WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

The 2009-2010 Caltech Women's basketball team may be small in numbers, but their determination is bigger than it has ever been. With only nine filling the roster this year, depth is a concern. However the five players slated to start are all returners who saw serious minutes in the 08-09 season, and were all regular starters at the end of last season. That means Tech puts its most experience starting five on the floor in a few years.

The charge for the Beavers will be led by senior Lisa Yee. A versatile guard/forward with some of the most athletic moves in the SCIAC, Yee is a serious threat for opponents. Her diligence in the off season may bring her into the final year of her career red hot and ready to play. Injuries have been Yee's Achille's heel in the previous three seasons, leaving her without the numbers that she is capable of grabbing. That may change, as she spent the off season working out and polishing her skills. A true gym rat, Yee has a mission that includes greatness and solidifying her position in the record books.

The yin to Yee's yang is sophomore Krissy Dahl. The 6'2" post player left many an opponent's game plan with a kink in the strategy. Last season's leading scorer and rebounder, Dahl was an honorable mention in SCIAC and hasn't even begun to hit her stride. Bringing a serious game in the post that every opponent has to plan for, Dahl's bid for the SCAIC All Conference team is serious business. Spending many late nights on the driveway in her hometown of Philly, Dahl prepared for the season with a lot of contact and one v one with her 6'5" father Gene. Bound and determined to become Caltech's post extraordinaire, Dahl is a big part of the Beaver game plan this year.

Back with a new focus and mental game to run the point, Lisha Li is expected to not only provide the vocal leadership, but set the pace for Tech. Last season, Li started to utilize her speed and handle on the ball to provide a penetration game that forced teams to play multiple looks on defense. Li was able to get deep into the paint at the blink of an eye, and her off season work should help her finish with the bucket enough to make defenses reckon with her every day.

As Li pulls the defense inside, returning sophomore Erin Hoops will be the big outside threat. With a dead-on perimeter shot, Hoops is the quintessential shooter.  With a name born to be a basketball player, Hoops is ready to pull the trigger on the dish, and can score in more than one way. Whether on the catch and shoot or a little relocation, Hoops is capable of big numbers any night the hand feels hot. Familiar with the high pressure that comes with setting lofty goals, Erin is the most outspoken Beaver, setting the bar high for her teammates. She will drive the game face of the Tech squad and be relentless enough to push the team through even the toughest of times.

Rounding out the possible starting five is returner Teri Juarez. Back on the court last year after a two year hiatus, Juarez made herself known on day one. A knee injury sidelined Juarez the second half of her high school career, but there were few bugs to work out of her game. Known to her team as the little tank that could, Teri often amazes everyone with her ability to just know where the ball will land. A great rebounder, at only 5'6" Juarez is very deceiving. Many a taller opponent underestimated Juarez and lost a critical rebound. Juarez is the blue collar in this team, and the most respected example of sheer hard work and determination.

Others to watch for are Hoi Yee Nam, Shannon Mohler, and Kathryn Gunn. Junior Hoi Yee Nam was a transfer student last season who didn't play at her previous school. A native of Hong Kong, she used the season to adapt to the American game, and is now ready to contribute. Look for Nam to show improved quickness and shooting ability. From the sophomore class look for improvement from Shannon Mohler. Mohler wasn't able to realize her potential last season as she spent most of it in recovery mode. Suffering from appendicitis the first week she was on campus, Mohler had to endure an extended hospital stay before being able to return to practice. Not to be left behind this season, Mohler made significant progress in the weight room and has already been impressive during early season conditioning sessions. Look for her to see more minutes than in the 08-09 campaign. Senior Kathryn Gunn spent last Fall in England studying abroad. Coupled with injury, Kathryn wasn't able to maximize her court time. She returns with new goals and new determination this year, ready to make her final season her best yet.

Only two newcomers join the Beavers in 09-10. Sarah Wright, a frosh from Strongsville, Ohio, is expected to see serious minutes. A nationally-recruited Division I soccer talent, Wright chose to make academics her biggest priority and the chance to study Biomed engineering brought her to Tech. Playing on the men's soccer team, Wright is no stranger to challenges and being tough. Basketball always took a back seat to her soccer skills, so she has great room to grow into her already amazing athletic ability. The shoulder to shoulder time with the men on the field will pay off as she looks to be a force off the glass and with the grit to stay the course, Wright might just be the top two sport athlete this year. Her untapped potential will add to Tech's depth and look for Wright to earn herself more than one "go to" opportunity this season. Rounding out the roster is Suyeon Pyo. From Seoul, South Korea, Pyo has started her adjustment to the American game and intercollegiate sports. Early signs definitely show Pyo is gritty and determined to keep the pace, and doesn't give up...a trait every Beaver has in abundance. Pyo will spend a good portion of the season in transition to the American style, but look for her to see some minutes as the season progresses.

With lofty goals, Caltech hopes to better their record of 3-22 from a year ago. The small roster creates an uphill climb to reach their goals, however with fewer numbers comes greater determination to prove their own spot is earned in the record books. Go hard or go home is clearly the motto for the year, and as the season plays out, the Beavers look to catch more than one opponent off guard and unprepared. This team doesn't settle, and will any team who walks into Braun taking Tech lightly to the final buzzer for the decision. They will serve notice to all visitors who might take the Beavers lightly...Hey Goliath, David is collecting stones right now!