We need storylines, particularly heading into new seasons. And for the Huskies womens' team, which opened it's exhibition schedule with a 89-30 win over Assumption Thursday, it was all about life after Maya Moore.
It's hard to glean much from a 59-point win over an out-matched opponent, but freshman Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, who wears Maya's No. 23, appears to be every bit the five-star player she appeared to be during her high school career.
She was one of Geno Auriemma's five starters, and on her 18th birthday, scored 17 points in 21 minutes. She provides UConn with more consistency from beyond the arc, something that proved to be their undoing a season ago (it also helps that Caroline Doty is returning to the lineup).
Mosqueda-Lewis hit her first jumper -- a two-pointer -- midway through the first half before going 4 for 7 from downtown before halftime.
"Yes, one of those [three] freshmen is a really good shooter," Auriemma said, according to the Hartford Courant. … "She did a little bit of everything, just like she's been doing for us in practice."
Guard Tiffany Hayes led all scorers with 18 points, assuming the leadership role as the team's only senior. Under-19 U.S. National Team members Bria Hartley scored 13 points and six assists and Stefanie Dolson added 12 points and 10 rebounds. Kelly Faris' 10 points, six rebounds and six assists put five Huskies in double-figures for the night.
"I think it took us eight or nine minutes to get us into the mode, but the last 10 minutes were pretty good," Auriemma said of the team's effort.
Meanwhile, Doty, as she did all last year, watched the game from the bench in street clothes. This season, though, she will suit up for the Huskies. The only question is when. (The Courant notes that Doty wasn't wearing a walking boot on her injured ankle so that's a good sign.)
"She'll be back and she's coming back strong," said Hayes.
UConn has one more exhibition game Thursday when they host Pace at the XL Center.
