Mackenzie Loesing Named Big 4 Preseason Player of the Year
10/14/2013 12:00:00β―AM | Women's Basketball
BUFFALO, NY - Three members of the University at Buffalo women's basketball team were recognized preseason All-Big 4 team on Monday afternoon, which was announced at the First Niagara Center during the annual Big 4 Media Day Event. Sophomore Mackenzie Loesing was named the Big 4 preseason player of the year, and was joined on the All-Big 4 First Team by classmate Rachael Gregory. Senior forward Cherridy Thornton made the second team.
Loesing led the team in scoring, field goals, free throws, and steals in her freshman season, culminating with a spot on the Mid-American Conference All-Freshman team and was honorable mention All-MAC. Her 11.6 points per game were the most by a freshman at UB since Brandie Karhoff averaged 12.7 points per game in 1988-89, and she scored in double figures in eight of the final nine games of the season. On defense, she was credited with 66 steals, which was among the conference's best.
Gregory was an instant impact for the team, playing in the first 17 games before suffering a season-ending injury. Before that, though, she put up 10.7 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, highlighted by a double-double of 18 points and 13 rebounds against St. Bonaventure. With her road to recovery nearly complete, the sophomore forward will be a welcome addition to a team that was able to grow despite her absence. Thornton joined the team as a mid-year transfer around the same time that Gregory was lost to injury, and her scoring ability was a big boost to the team. The senior forward played in the final 22 games of the season, and averaged 10.8 points per game with 12 double-digit scoring games in that stretch.
The Bulls will have a pair of home exhibitions before the regular season begins Friday, November 8 at Binghamton. Fans can see the women's team in action at Bulls Madness on Friday, October 25 at 7:00 pm.
