By Michael Freeman, Assistant Sports Editor
The ACU women’s basketball team takes to the court in Moody Coliseum Saturday at 2 p.m. to play Lubbock Christian in an exhibition game.
ACU officially begins its season next Friday on the road against Incarnate Word, but the team will be gaining some game experience before then.
“It’s the first time we really get to put on our uniforms and play out game situations,” said head coach Shawna Lavender. “We’re definitely using it to get us prepared for the year, and we’ll treat it as if it’s a real game for us.”
The Wildcats were picked to finish second in the Lone Star Conference South Division this season after finishing last year with a 17-12 overall record. ACU fell in the first round of the LSC Post-Season Tournament to the University of Central Oklahoma last season, but is looking to improve with the return of stellar players such as senior point guard Alex Guiton and junior center Audrey Maxwell. Other returning players include junior forward Kristee Davidson, senior forward Ashlee Barr, sophomore guards Kat Kundmueller and Kelsey Darby and sophomore forwards Jamie and Jody Meyer. All of the returners have been practicing for Saturday’s game.
“One of the things I’ve liked about practice this year so far is it seems like we work a lot harder every single day,” Lavender said. “Obviously, we’re nowhere near where we want to be, but we’re getting there every day.”
During the offseason, the Wildcats added some freshmen players including center Jenna Simmel, forward Jamie Miller and guards Jensen Knickerbocker and Autumn Whitaker.
“They’re just solid players. Shawna does a great job recruiting,” assistant head coach Lynsie Blau said. “They’re really sweet, nice girls. They’re going to get along really well with the team.”
Lavender is entering her fifth season as the ACU women’s head coach, and is eager to coach Saturday’s game.
Lubbock Christian is ranked No. 10, according to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics pre-season polls.
Saturday’s game will count towards Lubbock Christian’s overall record, but not for ACU’s. Still, the Wildcats are going into the game looking to win.
“It’s definitely not a game that we’ll take lightly,” Lavender said. “It sets a tone for how you want to start your year, I think.”
