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EXCITEMENT AND
EXPECTATION RETURN FOR UNA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM
Coming off its
first winning season since 2002, the University of North Alabama
women’s basketball team will enter the upcoming season with more
excitement and even higher expectations.
The Lions
return all five starters from a team that went 14-14 and advanced to
the Gulf South Conference tournament for the first time in four
years.
Leading the
cast of returnees for UNA is reigning GSC East Division Player of
the Year Amber Rutherford and second team all-conference selection
Tandra Inmon. The duo helped the team earn the second seed in the
division with a 7-5 conference record.
Second-year
head coach Terry Fowler, who led the rebuilding effort after the
Lions won only 11 games in the two seasons prior to his arrival,
said his team has a different mindset this year.
“Going into
last season, we wanted to change our attitudes and work ethic,” said
Fowler. As the season went along, we started to believe in
ourselves, each other and the system, which led to a positive
turnaround.
“Our goal this
season is different. We return a veteran team that has set its
sights on a GSC championship. If we can stay healthy we feel really
good about our chances to reach that goal.”
After winning
seven of its final 10 games of the 2006-07 regular season to qualify
for the GSC tourney, the Lions dropped a 79-60 decision to Southern
Arkansas in the first round. Fowler said the memory of the loss will
help fuel this year’s squad. He added that although the team has the
talent and potential to have a great season, it is still a work in
progress.
“This team is
not satisfied with the way the season ended a year ago,” he said.
“Before we can reach a championship level, we must first get our
program to understand the process of what it takes on a daily basis
to be a champion. We still realize we have a lot of work to do, but
returning an experienced team should help the process along.”
Rutherford
should again be the key to the Lions’ success this season. After
leading the nation in free throw percentage (.934) last year, the
5-11 post player from Hatton, Ala., returns for her junior season.
Last year she earned GSC East player-of-the-week honors three times
after averaging 15 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.
“It is great to
have Amber back,” said Fowler. “When all else fails we get the ball
to her and it is either a basket or two free throws. She has worked
extremely hard during the off-season and is in better shape than
ever. Our opponents will focus on her so it should allow her
teammates to flourish.”
Inmon, a senior
from West Memphis, Ark., also returns. Last year, she averaged 11.2
points and 4.9 rebounds and also received GSC player-of-the-week
honors. Fowler said defense is one of Inmon’s best attributes.
“Tandra guards
the other team’s best perimeter player for us,” he said. “She plays
the power forward and sometimes brings the ball up the court. When
we need something done whether it is on or off the court, we usually
call on her.”
Seniors Shay
Ashford, Chelsey Malone and junior, Jameica York round out the
Lions’ starting five. The trio combined 28.8 point per game as the
Lions ranked third in the GSC in scoring. Sixth player Brittany
Godsey saw substantial minutes and is also expected to make major
contributions during her senior season.
The Lions added
three freshmen and one transfer to the mix. Freshmen Sequoyah Cliff,
Kierra McCleary, Ashley Moore and Sophomore Danae Lawrence join
Jessica Strucher to add depth to the backcourt. Also joining the
Lions is Emily Hart,who completed a stellar softball at UNA career
before joining the basketball program. She will join Briana Abrams
and Caitlin Rhoden to add much needed depth in the front court.
Fowler has put
together another tough schedule that will challenge the team this
season. After an exhibition game against Division I Sweet 16
participant Middle Tennessee, the Lions will travel to Seattle,
Wash., to play two games in the Seattle Pacific Classic. UNA will
face the host and Division II Sweet 16 participant Falcons on Nov.
16 before playing Central Washington the next day.
UNA will also
host the Marriott Shoals Holi iday Classic Dec. 29-30 with games
against Saint Leo and Kentucky Wesleyan.
“It is one of
the toughest schedules in the GSC, if not the country, Fowler said.
“The good thing about it is that we have 14 home games at Flowers
Hall. Home was very good to us last season as we posted a 9-2
record. With the number of home games coupled with the caliber of
teams visiting, we expect attendance to continue to rise as it did
last season.”
UNA will host
three opponents that participated in last season’s NCAA South
Regional, with Delta St, Arkansas Tech and Valdosta State coming to
Flowers Hall. Last year, the Lions also suffered three conference
losses by a combined four points and was also responsible for
handing VSU its only defeat in league play.
Fowler said
balance will be the key to another successful run, which is
something his team has.
“Balance is
our greatest strength,” he said. “We don’t have to depend on any one
particular person. We have five starters who can all score and
have a great feel for what their role will be on any given night.
We also added athleticism, depth, and length in the back court.”
The main
factors for success, however, will be avoiding injuries and
developing chemistry between the newcomers and returning players.
“We were
very fortunate last season as only two players missed a combined
four games for health or bereavement reasons,” Fowler said. “Team
chemistry and remaining healthy will be vital to our success. The
development of our newcomers is also crucial. How quickly they
develop will determine how quickly we get out of the gate.”
The Lions’ home
opener will be on Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. against Blue Mountain College.
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