Team dreaming of return to NCAA tournament as preseason practice kicks off
The CU women’s basketball team recently started its preseason with an improved chemistry, thanks to solid practice time.
“Our team chemistry has improved a lot,” said senior forward Jackie McFarland. “Just working on the intangibles, we all play better now.”
One of the areas of focus for the team will be outside shooting. Last season, the team had to rely on their inside game. Better 3-point shooters give the team added depth this season, said head coach Kathy McConnell-Miller.
“We’re bigger, stronger and faster,” McConnell-Miller said. “We have really been working on perimeter shooting. It’s a better off attack. All of the girls have been improving.”
The team has one more exhibition against the Colorado School of Mines on Nov. 8. The season officially begins with two California games on the road against the University of San Francisco on Nov. 16 and USC on Nov. 18.
Sophomore guard Susie Powers said she is counting down the days until Dec. 9, when the team plays Vanderbilt.
“My old high school teammate Liz Sherwood plays for Vanderbilt, and I’m really excited to play against her,” Powers said.
Although all of the women have improved from last season, McConnell-Miller said she feels sophomore guard Whitney Houston will be one of the standout players this season.
“She’s the most improved in every aspect,” McConnell-Miller said. “Decision-making, form, perimeter, and work in the off season. She realizes she’s at the next level and expectations have rose, and she’s met every one of them.”
Expectations have definitely risen, but McFarland’s said her goals are set even higher.
“Our main goal is to make the NCAA tournament,” McFarland said.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Justin Sedgwick at justin.sedgwick@thecampuspress.com
