By Syracuse Orange women’s basketball head coach Quentin Hillsman’s standards, SU fell short of its goals in the 2017-2018 season. The Orange ran into a menacing Oklahoma State team in the first round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, losing a cold 84-57 opener in Starkville, Miss. on March 17.
Last season and this season are starting on chords at opposite ends of the spectrum. Last year’s team fielded just one returning starter in (then-sophomore guard) Gabrielle Cooper. There was a plethora of voids to fill — mainly at the point guard position, as ‘Cuse women’s hoops legend Alexis Peterson left for the WNBA.