Expectations remain same for Robert Morris women's basketball

The arena is shiny and new, but the expectations are the same for the Robert Morris women’s basketball team. In fact, the team itself is nearly the same.

The reigning Northeast Conference champions (22-11, 16-2) return most of the players who were instrumental in adding to the Colonials’ trophy collection. For that reason, RMU was picked (again) as the preseason favorite to win the conference.

“It’s not easy when you are the one who is being chased,” said junior guard Nina Augustin, who averaged 7.5 points and shot 41.9% on 3-pointers. “You really have to compete every day, but I like that challenge, for sure.”

Players to watch

Nneka Ezeigbo: The senior forward was the NEC Defensive Player of the Year and MVP of the NEC Tournament. Capable of putting up big numbers in scoring and rebounding, the team’s lone senior will strive to be more consistent.

Isabella Posset (Beaver): Sophomore guard played in all 33 games and made 25 starts. She averaged 7.6 points and led the team in assists (89). She might be the team’s best defensive player, amassing a team-high 62 steals last season.

Ire Ozzy-Momodou: Junior center gives the Colonials a strong post presence. Averaged 6.5 points and 6.8 rebounds in only 15.1 minutes per game.

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The season will be a success if …

The younger players continue their progression. Last season’s freshmen and sophomores — Posset, Ozzy-Momodou, Nina Augustin, Esther Castedo and Honoka Ikematso — carried a lot of the load. They seemed unflappable in helping the Colonials win the NEC title and now look to take the next step.

The season will be a flop if …

There are too many defensive lapses. Defense is the backbone of what the Colonials do. They would prefer slugging it out in a halfcourt game as opposed to running up and down the floor. Teams that can find a way to push the pace could get the Colonials out of their comfort zone.