8. COLUMBIA

The Lions lost three of its top scorers, forcing Head Coach Jay Butler to recruit some freshmen over 6'. But the new crew can't save a sunken ship.

Columbia (6-20, 2-12, 8th) should still get beat up and beaten by its tougher Ivy opponents.

"We went after size in the post, and I'm proud to say we got it," Butler said.

However, Butler will have to use what he has right now as several freshmen will be thrown into the starting mix.

Forward Shawnee Pickney, a 6' junior, will be counted on heavily to do most of the offensive workload. Pickney is the Lions' top returning scorer at 9.7 ppg and 7.9 rpg. The other forward, senior Catherine Tubridy, will see an equally-difficult workload. Tubridy, in addition to having to score more her 6.3 ppg last year, will take on the leadership role alongside senior center Erin Erdman and senior guard Katie Sherwin.

Sherwin will have to run the offense for the Lions, but she'll get some relief from Brie Cokos (4.8 ppg) and Meredith Loffredo.

Freshmen will play a much more important role than Butler would like. Shaunte Edmunds, a 6'3 center, and 6'1 forward Beckie Fisher could see heavy minutes in the frontcourt. Highly-regarded guards Patricia Kern and Megan O'Neil will also probably be forced into some type of contributing role.