Senior Guard Kalista Friday, Waynesburg’s leading scorer from last season, is ready to hit the road running this year. The women’s first game is set for Nov. 14 against William Paterson. 

“Kalista is a great player,” head coach Sam Jones said. “She’s got a motor that just doesn’t quit.” 

Friday is excited for the first game against William Paterson as she cannot wait for her final season. They are preparing in every area that they can during the preseason.  

“[We have been] working out, lifting, running and open gyms as well,” Friday said. “So, I think we are heading in the right direction.”  

Friday is coming off averaging just under 12 points per game. Jones is hoping she gets back into that grove early and often as well.  

“She does a lot of things,” Jones said. “She gets a tough defensive assignment, we need her to score points, and we need her to facilitate as a point guard.” 

However, William Paterson may cause potential challenges for Waynesburg when it comes to the first game of the season. For example, they are playing at a neutral site in York, Pennsylvania. Jones talked about some of these challenges. 

“They graduated a bunch of people, so I do not know how much different they are going to look,” Jones said. “I think sometimes you can get distracted by the other team, when realistically if you just focus on your own stuff, you will be okay.” 

Jones does not want to take this game for granted or lightly. Jones is heading into his 19th season as head coach of the Waynesburg Women’s Basketball team.  

Excitement was present when Jones was asked about the first game. He is eager to see the growth of his team and just to be back on the court against another team. Friday had very similar feelings and thoughts when it came to talking about the first game.

“Obviously a lot of excitement with the first game, that’s how it is every year,” Friday said. “We have high expectations this year, with mostly all starters returning this year.” 

Following the William Paterson game, Waynesburg plays York College on Nov 15. Carlow will be the first true away game on Nov. 18, followed by the home opener in the Waynesburg Invitational Tournament against Mount Union on Nov. 21.