ORONO — Four players, including former Biddeford High standout Emily Rousseau, have left the women's basketball team at the University of Maine after a 7-23 season under first-year coach Cindy Blodgett.
Sophomore center Sandra Vaitkute and Rousseau, a freshman point guard, plan to transfer. Junior guard Brittany Bowen will remain at Maine as a student. The fourth player, freshman forward Magdala Johnson, has not indicated whether she plans to transfer.
It is unclear what led to the decision for Rousseau, who averaged 28.4 minutes and 8.1 points a game. Blodgett, while an assistant coach at Brown last year, recruited Rousseau, who earned America East rookie of the week honors in two consecutive weeks in January.
Rousseau then missed the Black Bears' final seven games after suffering a leg injury.
"It was a personal decision on her end," said Blodgett. "I've been very pleased with Emily's growth as a player. I think she's a very good person."
Calls to Rousseau's family were not returned.
Ron Cote, Rousseau's coach at Biddeford High, said she is looking at Division II schools in Massachusetts.
Cote said he was surprised by Rousseau's decision.
"I'm surprised that she's going to leave a Division I program where I thought she had a pretty good season," he said. "She seemed to be fairly successful this year and I think they were looking at her as one of the people to build the team around."
Maine Athletic Director Blake James said he is not concerned the exodus is anything more than the typical turnover that can happen under a new coaching regime.
"Anytime you have a change in coaches, you'll have some that feel they're not the right fit for the program," said James. "It's something you see nationally
"I'm very excited about the future of our program. Cindy is a wonderful head coach and I'm looking forward to seeing our team grow."
Seven players remain on the team and four recruits have signed letters of intent to join the program next fall.
Blodgett said she will not rule out adding a player before next season.
"We're not gun-shy," she said. "If there's someone out there, we'll absolutely take a real strong look."
Blodgett said in a statement: "We have three players who are interested in exploring opportunities. We wish them well in their explorations. I'm looking forward to working with our returning players and four incoming freshmen who have demonstrated the level of commitment that we as a coaching staff are looking for in helping to turn the program around."
Bowen, of Merrill, Wis., started 26 of 30 games this season, averaging 8.7 points. Blodgett said Bowen will remain at school and continue to receive her scholarship next year. She may be involved with the team in some capacity.
Neither Vaitkute, of Charlottesville, Va., nor Johnson, of Sandown, N.H., were starters this season. Vaitkute averaged 4.8 points and led the team with 12 blocks. Johnson averaged 0.8 points.
Staff Writer Mike Lowe contributed to this report.
Staff Writer Jenn Menendez can be contacted at 791-6426 or at:
jmenendez@pressherald.com
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