Year. And to round out the individual awards Peczuh was named to the Liberty League All-Rookie Team.
 
The team averaged 66.7 points per game and outscored opponents by an average margin of 4.9 points throughout last season. The Brewers were strong on the glass, out rebounding opponents by 7.3 per game while bringing down 44.1 boards per game.
 
In addition to all of the returning players, Vassar brought in three talented freshmen to add even more depth to the rotation. Ryan DeOrio, a 5-7 Guard from Collegeville, PA, can handle the ball and score and could compete for minutes right away. Natalie Pettirossi is a 5-11 Forward from Weston, MA who has great athleticism and size which will help the Brewer front court. Skylar Schmid is a 6-1 Forward from Natick, MA and again adds size and skill to the Brewers group of forwards. With these three additions to the roster, VC has a great combination of youth and experience.
 
The Brewers' home opener this season is scheduled for Friday, November 17 at 6:00 p.m. against Simmons College as part of the Vassar Tip Off Tournament which also features SUNY-Oneonta and Wellesley.
 
Vassar's ultimate goal is to qualify for the Liberty League Tournament and be in a position to win it all. This year, six teams will qualify for the postseason conference tournament which is set to begin on February 20 with the Championship Game to be played on February 25.