Expectations soaring for Hofstra

Fresh off a 20-win season, which included an opening round victory over Penn State in the WNIT, expectations are high for Hofstra and head coach Krista Kilburn-Steveskey. The Pride (20-14, 10-8 Colonial Athletic Association in 2009-10) was picked fourth in the preseason CAA Coaches Poll.

Kilburn-Steveskey likes the versatility of the team. “We’re relatively young, but have a solid nucleus of sophomores and juniors,” Kilburn-Steveskey said. “This group believes it can be stronger this year. I expect them to be tenacious and relentless, the type of team that fights until the end. I feel good about the team.”

Shante Evans is the biggest reason for the coach’s optimism. The 6-foot sophomore is one of three returning starters. Evans, a preseason first-team All-Conference selection, led the team with 13.3 points per contest, and led the CAA in rebounds with 9.5 boards per game. Evans is off to a tremendous start, averaging 16.8 points and 10.5 rebounds to lead the Pride to a 3-1 start.

Kilburn-Steveskey believes Evans will have another big season. “Shante is more versatile than she was as a freshman,” she said. “She can knock the 15-footer down like money, dominate in the post, and run the floor like a gazelle. She’s so explosive off the dribble. It’s exciting to watch.”

Marie Malone is another solid option in the paint. The 6-foot-2 junior scored a career-high 19 points in just 17 minutes of action to lead the Pride to an 84-72 win over Stony Brook. Malone was a perfect 9-for-9 from the foul line in the game. The versatile Candace Bond will see plenty of time at both forward and guard.

Hofstra changed things up a bit for 2010-11. While locking down on defense remains a key component, the Pride will open things up on the offensive end. Hofstra will spread the floor, dribble-drive, and shoot the ball from the perimeter.