'99-00 SCHEDULE

Dec. 3 -- at East Forest       6 -- at Greenville       9 -- Wilmington       13 -- Reynolds       15 -- at Villa Maria       20 -- at Kennedy Christian       22 -- at Strong Vincent       28 -- at Greensburg Central Catholic Jan. 3 -- at Mercer       6 -- at Wilmington       10 -- at Reynolds       13 -- Kennedy Christian       15 -- Oil City       17 -- Mercer       20 -- Hickory       24 -- at Grove City       31 -- Titusville Feb. 3 -- Sharon       7 -- at Hickory       17 -- Erie East       21 -- at Sharon

By The Herald Sports Staff

By coach John Tabisz's standards, last year's season was horrendous. The Lady Rockets went winless in Mercer County Athletic Conference AAA action at 0-6. Overall, they went 8-15.

That was for a program that had been 19-5 under Tabisz the previous season. Entering his 10th year, Tabisz's roster is very similar to that of last season's -- youth, youth and more youth.

Tabisz has just two seniors and three juniors on the team, while six sophomores round out the roster. Three of those sophomores are returning letterwinners.

Tabisz said playing freshman can be unpredictable.

"You never know what they're going to do," Tabisz said. "It's a matter of being patient."

Now sophomores, Kayla Rodgers, Megan Finch and Dawn Meling will be relied upon to build upon last year's solid start. Rodgers, a 5-9 forward, led the way with 91 points, while Finch (5-11 center) added 55 points and Meling (5-8 forward) had 11.

While that trio, including fellow sophomores Debbie Bruno (5-5 guard), Diane Christie (5-7 guard), Natalie Stuparitz (5-7 forward), are the future, Tabisz expects leadership roles to be filled by his few upperclassmen.

Robin Meling (5-8 guard) and Misty Wadowsky (5-10 forward) are the two senior captains and are the top returning scorers. Meling led last year's squad with 297 points, while Wadowsky added 173.

Juniors Laura Watson (5-6 guard) and Rachel Lindey (5-7 guard) also lettered and are joined by fellow junior Rachel Dudash. Watson had 69 points last year and Lindy had 35.

"Even though we're young we have a lot of experience," Tabisz said.

Tabisz has an advantage with size and he can manipulate his lineup to get the matchups he feels will help his team win.

"We can put out different starting lineups depending on who we play," Tabisz said. "Megan and Kayla each started about half the games last year so they got a lot of playing time."

As for the always difficult league, Tabisz feels it will "be a dogfight" in the battle for supremacy.

"Hickory probably returns the most experienced team. Grove City and Sharon had tremendous jayvee teams. Every game is going to be tough," he said.

Tabisz will be assisted by former player Marissa Taylor.