By Michael Freeman, Assistant Sports Editor
The women’s basketball team began last season with seven straight wins. Through seven games this season, the Wildcats are not quite off to the same start. ACU has a 2-4 overall record. The Wildcats played East Central Thursday in Ada, Okla., but results were not available by press time. However, head coach Shawna Lavender is optimistic about the rest of the season.
“We’re fine right now,” Lavender said. “I think the girls still have a lot of high expectations for this team, as do I. There’s a lot of season left.”
ACU’s next game will be against Southeastern Oklahoma State in Durant, Okla., on Saturday. Southeastern Oklahoma State owns a 6-1 overall record, and is atop the Lone Star Conference North Division standings.
“Southeastern is always tough. And they’re playing well right now,” Lavender said. “If we can limit their easy baskets and keep them off the offensive boards, then that’s really going to be key for us.”
After Saturday’s game, the Wildcats will get nearly a two-week break before playing four home games. On Dec. 21, ACU will host the University of Texas-Permian Basin, a team that currently is 1-5 for the season. After that game, the Wildcats will get another break for Christmas.
“Hopefully, it gives the girls a little bit of time to rejuvenate,” Lavender said. “To me, after Christmas break is really when the season starts.”
The Wildcats will be back in action on Jan. 3 when Southwestern Oklahoma State comes to Moody Coliseum. Two days later, the Wildcats will take on Cameron. Finally, the Wildcats’ home stand will wrap up against Texas A&M International on Jan. 7. All three teams currently do not have a winning record.
ACU will begin a three-game road trip as the Wildcats will first take on Texas A&M-Commerce on Jan. 12. Then, the Wildcats will get their first taste of conference play as they face Texas Woman’s on Jan. 16 and Angelo State on Jan. 19.
“Last year, I felt like we played some of our best basketball before Christmas,” Lavender said. “And hopefully this year, we’ll
play some our best basketball after Christmas.”
