STANDISH, ME - The Saint Joseph's women's swim team features a nice balance of top returners and talented newcomers this season.

Under the guidance of Head Coach Rick Horr- now in his fourth season as the Monks' deck general, the women expect to build off another solid season and post even better results this winter. The 2010-11 squad played a tougher schedule than in years past and finished below .500 (3-4) for the first time as a varsity program, but the veteran-laden group is likely to learn from the losses and will strive to turn the close setbacks into triumphs this winter.

Last year the SJC roster combined to post 33 personal-best times and break five team records. With the addition of a solid incoming class, it is reasonable to expect even more team records to fall this season.

Leadership will certainly not be a concern, as the Monks feature a quartet of returning seniors - each of which has contributed in a major way over the past three years. Heading the senior group is Hannah Gajewski (Biddeford, Maine/McAuley), a three-time Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) All-Tournament honoree and the team's all-time leader in victories and events. Seniors Jamie Wojtkiewicz (Bedford, N.H.), Rose Maccarrone (Hingham, Mass.) and Anne Roberts (Hopkinton, N.H.) have combined to compete in 206 total events with 47 wins and 46 runner-up efforts in their careers.

Christine Cote (Biddeford, Maine), the team's lone returning junior, will play an integral role in the team's success again this year. Through two seasons she has posted 12 wins and 18 runner-up performances.

Mandy Avella '15 (Londonderry, N.H.) headlines the group of newcomers and is expected to be a major contributor immediately.

The Monks will host four home meets this winter, with the first coming against Regis College on Saturday, November 19th. The team will also play host to Husson University, University of New England and Simmons College.

The GNAC Championship will take place at Simmons College on December 3rd and 4th.