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News from 2004 - 2005 Season
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| Preview Fall 2004-05 Head coach Nikki Turner enters her first season with the Lady Slugs women's basketball team with high expectations. Despite losing five players from the previous season, four of which were starters, the Lady Slugs are returning an experienced group of upperclassman. "My ultimate goal is to turn the program around and lead this team to a national championship," states Turner, "I feel that if we stay committed to our goal and work hard, we have just the group to accomplish that goal." Leading the team's way in the post positions are returning seniors Amanda Brecht and Julie Randall. Along with their size and strength in the low post, they bring a great deal of experience and leadership to this team. Shawnte Watson, also returning as a senior, brings a lot of versatility and athleticism to the floor. She is capable of playing more than one position and is capable of contributing both offensively and defensively on any given night. The junior class also bring a lot of experience to the team with returners Jenna Chabot, Lauren Cardinalli, and Libby Lane. "This group of juniors has an amazing work ethic," says Turner. "They continue to improve every day and their individual growth continues to amaze me." Adding to this strong group of juniors is Tina Beams, who transferred to UCSC this season from Mesa Junior College in San Diego. Her experience at the collegiate level should help her bring an immediate impact to the team. Rachel Ocampo, Megan Gaynor, and Sarah Defenbaugh make up this year's sophomore class. "I have a lot of expectations for this young group and I ask a lot of them," comments Turner. Rachel is one of the team's top guards. With her outstanding ball handling skills, she is leading the way as the team's starting point guard. Megan returns to the team with great strength and unbelievable work ethic and she is expected to be one of the team's top posts players. Sarah is coming into the season with the hopes of playing. Last season, she was forced to red shirt due to an injury which resulted in surgery. She continues to rehab everyday with the hopes of being ready to play by the season's tip-off game. "Our expectations are very high for this year's season," says Turner. "We have a strong group of returning players along with two solid freshmen in Emily Musgrave and Mia Cruz, who we expect will step in and contribute in our success. Head Coach Nikki Turner on the upcoming season: "We have been working hard since day one. We expect to win and are continuing to work at that goal every day. I couldn't have asked for a better group to work with and I believe that this will not only be an exciting season, but that it will be a winning season." |