RIVERDALE, N.Y. – It’s a great day to be a Jasper! The Manhattan women’s basketball team is one week closer to officially opening the season. Eighth-year head coach Heather Vulin leads Manhattan for the 2023-24 season in Riverdale.
Manhattan opens the season on Monday, Nov. 6 versus Central Connecticut State at home at Draddy Gymnasium. Primed to be a top contender in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), Vulin and her squad are ready to hit the hardwood. The first MAAC game for the Jaspers will be on Saturday, Dec. 16 versus Rider at home.
“We are all very excited for the upcoming season,” said Vulin. “We have a tremendous combination of returning players, experienced transfers, and talented freshmen. I know #JasperNation will love the length, athleticism and team play of this year’s group.”
The Jaspers have 14 student-athletes on the roster with seven newcomers on the list. Coming off back-to-back appearances in the MAAC Tournament championship game, Manhattan is primed to get over the hump with a stellar group of returners.
“Our guard position will be led by returning sophomore point guard Anne Bair, who came on very strong at the end of the season and was instrumental in our team’s run in the MAAC Tournament,” said Vulin. “We have also added great depth with experienced transfers that fit our style perfectly. I expect our transition offense to be even more explosive this year.”
When it comes to the forwards, Manhattan is experienced with a plethora of returners that have two or more years of experience in Riverdale. Leading the pack is Preseason All-MAAC Second Team selection Petra Juric. The forward averaged 10.6 points per game, shooting 56 percent from the field. She also averaged 7.0 rebounds per game and added 21 blocked shots. The Jaspers return their top four shot blockers. In addition to Juric, Leyla Ozturk led the way with 40, Jade Blagrove had 21, and Narrie Dodson tallied 16.
“Our forward position will be anchored by Petra, a preseason selection,” Vulin said. “We expect to once again compete as the top rebounding team in the MAAC and nationally. Our post depth is impressive and the group is very mobile and versatile.”
Tickets: To purchase tickets, visit gojaspers.universitytickets.com. For any questions call 718-862-7297 or email [email protected].
Follow Us on Social Media: For the latest on the Manhattan College women’s basketball program, follow the Jaspers on Twitter @Manhattan_WBB and Instagram @Manhattanwbb and like “Manhattan Jaspers Women’s Basketball” on Facebook.