Every week leading up to the start of the 2017-18 athletics season, PurpleEagles.com will be taking a look back at some of the most memorable moments from the 2016-17 campaign. A series of 10 pivotal moments will highlight the past year for the Purple Eagles, leading up to the first contest of a new year, as Niagara women's soccer kicks off the season at Michigan State on Friday, August 18.

After missing the majority of the 2015-16 season due to a serious shoulder injury, Niagara women's basketball forward Victoria Rampado was poised to make her return for the 2016-17 season. Rampado's comeback was highly anticipated as she was named to both the Preseason All-MAAC First Team and the Preseason All-Big 4 First Team. When she returned to the court, Rampado did not disappoint.

Rampado led the MAAC in scoring with 16.8 points per game and led the Purple Eagles and was fourth in the conference in rebounding with 7.9 rebounds per game. Rampado started all 30 games for the Purple Eagles and scored in double figures in 27 games. She scored 20 or more points in 13 games, including 24 points against then-No. 6/5 Maryland, the highest opponent to ever be welcomed to the Gallagher Center. Rampado led the team with eight double-doubles on the season.

Perhaps the most gratifying moment of Rampado's comeback season was the chance to make Purple Eagles history. At Quinnipiac on Jan. 26, Rampado became the 23^rd player in Niagara women's basketball history to surpass 1,000 career points.

At the conclusion of the regular season, Rampado was named to the All-MAAC Second Team, as well as being named to the MAAC All-Academic Team.

Head coach Jada Pierce enters her third season with the Purple and White in 2017-18. She returns 11 from last year's squad, which went 8-22. Rampado, now a redshirt-senior, will enter her final season with the Purple Eagles. Other notable returners include senior forward Kaylee Stroemple (13.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg) and sophomore guard Morgan Baughman (6.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg). Paige Mosley (Clemson) and Diona Johnson (Davidson), who red-shirted the 2016-17 season, will be eligible to compete in 2017-18. The Purple Eagles welcome two newcomers to the squad; forward Emerald Ekpiteta and guard Claire Wanzer.

The 2017-18 Niagara women's basketball season tips off on Nov. 10 at local rival St. Bonaventure at 5:30 p.m.

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