Most teams often find it hard to get motivated after coming off a successful season.
There are questions that need to be answered, and a clear focus that needs to be attained.
The IUS Women’s Basketball team is not one of those teams.
There’s already a clear focus, and they have their questions answered already.
“We want to go as far as we can in the tournament,” Brianne Miles, senior guard, said. “If we play hard as a team we will have another successful season.”
Other teams struggle with re-building lineups and have chemistry problems, but not IU Southeast.
Experience is in the Grenadiers favor as all five starters are returning including reigning KIAC Player of the Year Whitney Duncan, senior guard, and Alden Krausse, senior forward.
“I think it will be tough because we draw a lot of attention because of our past success, but, if we play as a team, there’s no limit to our success,” Duncan said. “I’m excited for the start of the season.”
The past success Duncan is referring to has led to high expectations this year, as evidenced by a preseason ranking of No. 1 in the KIAC and a No. 20 ranking in the NAIA.
There are a few changes from last year’s team, notably the addition of new players Robin Deckard, freshman guard, Abby Taylor, freshman forward, and Nicole Holman, senior guard.
“Our new players will have an opportunity to contribute in key spots,” Duncan said.
After going 23-9 last season, Robin Farris, IUS Women’s Basketball head coach, prepares his team for another season.
The Grenadiers opened the season with home losses against St. Francis College and Goshen College.
“We could have won both games,” Holman said. “We’re still learning each other.”
The Grenadiers rebounded with a 66-52 win over St. Catharine on Nov. 10.
Duncan and backcourt mate Miles said they are looking forward to their annual matchup versus rival Brescia University.
“That’s going to be a fun game,” Duncan said. “We always have tough battles against their guards.”
Fans are encouraged to come watch the Grenadiers as they defend their conference title.
“We’re an exciting team and just as successful as the men’s team,” Miles said.
By GARRETT TAYLOR
Staff
gartaylo@ius.edu
