As the old cliché goes, it can be lonely at the top. For senior forward Shannan Scarselletta, it can be lonely down low as well.

On a team that is heavy on guard-play, and features only one other senior on the roster, Scarselletta has emerged this season as a natural leader because she not only provides a consistent presence at her position, but because she is also the only four-year player in the starting lineup.

“I knew I was going to have to be a go-to player, but I didn’t know I had to be the go-to player,” Scarselletta said. “This is a role I had to step into and be for my team.”

On a roster that features only one other senior, Shannan Scarselletta will see an increased role this year not only because of her on-court play, but because of her reliable leadership for the young squad.

Last year, Scarselletta played in each of Cornell’s 29 games, averaging over 20 minutes per game.

“She was like a sixth starter last year,” said head coach Dayna Smith. “Shannan has definitely had some experience.”