A healthy dose of optimism rests with the Cal Poly Pomona Broncos women's basketball team as the 2009-10 season begins Sunday afternoon at Notre Dame de Namur. 

Third-year coach Scott Davis welcomes back his top three scorers from a year ago and nine players who saw playing time for a club that went 16-14 overall and 12-8 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. 

The Broncos have shown steady progression under Davis. The Broncos have improved in each of his three seasons – improving from eight wins to 12 in his first year and the 16 a year ago. 

Davis would gladly take another four-win improvement as that would place his team in contention for a CCAA title and an NCAA Tournament berth. 

“I'm excited about the people we have coming back and our recruiting class was strong,'' said Davis, who owns a 28-30 overall mark at CPP. “Our top three scorers and rebounders return from a year ago. Any coach wants to have that type of experience returning.'' 

Leading the way is two-time All-CCAA guard Reyana Colson. The Compton native was the only player in the CCAA who ranked in top 10 in scoring (T1st), rebounds (6th), FG percentage (8th), assists (8th), steals (2nd), assist/turnover ratio (6th) and minutes (5th). 

She averaged 16.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.4 steals a game and looks to have another big year for the Green and Gold. 

“Reyana's developed into a true leader for us,'' Davis said. “She wasn't accustomed to it and that's understandable when you're an underclassmen. She's growing into her role. The team takes on her personality which is something when you consider she gets the job done in the classroom and on the court. She does what she's asked to do and it's contagious.'' 

Davis' other returning All-CCAA player is senior guard Stephisha Walton. The Portland State transfer was stellar in her first season with CPP as she averaged 9.2 points a game with 8.6 rebounds a contest. She earned second-team honors and was fourth in the CCAA in that category. She had 13 games of nine or more rebounds and 11 in double digits. 

“She's really worked hard in the offseason at elevating her game,'' Davis said. “We need to make sure to put her in good spots on the court and not get out of position. Defensively, she brings us so much and that translates into getting our offense started.'' 

Sophomore center Megan Ford has recovered nicely after missing the second half of last year with a torn ACL. She started in all 15 games she played and averaged 10.5 points with 7.6 rebounds a contest. 

“Megan's welcomed back with open arms,'' Davis said. “She's a player that you can build a team around. I think a lot of our success this season will hinge upon how well she's recovered from her injury. She works awfully hard.'' 

Davis has two sophomores who have played well during preseason. Guard Rosslyn Beard appeared in 24 games last year with 12 starts and guard Sarah Semenero has started in both an exhibition game at UC Riverside and a scrimmage at Long Beach State. 

“I knew that Rosslyn would be solid, but she has exceeded my expectations,'' Davis said. “She's hard-nosed, always hustles. She's so solid and steady. 

“Sarah has been our most improved player – from the midpoint of last year to right now. Her conditioning is among the best. She could have played Division I soccer, but we're pleased to have her on our team.''
Davis figures it may take some time for team chemistry to work its way through, but the versatility his team has will be a big-time plus. 

“We need people to come in and be steady,'' he said. “We have a few depth concerns, especially in the post. But we have multiple go-to players and that's going to give us some versatility.''

Other returners from the 2008-09 season include: senior guard Jessica Duran, redshirt freshman guard Jennifer Bryant, sophomore forward Kaitlin Derby and sophomore center Nicolette Brown . 

Junior college transfers include: guard Georgia Onyemem, junior guard La'Kenya Simon-West and junior guard Ebony White.

Incoming freshmen include: guard Brianna Beridon and center Rachel Porter. 

The Broncos have four nonconference games slated with Sunday's opener at Notre Dame de Namur and Monday at Dominican. 

CPP travels to Nampa, Idaho, in mid-December to face GNAC foes Western Oregon and host Northwest Nazarene.