Bartlett Leads Lions Over Knights

Led by graduate guard Amanda Bartlett's 29 points, the Molloy lions defeated the Queens Knights, 79-61 in an ECC battle at Fitzgerald Gymnasium on the campus of Queens College.

Bartlett , who transferred to Molloy from Queens after last season, was happy to have a huge game against her former team. "It felt good to come back and beat my old team," Bartlett said. " I still have a lot of friends on the team and I just looked past it and treated them like anyone else. I felt very anxious going into the game because I've been waiting for this game for months."

Coach Tim O'Hagan was happy with Bartlett's play, "Amanda was sensational tonight. It was important for her to have a big night at her old school. She worked really hard the whole game."

Molly got off to a early 8-2 lead to start the game. But the Knight would respond with a 10-4 run to knot the game up at 12. With the Knights up 18-14,  Molloy went on a 14-1 run, lead by  seven points from Bartlett, to go up 28-19. With the score at 28-23 Molloy was able to go on a 10-0 run. This run was lead by five points from Bartlett, to go up 38-23. Red-shirt junior Laura Rivera was able to lay the ball in with four seconds  to give Molloy a 40-26 lead at the half.

The Lions were able to open up the half on a 13-2 run. This run was sparked five points by Bartlett and four points by red-shirt junior  Molly Dreyer . This gave the Lions their biggest lead of the game;  53-28. But Queens came roaring back with a 10-0 run of their own to cut the Lions lead to 15,53-38. with the score 57-38, Queens went on an 8-0 run to cut the Lions lead to 11, 57-46. Later in the half,  Queens cut the lead to five on an 11-2 run which made the score 62-57. But that was as close as Queens would cut it. The Lions out scored Queens 17-4 to close out the game and to lock up their third straight victory.

Coach O'Hagan liked the way his team shaped up to put away the game. "When we were up five  we really just had to stop being lazy on defense. We put them on the line way too much. I thought we showed a lot of character by scoring I believe on 5 possessions in a row to seal it," O'Hagan said. "Winning three in a row is nice I think we are in a better flow on offense and defense. I thought it was important to get our second league win."

Late Second Half Run Lifts Lions Past Mavericks

By Patrick McCormack 





Amanda Bartlett and Jessica DeNicola each scored 20 points, and DeNicola added 10 rebounds to lead Molloy to a 70-55 win over Mercy Mavericks in the East Coast Conference opener at Quealy Gymnasium on the campus of Molloy College. Junior guard Ashley Addison added 12 points for the Lions.


Head coach Tim O’Hagan knows how important it is to win the first game of conference play. “It’s very important to get a win to open up league play, especially against a much improved team in Mercy,” O’Hagan said. “On any given night, any team in our league can beat you. So the games that are in your building you have to take care of.”


Molloy trailed 26-22 with 2:31 left in the opening half, but the Lions finished the half on a 7-0 run to end the half up three as 29-26. Bartlett and  junior Laura Rivera were in foul trouble in the opening half, but freshman guard Meghan Orlando came off the bench to run the offense.


Coach O’Hagan thought Orlando’s play was huge. “I thought we got tremendous minutes from our freshman point guard Megan Orlando,” O’Hagan said. “We really didn't miss a beat with her on the floor. She continues to grow every day. Again, we have to credit Mercy for being a scrappy defensive team. We had called a timeout and we said that we were not going to take any more jump shots for the rest of the half. We put an emphasis on getting to the basket and getting on the foul line. I think really the difference was we knocked down some shots finally and we were able to open the game up.”


Orlando, who scored her first college basket, knew she had a job to do.  “When Laura got her third foul and coach put me in at the end of the first half, I knew I had to keep the game going and not have any let down,” Orlando said. “It feels great to get our first league win, and even better that I was a part of it. I hope we keep this pace going.”


The Mavericks went on an 8-3 run early on in the second half to tie the game at 38. But, with the game tied at 42, Molloy went on a 10-2 run of its own, which was sparked by threes from Bartlett and Addison, to go up 52-44. The Lions closed the game out on an 18-7 run.  


Bartlett sees the progress that the Lions are making as the season goes on. “Everyone is getting more confident and we are learning to play with each other which is helping offensively,” Bartlett said. “Most of our subs were in when we went on a run at the end of the half which shows how important each and every person is on our team. We need to keep up our defensive intensity and continue to work on our offensive flow and we will be unstoppable.”


With the win the Lions improve to 5-4, 1-0 in ECC play. Molloy will go on the road to take on Queens College on Sunday, December 11. The Mavericks fell to 0-7.

Lions Soar Past Eagles

Amanda Bartlett scored 25 points and Jessica DeNicola added 18 as Molloy snapped a three-game losing streak with a 82-71 win over Post at The Drubner Center on the campus of Post University in Waterbury. Connecticut.

Bartlett, a graduate student, knows breaking the streak was essential. "It was a win we definitely needed to get our confidence back," Bartlett said. "We still have things to work on, but a win is a win. We went into the game with a different mindset, trying to work the ball for better shots. We need to pick up our intensity on defense to continue winning, especially with conference games coming up."

The Eagles got off to a fast start, and held their biggest lead of the game at 25-16 when junior guard Casey Brooks knocked down a triple. But, back came Molloy (4-4). Trailing 33-26, with just over five minutes left in the half, the Lions went on a 15-3 run, led by eight points from Bartlett, who had 18 points in the first half, to give Molloy a 41-36 lead at the half.

The Lions opened up their first double-digit lead at 47-36 on a lay up but DeNicola. The sophomore forward had a solid performance in the paint.

"In order to continue to be successful in the post we have to keep working hard to establish position and really just finish our shots," DiNicola said. "When we work the ball inside it opens up the outside. Coach always says to play inside out, since it will open up the outside especially when they double down in the post."

The lead was increased to 57-42 , when Laura Rivera laid the ball in. Later in the half, junior Julia Finley knocked down a three to give the Lions their biggest lead of the game at 72-55. Junior Molly Dreyer added 10 points and 12 rebounds, for the Lions.

The Lions return to Quealy Gymnasium next Wednesday when they open East Coast Conference play against Mercy. 

LIons Run Past Clippers

Senior Amanda Bartlett’s 28 points, which led all scorers, led the Molloy Lions to a 79-54 victory over the Concordia Clippers at Quealy Gymnasium on the campus of Molloy College.

 Bartlett, who transferred to Molloy after playing her first three seasons at Queens College, has had a huge impact on the team, leading the Lions in scoring in three of their first four games. “I knew my role coming to Molloy and I just try to play my role to the best of my ability every game. I just want to do whatever I can to help the team win,” Bartlett said, “If we want to keep winning we need to work on numerous things especially with two games this weekend against NE10 schools. There are a lot of new players this year and the more comfortable we get playing with each other the better we will be.”

The Lions started the game on a 13-3 run led by a pair of threes from Bartlett and one from  junior guard Ashley Addison. Later in the half with the Lions up eight, 24-16, the Lions  went on a 14-0 run, to go up 38-16. And at the half the Lions led 40-22.

In the first half the Lions outscored Concordia 19-1 on points off turnovers.

In the second half, the Clippers were able to trim the Molloy lead to nine, 46-37, when they went on a 15-4 run. But that was as close as they would get as Molloy pulled away to secure the victory.

Red-shirt junior Laura Rivera added 11 point and seven assists for the Lions.With the win the Lions improve to 3-1.

Lions Rout Griffins In Home Opener

By Patrick McCormack

Freshman forward Nicole Arnone's first career double-double, 15 points and 12 rebounds, led Molloy to a 65-43 rout of Chestnut Hill in the Lions season opener at Quealy Gymnasium. Sophomore Jessica Denicola added 18 points for the Lions in the victory. The Griffins got a team-high 10 points from Lindsay Alexander.

Coach Tim O’Hagan was happy with the way his forwards performed in the win. “I thought it showed how deep we are as a team,” O’Hagan said. “When we brought Nicole in we knew what we were getting. She has a tremendous motor and as you saw tonight can knock down the three. It was just a matter of time for Jess to break out. The last two games she got in a lot of foul trouble so it was nice to get her going.”

Molloy pulled away early in the first half thanks to a 13-2 run sparked by a pair of three-pointers from Arnone, and one from junior guard Laura Rivera that gave Molloy a 21-10 lead. After Chestnut Hill cut into the lead on a lay up from Alexander, the Lions ended the half on a 12-4 run to take a commanding 33-16 lead at the break.

Arnone and Denicola both chipped in six points early on in the second half as Molloy broke the game wide open, taking a 52-22 lead. The Griffins never challenged.  

Denicola was glad she could contribute to her team's victory. "It feels really great. This was a big win for us as a team. Everyone came out ready to play tonight and we played together. Our defense was solid and everyone really stepped up on offense. the energy and intensity was there the entire game," Denicola said.

With the win the Lions improve to 2-1. Molloy will take on Concordia on November 16.

Lions Take Down Warriors in Season Opener

BY Patrick McCormack

Graduate student Amanda Bartlett  scored 21 points to lead Molloy to a 63-51 victory in the season opener at Hammel Court on the campus of Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts . Junior Molly Dreyer, who missed all of last season with an injury, added 10 points for the Lions.

Dyeyer was happy to be able to contribute. "It felt amazing to be back playing again, and I couldn't have been happier about the win," Dreyer said. "It’s a great way to start off the season, especially against a good NE10 team.”

The Warriors held a narrow 12-11 lead early in the first half, but then they went on an 11-3 run to take a nine-point lead with just under nine minutes left in the half. However, Molloy would answer with a 21-3 run of their own to go to the break with a 35-26 lead. Bartlett scored 11 points during the scoring spree.

Bartlett, who was making her Molloy debut on Saturday, was happy with the way her team fought back. "Getting this first win was big for our team. It was against a Northeast conference team and set our season out on the right foot,” Bartlett said. “We never lost our composure after going down nine midway through the first half. We picked up our defensive intensity, which led to more offensive opportunities. We started attacking the rim more aggressively rather than settling for the outside shot.”

Merrimack, which got 10 points and 16 rebounds from a Kelly Schatzlein , was  able to cut the Molloy lead to seven in the second half, but the Warriors got no closer.

Head Coach Tim O'Hagan liked the way his team played against the NE10 opponent. "It's a good start of the season against a very formidable opponent in Merrimack," O'Hagan said. "We did not get off to a great start, what changed was we started to get into a flow on offense. We ran better sets and were able to get to the basket, and eventually the foul line."

The Lions will host Concordia on Wednesday, November 16 at 7:00pm. 

Additions of Finlay and Bartlett Add Veteran Leadership to the Lions Back Court

During the offseason, the Molloy Lions gained two value transfer players who will bring veteran leadership to the team. The Lions added senior guard Amanda Bartlett from Queens College and junior guard Julia Finlay from UNC-Wilmington.

At Queen College last year, Bartlett averaged 20.1 points per game, about 10 points higher  than Molloy's leading scorer last season Ashley Addison; in addition, Bartlett was named All-ECC each of her three season with Knights. 

Bartlett cites several reasons for coming to Molloy “Academically, it is an awesome school, coach O'Hagan is a great coach, I knew some of the girls on the team already and knew we would be a contender to go far this year," Bartlett said.

She is confident that the Lions, who finished 8-21 despite winning the ECC Title the season before, will return to the top of the conference. “This year our goal is not only to win conference but also go far into the NCAA tournament. Honestly, I think we our team is very talented and deep and know we will go far this year."Bartlett said.

Finlay played her first two seasons for the UNC-Wilmington; with the Seahawks she averaged 2.2 points in her first two seasons with the team.

Finlay, like Bartlett, sees playing the Lions as a great opportunity."I picked Molloy because I loved the people. From the coaches to the girls on the team everyone was so genuinely nice and welcoming." Finlay said, “After watching their practice during my first visit, I knew I wanted to come here. The practice was very competitive but at the same time as much as the girls were competitors they were also teammates supporting each other all the time through."

Finlay is also optimistic about the Lions upcoming season. "We are looking for nothing less than a championship and post-season play. We have the talent, experience and hunger to do it," Finlay said.

Coach Tim O'Hagan is excited about the incoming talent.”The two of them bring experience in our back court and a ton of leadership," O'Hagan said. “And with Bartlett we have a closer again meaning at the end of games we have a kid who we know is going to get the ball and give us a great chance to close out games."

Bartlett and Finlay make their Lions debut on November 12th when the Lions  travel to Merrimack.

Former Titans Help Lions Become a Top Team in Division II Softball

By Patrick McCormack

One common denominator on the softball field at Molloy College is Holy Trinity High School. The Titans won three consecutive New York State softball titles from 2005-07.

Four players who won at least one title at Trinity are now playing at Molloy, which recently advanced to the NCAA Division II tournament for the second straight year, the first two times in program history.

The Lions were led by Carla Campagna, a 2007 Holy Trinity graduate. The junior first baseman batted .386 with 10 home runs and 59 RBI, this spring, and was named the ECC Player of the Year.  

Campagna was excited about the honor. “Becoming the 2011 Player of the Year is incredible,” Campagna said. “To be recognized by the league coaches and held in such high regard has truly touched me. It proves that all the long hours of my hard work and dedication, starting from the summer of 2010 to the beginning of our season, really paid off. I would do it all over again."

Campagna, Megan Butterworth, Allie Sydor, and Jeana Frey all played at Holy Trinity prior to their arrival at Molloy. Campagna believes the Trinity connection has been a huge factor in the team’s success at Molloy.

“Holy Trinity has been a huge piece of the puzzle in becoming successful in my college softball career,” Campagna said. “Coach Cassidy has something special about her that not only brought me to Molloy, but also my fellow teammates. She led me to come to Molloy. Her knowledge and guidance toward me personally influenced me. The level of softball at Holy Trinity has always been the finest. Holy Trinity has helped me move onto to the next level of softball because of the coaches I crossed paths with. Without Holy Trinity’s softball program, I would not be where I am today."

Butterworth, a 2008 graduate of Holy Trinity, had a terrific year in the circle for the Lions. The sophomore pitcher was named All-ECC first team for the second straight season,  and was named the ECC Tournament MVP. Butterworth posted a 3-0 record with three complete games and 23 strikeouts. Her fine showing at the ECC Tournament enabled her to be named  NFCA Division II National Pitcher of the Week.

Butterworth has enjoyed her two seasons with the Lions. “I am very lucky to have been a part of such a successful team the past two years,” Butterworth said. “After our visit to the College World Series last year, we set high goals for ourselves, one of them being to win the ECC championship. It is so exciting to win the conference title. I feel we have proved ourselves to be worthy of a second NCAA appearance."

Like Campagna, Butterworth enjoyed her time as a Titan. “Trinity has played a big part in my personal success at Molloy,” Butterworth said. “It was at Trinity that I became part of a team that put 110 percent into every practice and game. Alongside Allie Sydor, Carla Campagna and Jeana Frey, we were named CHSAA champions in 2007. This helped us understand what it takes to win at a very competitive level. We are all lucky to be teammates once again here at Molloy, and we are looking forward to success in the future."

Sydor, who graduated from Trinity in 2006 was a member of all three state title teams. She believes the experience at Holy Trinity was a big key. “Trinity was great to me,” Sydor said. “Winning those three titles prepared me for the pressure of playing in the college playoffs."

Frey, the youngest of the Trinity grads to play at Molloy, had an unreal sophomore season. Frey hit an eye-popping .482 and was second in the nation in hits with 96. She also led the team in runs scored with 58.

Frey was greatful for her Trinity experience, "Trinity was a key time for me to boost my athletic ability and to play for great coaches of the time of all the sports I played. It was a key learning tool for me to understand competition and commitment. Winning the title in my sophomore year state and conference champs was my first time achieving a pretty substantial title for high school. All together I feel blessed and proud of what the three of us haves achieved. A bond of a great friendship, and team effort has brought us close throughout the years of all our hard work. I look forward to the many more successful years ahead of us." Frey said

Molloy Athletic Director/softball coach Susan Cassidy-Lyke is a 1982 Holy Trinity graduate. Her coaching record at Trinity is off the charts. Cassidy-Lyke posted a 287-85 record, winning nine CHSAA titles, and four State Titles. She was also named CHSAA coach of the year four times, in 1995 was named Nassau County coach of the year, and was named Newsday coach of the year in 2003.

Cassidy-Lyke enjoyed her time leading the Titans. “The opportunity to coach at Holy Trinity was the start I needed to achieve what I have to this point,” Cassidy-Lyke said. “It gave me the confidence and support to build the softball program and achieve a tradition of excellence and it is something that I brought with me here to Molloy. I always stressed fundamentals at Trinity and I coach the same way here at Molloy. Trinity was a supportive place that developed me as a student, coach and person." 

In 2011, Cassidy-Lyke was named ECC Coach of the year for the third year in a row. "Winning coach of the year accolades three years in a row has been humbling,” she said. “It is always nice to be recognized by your peers for your coaching style and effort."

Cassidy-Lyke was also pleased with her team's success the past two seasons. “It has really been exciting making the NCAA tournament two years straight,” she said. “Obviously last year was amazing since it was the first time in the history of the softball program and this year it is nice to meet the expectations we placed on ourselves after last year's finish. There was a lot of pressure to do as well as last season.”

Player Profile: # 22 Kristina Luparello

By Patrick McCormack

Senior Kristina Luparello walked on to the Lions this season. She is also a memeber of the lacrosse team. Last year she recorded four goals and an assists with the Lions . Luparello has enjoyed playing basketball with the Lions this season.
High School : Plainedge
Major: Art Education

Favorite moment at Molloy: Was when I was Introduced to the Coaches and the Girls on the Molloy College Basketball Team and also our New Comer Jackie Poeggel. It is one of the BEST things that ever happened to me! I Love this Team With All My Heart and I am so Thankful to have been part of the team with them!

Favorite moment at Molloy :is when I was put in at the end of a lacrosse game and scored a hat trick on one of the best goalies and then shortly after two back to back foul shots

Sports played in high school:In High school I played Varsity Basketball and Varsity Lacrosse for 4 Years. Also Senior year I decided to Run Cross Country.

Best school game : My Best High School Game was Winning the 2005 Division 2 Championship Game in Lacrosse.
How is it playing two sports at Molloy: Playing two sports at Molloy, I just wish I had done it earlier. I have become so bonded with both of these amazing teams and have been so fortunate to play along side with some great athletes and coaches. Running, sprinting, lifting, shooting, scoring, sweating, clapping, laughing..... It is  a memory I will take with me forever and would not have changed one moment of it.

Favorite team : New York Liberty

Favorite Athlete :Teresa Witherspoon. I Always looked up to her and always wanted to play as good as her. She Always played with confidence and stayed strong

Seniors Lead Molloy to win on Senior Day. Lions Clinch Spot in ECC Tournament !

By Patrick McCormack

Led by graduate-student Delmara Reece’s 25 points and 14 rebounds, her 10^th double-double of the season, the Molloy Lions defeated the NYIT Bears 68-59 on Senior Day at Quealy Gym on the campus of Molloy College. With the win the Lions clinched the sixth seed in the East Coast Conference tournament.

Reece was pleased to get the win. “It felt great winning our last game at Molloy,” Reece said. “We all came out together with fire, because we know how much the game meant. We had too many things to play for not to win. As a team, going into the ECC tournament we need to stick to whatever game plan coach gives us because we proved that if we stick to the game plan good things happen. We knew everything they were doing.”

The Lions started the game on 20-5 run, led by six points from sophomore Courtney Dolnick and five from Reece. Molloy was solid on both ends of the floor, and held a 31-18 lead at the break.  

Molloy came out of the locker room and continued its dominance. A jumper by Reece capped off a 6-0 run giving the Lions their biggest lead of the game at 37-18. The Bears wouldn’t go quietly. A pair of 10-2 runs in the second half enabled NYIT to cut Molloy’s lead to 49-45, but the Bears would not get closer.

Senior Scarlett Demchak, who had four of her six assists in the first half, was happy with the team’s performance in the final home game. “The win felt great; we couldn't have asked for anything more from the team and coaches,” she said. “The coaches had us fully prepared and we played with a lot of heart and energy. I've had a lot of great memories in that gym and it was awesome that for our last home game we could pull out a W.”

Walk-on senior Kristina Luparrello was happy she was able spend time with the Molloy basketball team. “Coming into the gym this morning I felt we were going to play like stars, and boy did we shine,” Luparrello said. “I’m so proud to be part of the Molloy College basketball team.”

Midway through the second half senior Caitlin Wheeler picked up her third block of the game. With the block, she broke her own single season record of 104 in a season. She finished the game with four blocks and a season total of 106, but the record isn’t the most important thing to her.

“The block record is actually really funny,” Wheeler said. “To me it’s just another day playing basketball, but my mom gets really excited about it. She counts them. So, if it makes her happy, I'm glad to do it.”

The Lions open up ECC tournament play when they travel to play Bridgeport on Wednesday.

Molloy vs NYIT preview : Win and In

By Patrick McCormack

Quealy Gym is the place to be Saturday afternoon if you are a fan of East Coast Conference basketball. The Molloy Lions,7-9 in ECC, host the NYIT Bears,6-10 in ECC,  in a game that determines who gets the sixth and final spot in the ECC tournament  and once you are in the tournament anything can happen on the road to the NCAA DII tournament.

The Lions and the Bears have met twice this season and have split the first two meetings. The first meeting the Bears won 65-53. This was a game they led for its entirety. Molloy trailed by as many as nine early in the second half . They would come back and tie it at 47, with just over eight minutes remaining when senior Caitlin Wheeler hit a three .But NYIT would break away with 13-2 run to end the game and pick up the victory . The Bears’ Cierra Baker, who leads the ECC in rebounding ,was the high scorer with 18 points and 14 rebounds . Ashley Addison led the Lions with 12 points.

The second meeting saw Molloy winning 77-60. Molloy led by 14 in the second half. NYIT would answer  with a 13-0 run to cut the Molloy led to one. Molloy would go on an 11-0 run to open up their lead to 72-55 and hold on to win. Christina Marra had a game high 17 points. Marra felt her team played a better game the second time around, “In the second meeting against NYIT,I feel that our team was more prepared and hyped to play. We were hitting shots and we had momentum going our way and refused to take another defeat to them.” Cierra Baker and Rebecca Lynch led NYIT with 15 points.

In the meeting tomorrow there are some key points to watch out for. The first is the battle between two of the best forwards in the league, Delmara Reece and Cierra Baker . Reece is second in the ECC in rebounding and has nine double-doubles this season. Baker leads the ECC in rebounding and has 16 double-doubles on the year. This game features two great players in the post and the two of them battling it out should be fun to watch.

The next key for the Lions is they need to get off to a fast start. In the Lions past three games they have started extremely slow and find themselves in double-digit holes early which have hurt them. “We all have to come ready to play. In the last three games we have suffered huge losses in the first half and usually plain even the second. We can't do that or else we will lose. We have to play a complete game, start to finish, in order for us to be successful.” Senior forward Caitlin Wheeler said. Wheeler is three blocks away from breaking her own single-season blocks record.

Like Wheeler , Coach Tim O’Hagan thinks if the Lions play a complete game they should be fine, “Need to come in with energy withstand the charge of NYIT. Run our sets and play defense.” Coach O’Hagan said.

If the Lions win they have the talent to make a run at the ECC Title despite their tough season . They have experience players who have had success in post season play .

Player Profile : #24 Ikema Ross

By Patrick McCormack

Sophomore Ikema Ross has been the first forward off the bench this year for the Lions  . This season she is averaging 3.7 points per game and 3.2 rebounds per game. Her best game was in a 58-51 loss to Dowling, where she scored 10 points and grabbed eight rebounds.

High School: Bellmore

Major: Criminal Justice

Favorite moment at Molly:  when we won the ECC Championship.
The best game at Molloy: when we beat STAC in overtime.
In High School I was a three spot athlete: I played Tennis, Basketball and Track.
The best game in High School: when my team beat Half Hallow Hill East, because the whole year we struggled and then finally we were able to come together and win a game.
High School activities : In High School I was a part of Future Teachers of America and Art Club and Honor Society.
My Favorite movie:  Eight Crazy Nights.
My favorite sports team: Los Angeles Lakers.
My favorite athlete: Kobe Bryant.

Player Profile: # 30 Liz Moulder

Liz Moulder, a walk on sophomore, plays volleyball and basketball for the Lions.On the volleyball court she Contributed 80 kills, 66 blocks and 19 digs for the Lions.

High School : Kellenberg
Major: Nursing

Favorite moment at Molloy ?


My favorite moment at Molloy was the adoption ceremony for jackie. I felt so blessed to be able to be apart of a team doing something so wonderful and special. It was amazing to meet jackie and become a part of her Molloy family.


Best moment in high school sports?


My best moment in high school sports was winning the CHSAA league, catholic state, and New York State Federation Championships in Basketball my senior year. We finsihed that season with the best record a girls varisty team has ever had in Kellenberg history. It was amamzing season!!


Clubs and sports you participated in high school?

In high school I played volleyball, basketball, and lacrosse. I was also a member of the newspaper club, C.R.O.S.S, Leader's club, Eucharsitc minister, Communications club, sodality, and PREP (a club that teaches religious education to local children).

How is it playing two sports at Molloy?

Playing two sports at Molloy is great!! It can get a little overwhelming when the seasons are overlapping, but I love volleyball and basketball and its great that I get to play both. Plus, I love all the girls I play with.


Favore athlete?

My favorite athletes are Misty May-Trenor and Kerri Walsh-Jennings. There hard work and dedication to volleyball is inspiring and the chemsitry and team work they play with is amazing to watch.


Favorite team ?

My favorite team is the women uconn huskies basketball team. My dad and I have been the biggest fans of the lady huskies ever since the men and women both won the tournament. Plus, I am a big fan of their coach .

Player Profile : #33 Delmara Reece

By Patrick McCormack

Graduate Foward  Delmara Reece is playing  her first  season with the Lions this year . Reece came over to the Lions this year after playing three years at Mercy College . This season Reece has reached two career Milstones, her 1000 point and her 1000 rebound. Reece is also currently second in rebounding in the ECC averaging 10.6 per game. Reece also played on the Lions soccer team this fall.

Favorite moment as a basketball player ? Playing my senior year in a Molloy uniform
Best moment in high school basketball ? Winning all sectional my three years on the varsity team
Best moment in college basketball? Making the ECC playoffs my sophmore year
Favorite moment at Mercy ? Winning five  rookie of the week award my freshman year
favorite moment at Molloy ? Playing for Tim O'Hagan
Best game ? Best game I can remember is beating Downling last year having 20 and 20
Have you won any awards while playing ? 3rd team All-ECC my sophmore year
How was it playing two sports in college ? Being a 2 sports athlete in college was very challenging but good at the same time because I stayed in shape.
Favorite sports team? Miami Heats
favorite athlete ? Dwayne Wade

Coach's Corner : Assistant Coach Christie Morrone

By Patrick McCormack

Molloy Assistant Coach Christie Morrone has won at all levels. She won two CHSAA titles, her freshman and junior years, at the St. John Villa Academy in Staten Island , New York. As a freshman at Villa she was named MVP of the class C and Federation title games. She was named New York State Class B player of the year her junior year. She also won the NCAA National Championship with the Maryland Terps. Morrone’s college career was six years  long which saw her playing at three different schools. She started at Virginia Tech were she played a season, at Va Tech she was name the teams Rookie of the year.  Then she went on to Maryland were she spent two season with the team  but played only one season because of the NCAA Division  I rule, if you transfer from Division I school to another Division I school you have to sit out a season. After her time at Maryland, Morrone went on to Dowling College . Morrone played two seasons with the Golden Lions and after her college career ended Morrone played a year pro in Puerto Rico with the Carolina Gigantes. Now Morrone is a key member of Coach Tim O’Hagan’s coaching staff.

How was it winning two CHSAA titles at Villa and leading one team as a freshman and the other as a junior?

Winning two CHSAA titles at Villa was by far one of the greatest feelings in the world and being able to do it as a freshman just makes you even hungrier. Having two still isn't satisfying to me and it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth when I think about only having two . But not many people can say they have two, so I am grateful and extremely proud and humble to be able to be a part of such a great experience and team.

How would you describe your high school career ? and which schools offered you scholarships ? My high school career was everything I thought it would be. It wasn't easy and it as a long tough battle, but having two titles to show for it is what it’s all about. All the hard work you put in the beginning will always pay off in the end, so leaving Villa with two titles and a lot of memories with special teammates, I don't think anyone can say that's not to bad of a high school career to have.
The top schools that I chose between that offered me: Rutgers, Michigan State, St. Johns, Virginia Tech, and Villanova.

Why did you pick VA tech?

I picked Virginia Tech, because it felt like home, it was just right. I felt it as soon as I spoke with coach and then when I stepped on campus and met the girls and I was sold. It was like a family, and being so far away from home, it’s what I needed and was looking for so it was a perfect fit.
But then things happen and life throws you curve balls, and the thing that you pray would never happen happens and the coach I had signed with Bonnie, leaves and goes to coach at Kansas 3 months before I entered my freshman year.

After a year at Va Tech you went on to Maryland . How was it being part of a National Championship team and how was the whole NCAA tournament experience?

Maryland was by far a life changing experience. Being a part of a National Championship team is indescribable. Having such a rare bond that we all shared on that team is what I will always remember, not necessarily the national championship, but just how special that group of girls were. What we had on and off the court, the chemistry, is what I will take with me, which is why we won a National Championship, because in the end we all wanted one thing and that was to be #1 and we achieved that and its extremely humbling.

How was your career at Dowling ?

My career at Dowling was great. Coming into a program that the previous year they had won only a few games and finished our first year out playing for the ECC championship, I would say is pretty amazing. I met great people, played with great teammates, and had a great coach for the 2 years I was there. I'm just disappointed that I was never able to lead the team to the NCAA tournament, but overall, we did what people never thought we could and that was turn the program around.

What was the difference between the DI and DII play?

There honestly is no real difference between DI and DII but just the name on the front of the jersey. I personally feel that if you’re a basketball player and you love the game, you have the same goals and you share the same desires. Just because you travel to further places and you have bigger stadiums and are fully funded, doesn't mean that you have any less love for the game of basketball than anyone at the Division II level doesn't.

If you had to choose over would you rather play DI or DII?

If I had to choose over, I would have played DII and a lot of people ask why. Why? Because unless you go to a top 5 school on the DI level, the truth is, the chances of you winning a National Championship are not likely.
 Unlike the DII level, no matter what school you go to, you have the opportunity to take your team to the national title game.

What happens if you want to play ball after and your at the DII level and you weren't noticed because you didn't have the exposure like DI has. Well that doesn't matter either, if you have the right coach, go to the right program, play your type of game, and win, your future is in your hands and your days of playing are still possible even at the DII level.

How was it playing pro in Puerto Rico?

Playing professional was something that has always been a goal of mine, so being able to achieve that is satisfying, but playing in Puerto Rico was overall a great experience. Playing against players who are equally as talented and with some of the girls that play for the Puerto Rican National team was always a challenge day in and day out, but it definitely makes you a better player.

What was the major difference between playing pro and college ball?

To be honest, to me there is no real major difference between playing pro and college ball. In college, most if not all players are on a full ride, while playing pro your getting a pay check either every week or every other week, so in a way, it’s the same, in college you get paid to play basketball and get a free education. Yes some players are more talented, but for the most part playing pro vs. playing college, it’s all one in the same, players and coaches still have one main goal and that’s to win, make your teammates better, and win a championship.

How can you take your experience in pro ball and use it in coaching?

Because of the college career that I had and having played professional, I have been able to carry it over and give back to the girls as a coach. On the court, I have always looked at myself as a leader and tried to lead by example, so as a coach now that's all I try to do. I still have a lot to learn as a coach and I'm learning every day, but if there is something that I could have or would have done as a player I can relate to the girls and explain to them what I would have done in that situation. Being able to give back everything that I have learned throughout my career is the only thing I know right now and to just learn every day. I am just lucky enough to be working under one of the best coaches I have ever played for or ever been around, so I hope to only keep learning and help the players get better and develop the same love for the game that we all have as a coaching staff.

How has coaching been so far?

Coaching has been probably the best experience of my life. For once, not being able to just do and having to teach, has been an extremely transition for me. It's only been five  months, and I think I have learned more from Tim than I have learned as a player my whole life. I’m just grateful to be at such a great program with good people and amazing girls and working with an amazing coaching staff and I look forward to learning every day.

Molloy gives back to the community

By Patrick McCormack

Thursday night, some members of the Molloy Women’s basketball team went to a basketball clinic for children with autism and downs syndrome at St. Marks in Rockville Centre  . The players that attended were: Christina Marra, Molly Dreyer, Caitlin Wheeler, Laura Rivera, Courtney Dolnick, and Liz Alagna. Molloy assistant coach Lisa Staab also attended.  The players enjoyed the opportunity give back to the community. Here is what the players said about the clinic:

“I love helping children fall in love with the sport of basketball. Seeing their bright eyes and smiles on their faces is really something truly amazing. They just want to learn and have fun.” Christina Marra said.

“It was good, I love working at clinics, I do a lot of them in the summer so I enjoyed tonight. Something I'd definitely do on my free time.” Laura Rivera said.

“I really liked it, I think everyone had a really good time! Seeing the kids have fun and actually start playing made me so excited.” Molloy Dreyer said.

“It was fun, I love giving back it really makes me appreciate the life that I have.” Courtney Dolnick said.

“It was awesome. I felt like we made those kids day. And if it takes me an hour out of my day to make those kids so happy. I would do it every day.” Caitlin Wheeler said.

I also attended the clinic. It was fun watching the kids enjoy the game of basketball and was fun sharing in a game we all love.

Player Profile: #5 Ashley Addison

By Patrick McCormack
High School :Hanover Park

Ashley Addison missed most of last year due to injury. This year she has come back strong leading the Lions with 10.8 points per game.

Favorite moment at Molloy was winning the ECC Championship last year. It was great to be a freshman and be a part of something so big.

Best game at Molloy: Was the overtime win against STAC. Great feeling beating the number one team at their place.

Favorite moment in high school sports was junior year winning the state sectional title against Rutherford High School. It was such a great moment because no one expected us to win and I was surrounded by teammates that I played with since elementary school. It meant so much to us.

How does it feel to play this year after missing most of last year?

It feels good to finally be on the court this year. It is a completely different feeling because last year all I could do is watch. This year I finally get to help the team on the court which is what I wish I could have done last year. It is no fun sitting on the bench with no chance of playing.

My favorite moment in basketball was in 2003 when Syracuse Men’s team won the NCAA tournament. I still remember it like it was yesterday being in 6th grade and telling everyone they were going to win.

My favorite athlete is Candance Parker. I love her athleticism and the heart she has for the game. She would go through a wall for her team.

Why do you wear number 5? I wear number 5 because number 12 was taken, and some of my favorite players wore number 5.

What do you like to do when you are not on the court? When I'm not on the court I like to hang out with my friends and most importantly I like to sleep!

Jenna McLaughlin Continues Basketball Career as Coach

By Patrick McCormack

Former Molloy guard Jenna McLaughlin has continued her basketball career, but it is in a different capacity. McLaughlin is now an assistant coach for Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut.

McLaughlin credits her time as a player at Molloy as a big help in her growth as a coach. “I had a great experience playing basketball at Molloy,” McLaughlin said. “I have translated much that I learned as a player into being a coach. At Molloy, I learned what it takes to be resilient, focused and committed. Coach O'Hagan did an excellent job maximizing the talent on our team and getting us to buy into his system of basketball. He set a great example for me with his superior knowledge of the game and more importantly, his will to win.”

McLaughlin is the assistant to head coach Ed Swanson at Sacred Heart. This year, the Pioneers are tied for third place in the NEC. McLaughlin has enjoyed every moment of it. “Coaching at Sacred Heart has been great,” she said. “I work under a wonderful staff. Coach Swanson along with the two other assistants have really taken me under their wing and shown me the ropes. Division I is an intense and fun atmosphere. My team is very talented and we are going into the final stretch of conference games in a good position. Hopefully we can make a run at the conference championship.”

McLaughlin had a great career at Molloy, averaging 4.3 points, 2.1 assists, 1.8 rebounds, and one steal per game. After spending two years at Loyola-Maryland, McLaughlin transferred to Molloy. She played three years with the Lions, and was a member of the team that won two ECC championships. Along with her success on the hardwood, she had success in the classroom making the dean’s list every semester.

McLaughlin reflected on her Molloy career. “Winning two ECC championships at Molloy is a very special part of my basketball career,” she said. “Those moments when the buzzer rang were a culmination of months and years of hard work. I was a part of a group of girls, along with a great coaching staff, that was extremely determined and talented. I am so proud of the two championships and will never forget those years. It's those memories and emotions that come within college basketball that can never be matched.”

Molloy coach Tim O’Hagan enjoyed coaching McLaughlin. “Jenna was a real hard worker,” O’Hagan said. “I knew the moment I saw her play at Carle Place High School. After having the chance to coach her for three years, I knew she was going to be a coach. She just understands the game better than most people and she is going to be a great one.”

Molloy Beats STAC in Over Time Thriller

By Patrick McCormack

Ashley Addison scored a team-high 20 points to lead Molloy to a thrilling 80-73 overtime victory over St. Thomas Aquinas College  at Aquinas Hall on the Campus on the campus of St. Thomas Aquinas in Sparkill, New York. With the win the Lions improved to 7-9 in ECC play. Christina Marra added 15 points for Molloy.

“It felt great to get the win at STAC, and to be the first team this year to beat them on their home court,” Addison said. “They’re such a good, well-coached team. We never gave up this game. We kept pulling back and never let STAC get comfortable. It shows how each player believes in each other to pull out a great win.”

The Spartans led nearly all the way. Molloy finally took the lead at 58-57 when sophomore Courtney Dolnick hit a three-pointer. However, Briana Sloper, who had a game high 27 points and 14 rebounds, put the Spartans back on top at 64-63, with 30 seconds to play.

With just 15 seconds on the clock, Molloy sophomore Ikema Ross was fouled. Ross hit one of two to send the game into overtime. The Lions started overtime on a 12-2 run to open up their biggest lead of the game at 76-66. The Lions staved off a late STAC comeback.

The first half was one of many runs. STAC jumped out to an early 18-5 lead, but the Lions responded with a 7-0 run to cut the Spartans lead to 18-12. STAC responded with a 12-0 run of their own led by Sloper. The Lions were able to cut into the STAC lead and trailed 37-28 at the half.

The Lions got off to a terrific start in the second half. Ross hit a jumper, which capped an 8-1 Molloy run and cut the Spartans lead to 39-36. Sloper heated up and extended the STAC lead to 45-38.

Marra was thrilled with the win. “Beating STAC in overtime at their gym was an awesome feeling,” Marra said. “The fight and heart that the team played with throughout the game really proves that we can accomplish all our goals this season. Getting defensive stops and hitting shots is what helped us fight our way back into the game.”

Coach Tim O’Hagan was happy with his teams play, “It was a great win,” Coach O’Hagan said, “ Playing in a very hostile environment just proves that when we show up to play we can play with anyone.”

The Lions return to action Saturday when they travel to Bridgeport to play the Purple Knights.

Delmara Reece Named ECC Player of the Week

By Patrick McCormack

Molloy Graduate forward Delmara Reece was named  the East Coast Conference player of the week. Reece had a great week for the Lions, A week in which Reece recorded three double-doubles . Saturday she was an assist shy of a triple –double. Reece is second in the ECC in rebounding with 10.6 per game. She is also averaging 9.9 points per game.

“It feels really great to win this honor because it shows my harder work I’ve put in.” Reece said, ”Picking up two wins this week especially back to back felt great because it was the first time this season we've done that. The entire team and coaching staff worked really hard on getting this done.”

Coach Tim O'Hagan liked the way Reece played in the past week,  "Del has really come into her own this week. She has let the game come to her and has stopped forcing things on the offensive front. The rebounding has been there all year."