WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Lofty goals, a group of five seniors, and unsurpassed depth are here this season.

 After a great season including two SCIAC wins, the Caltech team returns to the court in 07-08 with high hopes.  The last few years have brought many new concepts to the program, and this year is no exception.  This year the team will learn how to manage expectations.  Their own are the highest of all.  The ladies are out to grab yet another record...the most wins in a season.  A lofty goal for a team who finished 3-22 with the last bounce of the ball.  Yet this team has proven it can accomplish great things.

Seven is the magic number to send the record to its shattered finish.  The 2001-2002 team beat Mills College, Southwestern Bible College twice, and American Indian College for a hat trick, with three.  In today's collegiate game, there are no easy wins, so the Beavers will need to earn everything they get.  Yet confidence is abound on the roster. These players mean business. With five seniors on the roster, the ladies know they need to step up to the plate right off. 

"I'm not sure how we didn't win more games early in the year" commented senior and team captain Lindsay King at one point late in the 06-07 season.   To fix that lag in getting down to business, the returning players have been on a mission. Most of the team has been on campus through the summer involved in research.  When they aren't busy in the lab, the treadmill has beckoned.  The NCAA does not allow for any required nor formalized activities, but individually the ladies have been busy.  "As I have come and gone from my office this summer, I have seen some serious running and lifting going on for some familiar faces.  These ladies understand that their preparation directly impacts their season," noted Tech head coach, Sandra Marbut.  

Depth will really play a significant factor in the team's ability to reach their goals The return of former Beaver Jessica Roberts adds a big scoring threat.    Roberts has been sidelined for the last two seasons.  In her frosh season, Roberts was a big part of the scoring ability for Tech.  Roberts was often a highlight reel with her ability to penetrate and score.  Light framed, Roberts was tossed about earning her the nickname "Crash."  Although her transition back into playing shape will be slow and easy, Roberts will add to the depth as she gets her court legs back.

     One new face will don Tech orange this season all the way from the Big Apple. Lisha Li will bring Tech great athletic ability.  A player with skills much like sophomore Lisa Yee, Li will get a chance to contribute right away.  A point guard for Stuyvesant High School, Li has played against some of the greatest high school players in the country.  "I expect Lisha will transition into the college game very quickly.  We are lucky to have her ability, and the chance to learn from our older players makes Lisha a great addition today and for the future," adds Marbut.

"For us to play well in January on a consistent basis, we need to play well in November and December," notes Marbut.  That is an important first step.  Early games in the season are against opponents the team has historically been competitive with.  This time, competitive is great, but finding a victory is the goal.   And playing tough in the preseason is critical to SCIAC success.  "We had great, great moments last year, and now we need to string those moments in to momentum.  Consistency is a big part of our game we will need to command this season," noted Marbut. "The year ahead is going to be a watershed year for us.  We have experience, depth, and some great talent!"

The senior class isn't done leaving their mark on the program just yet.  Of course all the familiar faces will be in uniform again.  Senior Lindsey King, Caltech's Female Athlete of the Year, is on track to break the 1,000 point mark this season, a significant milestone for King and the program.  With only 89 points to go, King would be the first to reach that mark.  After breaking the all time scoring record this past year, this is another big moment for King.  Rene Davis has spent the off season recovering from shoulder surgery.  The All SCIAC 2^nd team selection, Davis may miss a few early non conference games, but is expected to be strong and ready to go by early December.  Caltech's first all conference player, Davis again expects to be a huge part of what the Beavers do on the court again for her final year. 

All five starters return from 06-07.  In addition to King and Davis, Caltech Frosh of the Year, Lisa Yee comes back more dangerous than ever.  With a year of experience, the distraction of the first year is done and Yee can concentrate on playing.  Amanda Bozovich and Lea Kunesh also return better than ever, after a summer of hardwork.  A fixture in the gym, both come back ready for business.  

With the squad hard at work, five seniors, more depth than the team has ever had, the horizons look great.  Their lofty goals could make the year an exciting one, but one that will take great focus and determination.  If they can make it happen, the most exciting season yet is about to unfold.