Aug. 10, 2009

Ohio duo Brianna Calver (Shelby, Ohio) and Sarah Bennett (Newark, Ohio), Connecticut standout Bianca Simmons (Middletown, Conn.) and local star Briana Szidat (Pelham, N.H.) comprise the quartet of incoming freshmen for the 2009-10 season.

Additionally, the River Hawks will welcome former University of Rhode Island player Amanda McGrew (Santa Monica, Calif.), announced head coach Kathy O'Neil on Monday.

Last season, the River Hawks played to a deceptive 8-19 record, losing 15 of those games by a margin of 10 points or less. Their average deficit was only 1.1 points and they were trailing close behind the Northeast-10 race. This year's incoming freshmen promise to lift UMass Lowell to a higher ranking in the league, as well as a more impressive record.

The River Hawks are returning nine veterans for this year, having graduated five. Key returners include senior trio of starters Jen Valente (Prospect, CT), Rahshala Valentine (Cincinnati, OH) and Megan Berry (Ipswich, MA). Valente racked up double-digit points in 16 games last year, appearing in all 27 contests. Classmate Valentine started all 27 games for the River Hawks and averaged 32.5 minutes on the court. Berry saw action in all but one game and had a season-best 21 points in a victory over Southern Connecticut on Jan. 14.

The class of 2013 includes Calver, who was a four-year letter-winner at Shelby High School in Ohio. She received all-league accolades three times and was named to the all-district squad twice. Calver was an All-Ohio honorable mention and currently holds the school record for most assists and three-pointers in a single season and in her career. Calver played for SMAC Premier and Coach Brad Downs for AAU basketball.

"Brianna is a floor general who likes to distribute the basketball. She has a nice touch from the perimeter," O'Neil said. "`Bri' is quick and anticipates well on defense."

Also hailing from the Buckeye State, Bennett was a three-year letter-winner and two-time all-league and all-district selection, as well as two-year Team MVP. She led the team in scoring and rebounding for two years and made the Newark Advocate's All-Star team. Bennett played AAU basketball for the Ohio Glory.

"Sarah is a big strong post player," O'Neil said. "She has a nice touch on her shot. She also works hard on the boards. Her basketball instincts are good."

Simmons played four years for legendary basketball coach Tim Kohs at Mercy High School in Middletown, Conn., where she was a three-time Southern Connecticut All-Conference Player and two-time All-State selection. She was named to the New Haven Register All-Area Team twice, as well as the Middletown Press All-Area squad. In 2008, Simmons was nominated as the Middletown Press Player of the Year and in 2009, as a McDonald's All-American.

"Bianca is a point guard who can score," O'Neil said. "She is smart with good court vision. Her court savvy is strong. `B' penetrates well and looks for her teammates."

Szidat, born in Lowell, currently resides in Pelham, N.H., where she played at Pelham High School. During her career at PHS, Szidat racked up more than 1,000 points and was named a 2009 all-star by The Sun and Eagle-Tribune. She earned an Outstanding Athletic Achievement Award from her school and was named the team's offensive MVP. Standing at 6'3", Szidat's size will give her a strong presence in the paint. She played AAU basketball for Coach Ricky Oliver on the New England Panthers based out of Lowell.

"Briana is a big post player with a nice touch from the floor," O'Neil said. "She is learning the post game and she has good size."

McGrew, a recent graduate from URI, is transferring to UMass Lowell for her final year of eligibility. After redshirting her senior season at URI after an ACL tear, the Santa Monica native will bring a wealth of experience to the River Hawks. McGrew was a three-time captain at Santa Monica High School and First Team All-Bay League selection and member of the Bay League Championship team. She played AAU basketball for the West Coast All-Stars, California's Finest and Hoopmasters.

While at URI, she scored a career-high 25 points against Charlotte on Jan. 26, 2007 and appeared in all 31 of the Rams' games as a junior with 22 starts. She was named to the Atlantic 10 Honor Roll on multiple occasions.

"Amanda is a good athlete with a nice touch from the perimeter," O'Neil said. "She is a 5-10 shooting guard with one year of eligibility left."

UMass Lowell opens the season on Nov. 18 at St. Michael's in Colchester, Vermont. The class of 2013 will play its first game at Costello Athletic Center in the Valley Cup Classic on Nov. 21 with Bentley, Bloomfield and Caldwell participating in this year's tournament.

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