CRANBERRY TWP — Adversity wasted no time finding the Slippery Rock University women's basketball team this season.

Kyle McFeely, a senior at SRU and brother of Rock senior point guard Amber McFeely, was killed in an automobile accident just before the squad's first practice.

"It was devastating to her. … Kyle was her best friend," said Rock coach Laurel Heilman during the recent PSAC basketball luncheon at the Cranberry Woods Regional Learning Alliance Center. "There's nothing in the coaching handbook that prepares you to deal with something like this.

"Amber's been so strong. She hasn't missed a practice. She's determined. She's focused. Basketball means a lot to her and her family."

A fourth-year starter at point guard, McFeely averaged 3.8 points and 5.3 assists per game last season. She broke the school record for assists in a season with 180 her sophomore year and needs just 52 assists to break the school record of 422 in a career, set by Kathy Lisman from 1978-82.

"It'd be great to see her break that record because it's stood for so long," Heilman said. "But Amber knows we need her to score, too. I'm looking for 12 points per game out of her, at least."

The Rock's two inside scoring threats — Stacy Green and Erin Frankovich — have graduated. The only returning post player with any playing experience is 5-foot-10 junior Amanda Chojnacki, who averaged 5.1 points and 3.7 rebounds per game off the bench.

SRU's leading scorer is fourth-year starting guard and 3-point shooter Kristen Bonner. The senior averaged 8.9 points per game last year.

"She knocked down seven 3s in our last scrimmage," Heilman said. "But you can't count on that all the time. When she's on, she's on.

"Our leading forward position is Amanda's to lose. We need her to step up. I'm concerned about our ability to defend in the post. We're not very big and we're not very experienced."

The Rock is coming off a 10-17 season, 4-8 in PSAC West play, and has missed the conference playoffs three straight years. SRU is tabbed for sixth in the conference's preseason coaches poll.

Besides McFeely and Bonner, guards Jess Caso and Cathy Lee Peffer round out the senior class. Chojnacki is the lone junior.

Heilman has 12 freshmen and sophomores on her roster. Ana Nikolic, a 6-2 freshman post player from Serbia, is being counted on to provide size and strength inside.

"Ana has been battling injuries all preseason and she's way behind," Heilman said. "I'm not sure how effective she'll be early."

Other frontcourt possibilities are 5-11 sophomores Amanda Kaufman and KellyAnn Staudinger, along with 5-11 freshmen Deandra Evans and Stephanie Schwartz.

There is plenty of depth at guard with sophomores Angela Greaser, Dana Stewart, Jess DiSante and Seneca Valley graduate Kara Spagnola, along with freshmen Amanda Nero, twins Jessica and Alissa Schake.

"Jess Schake looks like a freshman who can help us right away," Heilman said. "She's been outstanding in practice.

"The goal is always the playoffs. This is the last shot for our seniors. I know how badly they want it and they have to lead the way."

Slippery Rock University 2005-06 women's basketball schedule

Nov. 15-

at Gannon, 6 p.m.;

Nov. 18-

at West Va. Tech, 7:30 p.m.;

Nov. 19-

at West Va. State, 2 p.m.;

Nov. 22-

at Fairmont State, 6 p.m.;

Nov. 26-

at Mercyhurst, 5 p.m.;

Nov. 29-

WEST LIBERTY, 7 p.m.

Dec. 3-

EAST STROUDSBURG, 1 p.m.;

Dec. 4-

MANSFIELD, 1 p.m.;

Dec. 9-

PITT-JOHNSTOWN, 7 p.m.;

Dec. 21-

BLOOMSBURG, 6 p.m.

Jan. 3-

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 6 p.m.;

Jan. 7-

at Cheyney, 1 p.m.;

Jan. 8-

at Millersville, 1 p.m.;

Jan. 11-

CALIFORNIA (PA.), 6 p.m.;

Jan. 14-

at West Chester, 1 p.m.;

Jan. 15-

at Kutztown, 1 p.m.;

Jan. 18-

EDINBORO, 6 p.m.;

Jan. 21-

at Lock Haven, 1 p.m.;

Jan. 25-

at Clarion, 6 p.m.;

Jan. 29-

SHIPPENSBURG, 1 p.m.

Feb. 1-

at Indiana (Pa.), 5:30 p.m.;

Feb.6-

at California (Pa.), 6 p.m.;

Feb. 8-

at Edinboro, 5:30 p.m.;

Feb. 11-

LOCK HAVEN, 1 p.m.;

Feb. 15-

CLARION, 6 p.m.;

Feb. 18-

at Shippensburg, 1 p.m.;

Feb. 22-

INDIANA (PA.), 6 p.m.