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The Akron Zips finished last season on an 11 game losing streak. Gone are the two leading scorers from that squad, who were also the only two to start every game. I don’t think our decision to rank them number 12 to start the season will send a lot of shock waves throughout the Midwest.
The season is not over before it begins in Akron, however. Jodi Kest is the MAC’s longest tenured head coach and she has brought in an impressive freshman class. 6’4 Sarah Leyendecker led her conference in scoring. Kynnedy Azubike comes from perennial power Afrocentric out of Columbus and Destiny Perkins out of Indianapolis competed in the Indiana All-Star game.
There is also reason to be optimistic because there is plenty of talent returning from last year’s young squad. 5 different returning players started at least one game last season. Haliegh Reinoehl led the team in rebounds and Greta Burry wasn’t far behind. Shaunay Edmonds led the team in assists, while Megan Sefcik was third on the team in scoring after only starting in 2 games.
While I expect them to be a little better than last season, I don’t know if that will translate to more wins. The MAC looks to be extremely competitive this season. With Burry and Lauren Hung the only seniors on the roster, the Zips are probably still a year away from the success they have become accustomed to under Kest.