Game could determine starting lineup for season
>>Print ViewPublication Date: 11/06/2009
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The women’s basketball team still doesn’t know which players it will start for its opening exhibition game against Lindsey Wilson College on Sunday.
Head coach Sharon Versyp said she might start one center with four guards, or she might start two post players, Sam Ostarello and Chelsea Jones. She said the starting lineup may have the capability to change a lot, but with only three seniors and zero juniors, the game will be important to get ready for the regular season.
“I’m playing, especially the first half, how we’re going to play a normal game,” Versyp said.
For standout freshman KK Houser, it will be the first time playing a game as a Boilermaker.
“It’s a totally new atmosphere,” Houser said. “And just the level of the game itself. I’m excited to see what it’s going to be like.”
“I just want to prove that I do work hard every time I step on the floor, that I’m always going to give my best and I’m going to hustle and give 100 percent every time I’m on the floor.”
Last week, the Boilers held a scrimmage against Ball State, and Versyp said she was happy with the way the team looked for it being the first scrimmage.
“(Ball State) showed us hopefully that we’re running a little bit better than we have, just because we have a lot of speed with KK and FahKara (Malone) on the court at the same time,” Versyp said. “But also Brittany (Rayburn), and Jodi (Howell) is probably in the best shape she’s ever been and looking great.”
Freshman Ashley Wilson, who has been suffering from an injury, is expected to get about 10 to 15 minutes of playing time in the exhibition according to Versyp.
Lindsey Wilson is expected to run the floor quickly and mix up defensive sets, but Malone is focused on the Boilermakers’ game.
“I just want to see us run up and down the floor really well and try to take care of the ball,” Malone said. “Because we’ve been focusing on that, and most importantly rebounding, because that’s going to be a huge factor for us winning this season.”
The game will start at 2 p.m. Sunday at Mackey Arena.