LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – A familiar face takes the helm of the Lock Haven women's basketball program as longtime assistant coach Zack Smith enters his first year as the head coach. Smith and the Bald Eagles were selected to finish fifth in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division in their first year back in the West since 2012-13.

A season ago, the Bald Eagles had a regular season for the ages behind a perfect home slate against conference opponents and a 22-6 overall record. The Haven also rattled off 16 straight victories to end the regular season.



Madeline Evans, who led Lock Haven with 12.3 rebounds per game and 20 double-doubles last season, is back for her senior year after earning All-America honors a year ago. Evans also earned D2CCA All-Atlantic Region Second Team honors to go along with PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Year and a PSAC East first team selection. The Bloomsburg, Pa native shot 50.5% from the field and pulled down a team-high 344 rebounds to lead the squad to its third-straight 20-win season.

Senior forward Rhyln Rouse also returns to a veteran front court for the Bald Eagles. Rouse averaged 11.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game last season and notched six double-doubles.

In the back court, senior point guard Julia Whesper returns after dishing out 48 assists last season while sophomore Lacey Kriebel also returns to provide a long-distance threat after knocking down 24 treys a season ago.

Smith and the Bald Eagles have to replace three of last season's top contributors. Alana Robinson led the team in scoring at 15 points per game and in steals (68) and blocks (55) and joined the coaching staff in the offseason.

Jenadia Jordan led the team in assists with 145 and averaged 13.4 points and 6.5 rebounds while Nufi Nemale-Djiegoue led the team with 38 3-pointers.

Lock Haven adds four newcomers to the roster in the new year. Junior transfer Jineen Ayyash, joins the program from Division I Saint Peters while freshmen Elle Dinges, Natalie Homisak and Taylor
Pullen will provide depth to the roster in Smith first season.

PSAC West Women's Basketball Preseason Poll
1. IUP (7)
2. Gannon (2)
3. Edinboro
4. California
5. Lock Haven
6. Clarion
7. Pitt-Johnstown
8. Slippery Rock
9. Seton Hill

Lock Haven opens the season and begins PSAC play on Monday, Nov. 9 when it hosts Kutztown. Opening tip with the Golden Bears is set for 5:30 p.m.