Izzie Mintz

Contributing Writer

The ESU women’s basketball team is gearing up for a competitive season after falling short in the first round of the PSAC tournament to Millersville the year prior. The team has replenished with a strong freshman class and picking up their pace of play.

“I think a big change will be our playing style. I think we have a faster team and will be able to push the pace more,” said Jess Devine, a sophomore on the team when asked what the biggest improvement has been in the offseason.

The team is also bringing back All-PSAC first and second team juniors Brie and Brooke Droege, who are expected to be major role players this year. The pair had a combined 688 points last season which helped pave the way for a lot of the Warrior’s success.

With taking on the role of upperclassmen, they are projected to have a strong and impactful season this year along with new faces brought in.

“I think the freshmen will be a big part of our success. They’ve been adjusting well,” said Devine when speaking about new changes made to the team.

The Warriors have brought in five freshmen. They are adding depth in crucial areas and have been working hard to adopt the ESU culture. Addison Kilmer provides the team height and defensive prominence. Belle Alvarado is a much-needed true point guard who has a strong voice.

The depth is crucial for the warriors after losing three seniors, two of them being starters. They are expecting to have a competitive season with new additions across three grades acquiring a six-foot sophomore playing both lacrosse and basketball, as well as a junior transfer from Penn West California.

There are also returners looking to make an impact this year. Devine is expected to have a big season following her heavy minutes as a freshman. Playing in every game, she led the team in assists. Senior Lacie Kringe is also expected to be an important role player with experience starting all 29 games last year.

The warriors will open their season against Farleigh Dickinson University (FDU), a division-one team who won their conference last year. FDU has a new team with a lot of graduated seniors and players transferring out. The Warriors will have a hard task at hand, but are putting in the work in preparation for the game.

ESU holds their home-opener against Jefferson on Wednesday, Nov. 18 in Kohler Fieldhouse. With a fresh team and more depth, they are looking to have an impressive 2026-2027 season.