AUBURN — It’s a matter of trust for the Central Maine Community College women’s basketball team this season.

With just six returning players and a promising group joining them, the defending Yankee Small Conference champions hope to build a season off that foundation.

“We tell them every day: ‘Trust yourself,'” said CMCC women’s coach Andrew Morong. “They’re here for a reason. It’s because they’re great basketball players and potential leaders. We tell them, ‘We trust you out on the court. Just play basketball. Trust your instincts.’ They’re really buying into that.”

That’s why Morong is excited about what this group might do this season. Last year’s team won the conference title, but this team has more depth, and they’re already connecting as a team.

“There’s a ton of potential,” said Morong. “We have a nice balance of returning players and exciting newcomers. The chemistry is really different from last year. They’ve totally bought in to each other already. I love the chemistry and the personality of this team.”

The six returning Mustangs including guard/forward Danielle McCusker, a South Portland native that was an all-conference player the last two years. Oak Hill’s Maggie Sabine, a forward, was the Yankee Conference MVP in the last year’s tourney while guard Ariel McConkey, a Fryeburg grad, was the top offensive player in the tourney.

“So we’re returning three high profile players,” said Morong.

Also back are guards Oak Hill’s Rebecca Tucci, Kaisha Rodriguez and Keaira Jackson. Among the new players are a pair from New Hampshire, Corinna Kinder and Susie French.

“They were both NHIAA all-state team players their senior year,” said Morong. “Corinna was honorable mention, and Susie was actually first team.”

McConkey’s younger sister Maggie also joins the club. She earned 12 varsity letters at Fryeburg. Puerto Rico native Nohemy Aguila is slated as a starting point guard. Locals like Mt. Abram’s Kylie Rolbiecki, Mountain Valley’s Kaitlin Armstrong and Spruce Mountain’s Ashley Dorey are also great additions.

“If we can get them on the same page, the sky’s the limit,” said Morong. “We have a ton of potential. We have a lot of versatile athletes that can play multiple positions. We’re going to get out in transition. It’s going to be a lot of fun to watch.”

Despite winning the conference title last year, the Mustangs were picked second behind Machias in a preseason coaches poll.

“That’s a nice source of motivation,” said Morong.

A significant part of this group is the hard-working background they come from. There should be no shortage of determination or effort from this team.

“We have a lot of blue-collar players,” said Morong. “They only know one thing — work hard. What more can you ask for?”

Following last year’s title is a tough task, especially with the pressure of hosting the conference championship in February. Morong says this team isn’t trying to repeat but create their own story.

“We don’t look at this season as a title defense with a target on our backs,” he said. “This is a completely new group of girls. They want to do something special and something completely different from last year.”

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