After a season that turned toward the positive last year, Catasauqua head girls’ basketball coach Tara Belfield has high expectations for her club this winter.

The Rough Riders began last season with a 2-6 record with a junior and four freshmen on the court. They had lost seven seniors from a team that went 16-11 and advanced to the second round of the state tournament.

But Belfield, who was in her first season, managed to turn the tide.

The Roughies rebounded to win 12 of their next 16 games and posted a seven-game winning streak to end the regular season with an overall 14-10 record.

Catty then lost to Palmerton, 50-24, in a Colonial League quarterfinal game before they routed MAST Charter School, 58-34, in an opening-round District Class 3A game. The Roughies’ season ended in a tight, 38-35 loss to Notre Dame in the district quarterfinal round.

With senior and leading scorer Hailey Jenkins leading the way, Belfield was anxious to get the season started. Jenkins averaged 17 points per game and was among the Colonial League’s leading scorers last season.

“We had some close losses last season, but we were such a young team starting a junior and four freshmen,” stated Belfield. “The winning streak came at the perfect time, and we really needed a good boost heading into districts.”

Belfield likes what she saw from the offseason.

“The girls put in the work this summer and I think we are going to figure out ways to win the close games this season,” added Belfield. “We have been in the gym for a couple weeks now, and Hailey is definitely better than she was last season on the court, and as a leader, that is going to push her teammates to be better.”

Along with Jenkins, Belfield will look to returning sophomores Kaylin Stewart, Sarina Sankari and Jessica Mankos to also raise their game. Freshman Javaeha LaFond has played well and should be in the regular rotation.

Jenkins, who again will have a bull’s-eye on her back, understands and realizes her role this season.

“I don’t really see my role changing much this year from last season; however, I do feel that there will be a little more pressure on me considering it’s my senior year,” stated Jenkins. “I think this summer was a good time for me to work on my flaws, and I believe I did improve them a lot.”

The Roughies competed in the Northampton Community College summer leagues, and Sankari and Mankos were impressive.

Belfield believes her team has learned from last season, and can also learn to balance their scoring.

“That last game of the season was really rough for us,” reflected Belfield. “I think what the girls learned was that we can’t solely depend on Hailey to be our everything because other teams are going to focus on her. Other people have to be able to step up in the big moments.”

Jenkins was anxious to get the season underway.

“I’m excited to see what we will bring this season especially since we have everyone returning,” she said.