Coach: Jamie Beaudoin, 18th year

Last year’s record: 11-15 overall; 8-9 in NAC. Finished fifth place in conference. Lost first-round game to New England College

Key returners: Kennadi Grover, sr., forward; Abby Hasson, sr., forward.

Newcomers to watch: Sara Lamb, fr., guard; Sydney Petrie, fr., forward

Season outlook: University of Maine at Farmington coach Jamie Beaudoin has a lot his mind this basketball season.

He needs to find viable replacements for Meghan Smith and Elizabeth Ferry, whose leadership capabilities kept the Beavers on course, and he is looking at grueling opening schedule against a handful of top-notch teams.

“Last year, we had a few signature wins, which are hard to come by,” Beaudoin said. “We beat Bates for the first time since 2007, which is pretty exciting for our senior class — the first time against a NESCAC school. That was a highlight for us. We won at Castleton State for the first time in a few years. I think that those wins were first semester. I think our seniors have beliefs in trying to accomplish some things this year.”

Like every season, there are new challenges for the Beavers and finding that right combination of a starting five is high on Beaudoin’s priority list.

“I do think we face some challenges with our schedule,” Beaudoin said. “Early on, we play four teams who went to the NCAA tournament.

“And to replace two really strong seniors — Meghan Smith and Elizabeth Ferry — both for their leadership abilities. They did a lot for us on the court, kind of like an extension of myself and kind of knew what we wanted to accomplish and to be able to incorporate the group into that.

“Where are we going to generate some offense is the biggest question mark we are going to have. We have some talented shooters We have some post players who can score some points in a hurry, but we still have to find a way to get those baskets.”

During a scrimmage game against the University of Southern Maine, the Beavers scored only 46 points, and Beaudoin knows UMF’s offense must increase its output.

“Can we defend well enough? Yeah, I think we can be competitive,” Beaudoin said. “We need to put up a few more points than that.

“We have some guards who can shoot the ball very well. Our post players can score some points and we have a little bit of size with a transfer. Those elements will come in for us. But defensively, I think we will be disciplined as we always been.”

Husson College, Castelton State, Maine Maritime, New England College and Colby Sawyer always give the Beavers a run for their money.

“Every night out, especially in conference, we will have tough night out,” Beaudoin said.

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