The Santa Fe Saints are just one day away from their season opener against Webber International on November 1 at 6:00 PM, and nine players will return for Coach Chanda Stebbins, giving her one of the more experienced teams in the FCSAA.
Leading the charge will be All Mid-Florida Conference forward Rayven Wade. Wade was second on the team in scoring her freshman season, and averaged a double double (10.2 ppg, 10.9 rpg). Ari Emanuel-Wright was third on the team in scoring last season (9.8 ppg) and returns to lead the Saints back court.
“I am excited to see what this group will do when we get to face someone other than ourselves,” said Stebbins. “This team will be fun to watch as they play with a lot of energy and play together and for each other.”
Also returning for the Saints: Evelina Avleeva, Corey Staples, Tatiyana Rock, Moneisha Goldsborough, Morgan Sams, Adriana Alises, and Tabitha Odabe.
“I am very pleased with the development of returning starters Staples, Emanuel-Wright, and Wade,” said Stebbins. “Upper division coaches have always been extremely impressed with how our players develop from their freshmen to sophomore year and these three have really stepped it up. Tabitha Odabe is going to be the most notable difference maker as she has really grown his summer. We look to continue improving through November and December in preparation for the Mid-Florida Conference.”
Three new comers join SF: Jaela Green (Jacksonville, FL), Gryselle Sepulveda (Sanford, FL), and Rakesha Simmons (Reynolds, GA)
A majority of the non-conference schedule will come on the road, with home dates on November 1, 9 and 19, and another on December 14. MFC play begins in January.
For complete schedules, stats, and more information please visit www.santafesaints.com.