Optimist
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Editorials
    • Letters to the Editor
  • Features
    • Book Review
  • Multimedia
    • Photo Galleries
    • Videos
  • Police Log
  • Print Edition
  • Projects
  • Classifieds
  • About
    • Advertise
    • Policies
    • Staff Contacts
    • Jobs
You are here: Home / Sports / Experience gives Wildcats hope

Experience gives Wildcats hope

November 16, 2007 by Michael Freeman

By Michael Freeman, Assistant Sports Editor

Ten players are returning this season to the ACUwomen’s basketball team- a team picked to finish second in the Lone Star Conference South Division. And with the return of so many experienced players and the addition of four talented freshmen, head coach Shawna Lavender is excited about the Wildcats’ chances of being a serious contender in the post-season.

“I think we have a legitimate shot to challenge for the conference championship,” Lavender said. “Now whether or not we do that is all going to depend on keeping our minds right and keeping our team chemistry where it needs to be.”

Last year, ACU went 17-12 overall with an 8-6 conference record. The Wildcats’ season ended after being ousted 76-57 in the first round of the Lone Star Conference Post-Season Tournament by Central Oklahoma.

“It left a bad taste in our mouths,” said junior center Audrey Maxwell. “We knew we could’ve been better. I really want to take advantage of this season and make something happen.”

Maxwell and senior forward Alex Guiton were named to the first team all-LSC South Division last season.

Both players will be starting for ACU this season. In the Wildcats’ exhibition game against Lubbock Christian Saturday, junior forward Kristee Davidson, sophomore guard Kelsey Darby and sophomore forward Jody Meyer also started for ACU. But this season’s team is so talented that the Wildcats’ starting
lineup may not be set in stone.

“This is probably one of the deepest teams we’ve had in a long time,” Lavender said. “And the girls know that; they know that every day they have to fight to keep their starting jobs. It makes our practices very competitive, which is great because that makes more prepared for the game.”

ACU has 27 games on its schedule this year with the first game coming Friday against Incarnate Word. The schedule also includes games against competitive squads like nationally ranked No. 4 West Texas A&M. Texas A&M-Commerce, a team ACU beat last season, is also on the schedule this year. But Texas A&M-Commerce went on a streak through the regional tournament to the Division II Elite Eight last postseason and is entering this season ranked No. 12 in the nation.

“I think our schedule this year is probably a little bit tougher last year,” Lavender said. “Every game we’re playing is a regional game this year.”

In addition to 14 conference matches, ACU will play regional opponents such as Incarnate Word, St. Edward’s, East Central and the team that kicked the Wildcats out of the playoffs- Central Oklahoma.

ACU will combat opponents this year with a fierce foursome of centers. Maxwell, who averaged 13.5 points and 10.1 rebounds last season, will lead the Wildcats’ interior game play. Sophomore backup Jody Meyer will skillfully be able to play both the center position and forward position. And freshmen Jamie Miller and Jenna Simmel can provide an energetic boost coming off the bench.

“Definitely having a strong presence inside is huge,” Lavender said. “For us to have two strong centers is really important.”

In the forward spot, Guiton, who led the team last year in scoring with 15.1 points per game, will be a key player for the Wildcats. Senior Ashlee Barr, Davidson and sophomore Jamie Meyer will all be able to bring a balanced attack of both offense
and defense when they take the court.

“They are really versatile,” Lavender said. “They can shoot from the outside and be able to post up down low.”

Consistent shooting and passing will come from a group of ACU guards composed of sophomore Kelsey Darby, junior Cici Davis, freshman, Joanna Harner, freshman Jensen Knickerbocker, sophomore Kathryn Kundmueller and freshman Autumn Whitaker.

“We have a pretty balanced team,” Lavender said. “We have a lot of kids that can step up and hit some big shots for us.”

With its talented ensemble, the Wildcats appear poised to put together a stellar season this year.

“I think we’re a better team this year than we were last year,” Lavender said. “And that’s how I expect us to play.”

Filed Under: Sports Tagged With: Basketball

Other Sports:

  • Wildcats spoil Redhawks’ undefeated home record

  • Men’s tennis splits weekend while women sweeps competition

  • Wildcats pull out close win against Utah Tech

About Michael Freeman

You are here: Home / Sports / Experience gives Wildcats hope

Other Sports:

  • Wildcats spoil Redhawks’ undefeated home record

  • Men’s tennis splits weekend while women sweeps competition

  • Wildcats pull out close win against Utah Tech

Follow us online

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Optimist on Twitter

acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
2 Feb

BREAKING: Campus will be operating remotely in the morning. Any classes after 1 p.m. will be in person.

Reply on Twitter 1620939263557734401 Retweet on Twitter 1620939263557734401 Like on Twitter 1620939263557734401 Twitter 1620939263557734401
acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
31 Jan

BREAKING: Campus will continue operating remotely Wednesday due to continued icy conditions.

Reply on Twitter 1620523455421779970 Retweet on Twitter 1620523455421779970 Like on Twitter 1620523455421779970 1 Twitter 1620523455421779970

Optimist on Facebook

The Optimist

1 week ago

The Optimist
ACU’s Alpha Psi Omega chapter raised money for the Living Waters Charity by putting on a show in the span of 24 hours. See more photos from our gallery: ... See MoreSee Less

Gallery: 24-Hour Musical tells the heartwarming story of Junie B. Jones - Optimist

acuoptimist.com

ACU’s Alpha Psi Omega chapter raised money for the Living Waters Charity by putting on a show in the span of 24 hours. This year, the department chose to perform the beloved children’s musical “...
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Optimist

2 weeks ago

The Optimist
Greek Life has started a partnership with Campus Director, a software company that works with universities all over the country. Read more: ... See MoreSee Less

Student life implements new software, updates rushing process - Optimist

acuoptimist.com

Greek Life has started a partnership with Campus Director, a software company that works with universities all over the country. The Campus Director software has an algorithm programmed to match rushe...
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Videos

Optimist Newscast Feb. 1, 2023

Our top stories this week include campus closures due to inclement weather, the ... [Read More…]

  • Optimist Newscast Jan. 25, 2023
  • Women’s tournament run ended by first-round exit against UTRGV
  • Optimist Newscast Feb. 22. 2022

Latest Photos

  • Home
  • Podcasts

© 2023 ACU Optimist · All Rights Reserved