BOSTON, MA (November 12, 2024) – Following a long and busy offseason, the UMass Boston women's basketball team returns to the Clark Gymnasium on Wednesday, November 13 at 6:00 p.m against the Brandies University Judges to open the 2024-25 season.

Ahead of the start of the season, the Beacons were selected to finish seventh in the LEC with 19 points in this year's iteration of the LEC Coaches Preseason Poll, voted on by coaches within the conference. Last season saw the Beacons finish ninth in the conference with a 5-18 overall record (3-13 Little East Conference), with significant wins over Fitchburg State (74-39), Western Connecticut (61-48), and Vermont State University Castleton (54-47). The Beacons were led by graduate guard Keriann Farina (Arlington, Mass.), and Alexah Potter (Manchester, Conn.). Farina was the main scoring outlet, averaging a team-high 10.3 points per game in 30 minutes per game through 23 games played. Potter anchored the defense with 17 blocks and 14 steals, while averaging 5.2 rebounds per game.

Head Coach Heather Jacobs retains seven student-athletes from the prior season. Juniors Beeban Jikiemi-Pearson (London, Eng.), Tatiannah Fevry (Dracut, Mass.), Sibayla Jensen (Portland, Ore.) and Kayla Jackson (Saugus, Mass.) each return for another season, adding elevated experience to a very young 2024-25 Beacons team. Also returning from last season, sophomores Venessa Bucha (Aschnuet, Mass.), Somora Merchant (Brookfield, Conn.) and Mia Molinari (Millis, Mass.). Of the returners, Merchant averaged the most points with 4.4 in 12 games played. Fevry has established herself on the defensive end, accounting for 23 steals and six blocks last season. Jensen provides range from beyond the arc to provide floor spacing for the Beacons, as the guard lined up eight triples last season. Jackson and Jikiemi-Pearson saw a minimal role in '23-24 but expect them to shine in their new leadership roles on the team as experienced upperclassmen.

With seven returners from last season, Coach Jacobs welcomes 10 new additions to the team, primarily underclassmen. The lone upperclassmen, a transfer from Dean College (NCAA DIII), guard Natasha Brito (Fitchburg, Mass.). The two new sophomore additions include a dual sport-athlete at UMass Boston, a member of the Beacons' outdoor track and field team, Hialeah Foster (Mashpee, Mass.), and a transfer from Eastern Nazarene College (NCAA DIII), Sabanna Berrios (Providence, R.I). Rounding out the first-year additions, guards Sam Gomes (Worcester, Mass.), Yaya Orozco (San Diego, Calif.), Tajeiha Madison (Brockton, Mass.), Lexie Haigh (Rockaway, N.J.), and Ava DiBurro (Merrimack, Mass.), as well as two forwards, Selma Serrette (Natick, Mass.), and Ashleigh Lagor (Millbury, Mass.).

The women's basketball team is brewing a new look this year. With no seniors and six returners from last year, the Beacons have an opportunity to establish a new identity that sets them up for success in the coming seasons.

The Beacons open their season on Wednesday, November 13, at 6:00 p.m from the Clark Gymnasium against Brandies University. November 22-23 the Beacons travel to New York for the Hunter College Tip-Off Tournament, and on December 28^th will travel to Daytona Beach, Florida, for the Florida Sunshine Shootout Tournament. Conference play will open on Sunday, December 1, on the road against the Western Connecticut State Wolves. The conference home opener will take place on Wednesday, December 4 against the Rhode Island College Anchorwomen at 5:00 p.m. For all things UMass Boston women's basketball, including photos, previews, recaps, live stat and video coverage, stay tuned at Women's Basketball - UMass Boston.