Out of all the teams at UB, there is no question that the women's basketball team was the most successful in its 2002-03 campaign.
Head coach Cheryl Dozier was able to lead Buffalo to an impressive 18-11 record overall, while going 9-7 in the MAC. More importantly, the Bulls were playing for the rights to the MAC East Division title right up until the end of the season. Although unable to attain the goal, UB still earned the rights to host a first round playoff game in the MAC tournament, where they defeated Central Michigan. Their run would come to an end at the hands of Ball State in the second round.
That final defeat was significant, for it was the final game that Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe would play in a UB uniform. McMeeken-Ruscoe, originally from New Zealand, has now graduated, but her impact on the Bulls roster will not be forgotten.
McMeeken-Ruscoe consistently lit up opponents and was the main cog in the Buffalo offense. Her 15.5 points per game will be sorely missed.
In the 2003-04 season Hollie Cook should figure into many of the Bulls plans. Cook plays like a female version of the New York Knick Latrell Sprewell, always hounding her opponents on defense and coming up with steals. Her athleticism will undoubtedly be relied on in the upcoming season.
Due to their success last season the women's basketball team was the most exciting to watch, and more of the same should be expected this year.
