Women’s Basketball: First-year Bekah Roland

When looking at Bekah Roland’s season stats, it is hard to believe that the impressive forward is only a first-year.

Roland’s numbers this season earned her Rookie of the Year honors from the MAC Freedom Conference.

Roland finished 4th in the conference, posting 17.6 points a game. She was also 7th in the league as she grabbed 7.1 rebounds a contest. It may come as a surprise that Roland was not at all concerned about her numbers this season.

“I wasn’t expecting it at all,” she said. “I didn’t look at other people’s stats so I didn’t know I had a good chance of getting the award.”

The forward from Manheim, Pa. showed why she was Head Coach Katie Levis’ top recruit, placing second on the team in minutes played and recording eight double-doubles.

“Bekah had a great first year,” Levis said. “She was a huge offensive threat and played consistently throughout the season.”

Roland posted a career best 31 points against Delaware Valley on Feb. 11, but she said that winning games is more important than individual stats.

“Looking at the stats, Delaware Valley was my best game,” Roland said. “We lost that game, and I don’t like games where we come out with a loss.”

Roland was also an outside threat, finishing second on the team in three pointers made. Her 71 percent from the charity stripe added to her already all-around game.

“Bekah is a team player who showed improvement as the season progressed, and I know she will be a key player in the future,” Levis said.

Roland does not want to look too far ahead, but a Player of the Year award may be next on the list.

“That would be exciting,” Roland said with a smile on her face. “I really want our team to win and have a winning season before I even think about that.”