Previewing the 2017-18 MAAC WBB season

MAAC champions for a second time in three years last season, Quinnipiac reached greater heights en route to Sweet 16, and is poised to return to NCAA Tournament again this year. (Photo by Vincent Simone/Daly Dose Of Hoops)

Last year's Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference season provided a return to the top of the mountain for one team, while seeing a breakthrough on the part of the runners-up that should establish the foundation for continued success, as some others in the league retooled in preparation for a better campaign in 2017-18.

Of course, the lasting image from the MAAC one year ago was Quinnipiac, four years ago a member of the Northeast Conference, cutting down the Times Union Center net for the second time in three seasons before the Bobcats' memorable run to the Sweet 16 turned the program into a household name across the nation and gave head coach Tricia Fabbri the testimonial that only die-hard fans and astute women's basketball observers had bestowed upon her long ago.

There is one difference this season in comparison to the last Quinnipiac championship defense, though. Whereas Fabbri and the Bobcats essentially replaced their entire starting five in the wake of their 2015 MAAC title, the core of last year's historic unit returns to Hamden. In fact, only two players; Adily Martucci and Morgan Manz, have graduated, and only three others are seniors this year, which raises the prospect of a legitimate dynasty in the MAAC provided all goes according to plan.

Rider raised eyebrows around the MAAC last season, going from a team expected to finish near the bottom of the standings to reach the Women's National Invitation Tournament and give Quinnipiac a fight in the conference championship game. Reigning MAAC Player of the Year Robin Perkins has graduated, but the Broncs return a pair of all-league-caliber guards in Kamila Hoskova and Stella Johnson, which gives Lynn Milligan ample building blocks around which to construct the next generation in Lawrenceville. Perennial contender Fairfield is in a retooling year after losing Kelsey Carey and Casey Smith to graduation, but Joe Frager and the Stags return a trio of starters headlined by Canadian forward Samantha Cooper, a double-double threat who could be the best post player in the conference this season. A supporting cast of freshmen and sophomores will be counted on to progress ahead of schedule if Fairfield has visions of winning the MAAC and shocking the conference heavyweights they have kept company with the past several seasons. Champions in 2015-16, Iona is also a younger team this season, but the Gaels possess the likely Preseason Player of the Year in junior guard Alexis Lewis, who has helped Billi Godsey turn the page and maintain the status quo even after Damika Martinez and Joy Adams concluded their stellar careers in New Rochelle.

One team that went through the restructuring last season and is now poised to make a run at Quinnipiac for the top spot is their first MAAC adversary, Marist. Last season's sixth-place finish was an anomaly for Brian Giorgis and his ten conference crowns, but the Red Foxes are back stronger with the services of transfers Alana Gilmer and Grace Vander Weide to fortify an already potent rotation that includes Maura Fitzpatrick as a double-figure scoring threat alongside twins Hannah and Rebekah Hand, the latter of whom was the MAAC's Rookie of the Year last year. Siena returns senior guard Kollyns Scarbrough to Loudonville this season, but the Saints will have work to do in replacing Jackie Benitez and Meghan Donohue. Look for a more perimeter-oriented attack for head coach Ali Jaques this season as the young front line develops, with 6-foot-2 sophomore Maddie Sims being a name to watch as the year goes on.

The two Western New York programs should each be on the upswing this season. Canisius possesses a deceptively strong level of experience as Terry Zeh enters yet another season at the helm in Buffalo, with juniors Maria Welch and Sara Hinriksdottir both capable of blossoming into first team all-conference talents if the Golden Griffins reach their highest potential. Niagara has been befallen by injuries over the years, but when Victoria Rampado is at her best, very few teams are able to stop her. Rampado and Kaylee Stroemple will provide head coach Jada Pierce with one of the better interior duos in the MAAC, but the key will be getting the backcourt to augment their production. Monmouth got a promising sophomore season from McKinzee Barker to keep the rebuild in West Long Branch on schedule, and the Hawks were blessed with the All-Rookie contributions of Kayla Shaw, who now becomes the unquestioned leader for Jenny Palmateer's team. Manhattan is a year older, and should make strides in Heather Vulin's second season in Riverdale. Senior point guard Amani Tatum remains a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the ball, and if Kayla Grimme can match her breakout junior season, she should see a second straight all-conference honor in recognition of her being one of the best post players in the league. Finally, there is nowhere to go but up for Saint Peter's. Sophomore Zoe Pero, an All-Rookie selection last year, is in line for a breakout season, while seniors Sajanna Bethea and Talah Hughes look to finish their careers in Jersey City on a high note.

Predicted Order of Finish:
1) Quinnipiac - All but one player is back from last year's magical Sweet 16 run, raising the bar for even greater heights to be reached. Say it with us: Fearless. Focused. Fabbri.

2) Marist - Brian Giorgis' teams are at their most dangerous when they have something to prove. This year's Red Foxes are out to show the MAAC that not only was last year an aberration, but also that the longtime ruling program atop the conference is still alive and well.

3) Rider - Losing Robin Perkins will be difficult to overcome, but Lynn Milligan has the pieces in place to keep the Broncs competitive.

4) Iona - As Alexis Lewis goes, so too will the Gaels. Fortunately for those who bleed maroon and gold, she should be good to go all season, and at an elite level.

5) Fairfield - The key for Joe Frager will be his backcourt. Watch out for Katie Armstrong in 2018-19, though, as the 6-foot-2 transfer from Saint Joseph's could be a gold mine in much the same vein as Casey Smith.

6) Canisius - A true dark horse, the Griffs' success will depend on how much the supporting cast around Maria Welch and Sara Hinriksdottir produces.

7) Niagara - Much like their crosstown rival Canisius, the Purple Eagles' season will be contingent on how well the backcourt performs alongside Victoria Rampado and Kaylle Stroemple.

8) Siena - Ali Jaques and the Saints are retooling this season, and should be better than this by the end of February if past years in Loudonville are any indication.

9) Manhattan - Remember this name for the Jaspers: Kayla Grimme. By the end of the season, she will reprise her role as one of the best forwards in the MAAC.

10) Monmouth - The Hawks will be counting on Kayla Shaw to replicate her outstanding freshman season, but have work to do to climb into the middle of the pack.

11) Saint Peter's - Pat Coyle's team has shown flashes of brilliance, yet has not been able to get it to all come together. The Peacocks will need to be firing on all cylinders to change that narrative.