The Quad

Issue date: 3/17/08 Section: Sports

All good things must come to an end. But all great things have a chance to live on and endure the test of time, at least until another chance is granted. In the world of sports, when one season ends, only time stands between that one and the start of the next. And when improvements from previous campaigns continue to build up year after year, the team and all those who are passionate and loyal to it remain excited, no matter the length of time in between seasons.

Between the final whistle of the conference semi-finals and the ball flying up for the season opening tip off, the Lady Rams are thankful for all they accomplished this year and are ready to go even further next year.

The 2007-'08 squad, led by senior and team captain Catherine Andrews, reached the conference semi-finals before falling to national powerhouse Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP).

Along side of Andrews were two other seniors: Amanda Vitzakovitch and Katie Kline. Vitzakovitch, or "Vitz" as she became known over her fours years at West Chester was the ultimate team player. Her role as the sixth player off the bench proved truly invaluable to the team over her career, as she was a jolt of energy late in the game that few teams could match.

Kline's story has been told numerous times. A phenomenal player, Kline was injured early in the year and was never able to suit up full-time again, except for one last hurrah on senior day. What many people do not know about Kline is that she is more than a talented athlete. She is a terrific person that even while injured stuck by her teammates and helped guide them from the sidelines.

While the three seniors will be missed, two key players for the team will return and will own the title of captain. Natalie Winters and Janelle Garber will receive the torch from Andrews. Winters will be a senior and Garber a junior next season. But each has plans for every member of the team, from coaches all the way down to freshman: a PSAC championship and NCAA Regional tournament berth.

The two captains will be joined by an experienced group of returning players. Also with Coach Kane and Coach Wooden always on the recruiting prowl, there are few reasons not to think a few new additions to the already stellar returning cast can not take this team all the way to their first ever PSAC title.

Besides Winters and Garber, two award-winning players return for another year on the hardwood. A transfer who will be entering her senior year, Dana Weems was a saving grace for the Lady Rams this year. With the injury to Kline, Weems took over as the leader on the court. Blessed with wonderful athleticism and incredible strength and smarts, Weems churned out a PSAC East Player of the Year award and a spot on the All-PSAC East first team.

Continued...

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