IMMACULATA, Pa. – The historic Immaculata Mighty Macs women's basketball team is set to begin their 2021-22 season on Saturday. The Mighty Macs will kick off their season on the road at Ursinus College on Saturday with tip-off scheduled for 1:00 P.M.
 
Though their 2020-21 campaign was cancelled due to the pandemic, the Mighty Macs were able to compete in a two-game season in which they played a home-and-away series against Gwynedd Mercy last spring.
 
"We were extremely fortunate and grateful that President Lettiere, the executive administration, and the athletic department worked so hard to enable us the opportunity to compete last season and honor our seniors," said head coach Chrissy Rhine. "We cannot be more excited to be back and to have an entire season to compete."
 
In the 2021-22 Atlantic East Conference Preseason Poll, the Macs were voted fourth overall on the conference. Marymount was voted first overall on the conference while Cabrini and Gwynedd Mercy earned second and third place, respectively.
 
The Mighty Macs will be led this season by returning graduate student Theresa Kearney. Kearney is currently listed as the 17^th-highest scoring student-athlete in Immaculata history after earning her 1,000^th career point against Neumann in February of 2020.
 
"Theresa is not only a tremendous player but a fantastic leader," explained Rhine. "With a young team, having someone with so much experience and success allows the underclassmen to feel supported and confident in their transition to collegiate play."
 
Joining Kearney is a contingent of veterans to aid the Macs. Jordan Rook, the 2019-20 Atlantic East Rookie of the Year, is set to make an impact in her junior year season. Additionally, Sydney Ott is set to return to the court after an injury sidelined her in 2019-20.
 
"Meghan Ricker, Kaitlyn Racobaldo, Morgan Falcone, and Erin Kelly have all set high expectations as veterans at practice for the newcomers, having led by example every practice," detailed Rhine. "We will rely on all of our returners for consistency and leadership in our upcoming games."
 
Also returning this season are a quartet of sophomores who got their feet wet in last year's abbreviated season. Tessa Liberatoscioli, Victoria Foster, Bridget Philbin, and Ava Casale will all look to make an impact in their first full collegiate season.
 
Rounding out the 2021-22 roster, the Mighty Macs have brought in a five-person freshman class full of depth. Abigail Boyer, Abigail Lentowski, Januarie Tate, Reese Mullins, and Brennah Scott are set to compete for minutes in what is a deep Immaculata roster.
 
"The freshmen have not skipped a beat at practice," continued Rhine. "They bring a new level of competitive intensity to our team. We envision the freshmen making an impact on the court immediately."
 
The 2021-22 season also marks the 50^th anniversary of the Mighty Macs' 1972 AIAW National Championship-winning team. Cathy Rush's Mighty Macs defeated West Chester State 52-49 on March 19^th, 1972 to secure the first AIAW Championship title. The Macs would go on to win three-straight Championship titles through 1974.
 
"Our girls are reminded of the championship teams every time they walk into the gym and see the National Championship trophies. They have an appreciation for the achievements of the program in the past and are determined replicate some of that success," concluded Rhine.