The Quad

Issue date: 10/29/07 Section: Sports

The sports world has witnessed countless occasions where underdogs win long before expected. That was witnessed by anyone paying attention during the 2006-2007 basketball season.

That was then, this is now. Now a year older, a year wiser, and with a year of experience to their credit, this team is ready for the challenges that lie ahead. Last year they were the hunters. This year they are the hunted. And the confidence levels could not be any higher. With a team that has four returning starters and three key contributors from the bench returning, they have a tremendous amount of experience. And with an outstanding recruiting class now in the mix, the talent on this team is incredible. They hustle, they are talented, and now they are ready to start winning. Ladies and gentlemen, meet your 2007-2008 Lady Golden Rams.

Before you can fairly evaluate this group, you need to look at their fiery leader whom each and every one will look to for guidance both on and off the court during the grueling basketball season. Coach Dierdre Kane, currently in her 21st year as head coach of the Lady Rams, was raving about what the starters bring back in terms of experience.

Kane was equally excited about the energy the newest members of the team provide.

"I think that Megan Stewart has shown tremendous determination and savvy in practice and I think she is going to contribute. I think Dominique Adams has really picked up things quickly and also has a real good chance of contributing." Kane said.

But while the freshman are getting the hype from their coach, Kane was also excited for a much improved returnee, Renata Neal, who Coach Kane expects to have an increased role in the upcoming season.

As excited as Coach Kane is with all of her new players, she knows the girls need some leadership and believes that the returning players are up to the task of mentor. Most notably Kane mentioned Catherine Andrews, Natalie Winters, Amanda Vitzakovich, Katie Kline, and Lindsay Weller, with Janelle Garber the next player to make the leap from player to leader.

One extremely valuable aspect for the team is that they are returning four of five starters. Katie Kline, Catherine Andrews, Natalie Winters, and Lindsay Weller are back and the addition of Janelle Garber in the starting lineup makes for a potent and exciting attack from the opening tip-off.

Senior forward Catherine Andrews, who has earned the responsibility of team captain understands what being captain means. Andrews plays a phenomenal game on the court, but her leadership skills are second to none.

Continued...

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