PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore suffered through one of its worst offensive performances of the season the last time out at home in a loss to Georgetown where the Hawks shot just 23.5% from the field and fell 57-39.
But with the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference season just around the corner, the Hawks next travel to Charlotte for their nonconference finale. This game will be the last tune-up before what could be a difficult conference compaign.
"I talked a lot to my kids the other day about how heavy it is stepping up into a different role," Hawks coach Fred Batchelor said. "It if very different when you are plying 12, 15 or 18 minutes a game last season and now you are playing 25 to 30 to 35 minutes and you are expected to carry the load. It is a different responsibility and I think that is what they are learning.
"Hopefully we can learn it quickly. I think they will and we will be a better team in February than we are in January. I can bet you that, but it is going to take some work and it is going to be a process."
Junior Amanda Carney (Old Bridge, New Jersey) leads the Hawks with 11.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, but is coming off a game against the Hoyas where she got off just three shots in 27 minutes.
Classmate Porsha Sydnor (Chicago, Illinois) lead the team in assists with 4.4 per contest and is second in the MEAC with a 1.6 assist/turnover ratio on the season.
Sophomore Brooklyn Bailey (Rock Hill, South Carolina) is averaging 9.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists.
This core group of returners who are in the current starting lineup along with a mix of returners and fresh faces have been asked to mesh in the earl going despite six different players missing time this season.
"The new kids are learning and going as they go on the job," Batchelor said. "Maya Thomas (Chesapeake, Virginia) and Jamaya Blanks (Greensboro, North Carolina) and Makayla Adams (Bowie, Maryland). They will make one play and the next time the look like a freshman. That is what we are dealing with. We are just hoping they continue to get better. They are great kids with great work ethics and its going to take some time, but we are going to continue to improve."
The 49ers are led by redshirt senior guard Jade Phillips who averages 15.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. Junior guard Mariah Linney adds 12.5 points and 3.4 assists per game.
Charlotte (8-2) is coming off a win at Davidson.
Eastern Shore (3-9) will host Howard on Jan. 4 at 2 p.m. to open MEAC play.
"It is going to be tough in the conference," Batchelor said. "We open with a team in Howard that is playing very well. They are one of the better teams in the league if not the best team in the league after returning all their starters from last year. Then it is going to be tough, because we have a lot of kids competing at that level for the first time."
