Women’s basketball plays ISU in first game of season
By Kim Puckett
Staff Writer
UIndy went on the road to scrimmage with Indiana State University on Nov. 3 and had a close loss of 85-80.
The regular season will open against Findlay University on Nov. 16 in Nicoson Hall.
A fresh coaching staff will lead the women’s basketball team into the 2007-08 season.
Assistant coach Constantin Popa said the team is eager to get the season started and see the home side of the stands full of fans and students.
“Hopefully, we can get a bunch of people at the games,” Popa said. “We have been working really hard, so we would like to see the student body come and support the program.”
Head coach LeAnn Freeland and Popa will join 10 returning players and four freshmen. With new team goals and a new game plan, coach Freeland is ready to lead her team to a winning season.
According to the Great Lakes Valley Conference Preseason Coaches Poll taken this month, UIndy is picked to finish the season fourth in the Eastern division of the league.
Last season, the Greyhounds were 16-11 overall and 9-11 in the GLVC. Freeland hopes to improve this record and make other changes as well.
“We want to continue to get better every day,” Freeland said. “I just want to see them give 100 percent and continue to improve.”
Popa also hopes to improve the team’s wins from last season and create a victorious season for his newly inherited team.
“There are lots of things to take into consideration for a successful year,” Popa said. “The main goal is to get the most out of our players and to build a successful program.”
The Greyhounds will change their style of play for the new season by running a faster-paced motion offense and a man-to-man style defense.
Freeland said she hopes to create easy baskets with this new system. The team will also be working on its transition game and running the floor more aggressively.
Sophomore guard Jessica Canary will return as one of three starters from last year, along with sophomore guard Katie Dewey and senior forward Deanna Thomson. Canary said she has a positive outlook on her team’s future and the new system of play.
“Our team has adjusted great to the changes,” Canary said. “I believe that the new system our new coaching staff has put into place is a great fit for our team and has everybody excited about this season.”
Freeland and Canary said the four freshman players also are positive additions to the team. Freeland described the new class as hard-working and easily coached as they fight for playing time. Canary said the freshmen are great players and a good fit for the program.
