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Women’s basketball open with split

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The Lady Eagles are 1-1 to start the 2012-2013 season.

“I think we’re looking good and playing to get better,” said Head Coach Jeff Soderquist. “We have lots of players back and a good recruiting class.”

Soderquist said he hopes freshman Abbie Warren can help replace graduate Chelsea Garrison in the middle.

Freshman Brooke Barker, a transfer, and freshman Tristan Carrasquillo have both played well in the preseason.

Freshman Hunter Glouse, who rounds out this year’s recruiting class, is recovering from tearing her ACL during her senior year.

“She’s got to get some mobility but she will be a great help to us,” said Soderquist.

Soderquist also said the team will be looking to Anna Parish, “the lone senior right now”. Last year, Parish averaged eight points and five rebounds a game.

The team has three junior and three sophomore returners as well, all of whom Soderquist said have been making large contributions in the fall.

Junior Sierra Shipley played well last year as a sophomore and Soderquist said he wants a similar performance this year.

Last year Shipley averaged 11.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists a game and was the only of on of her teammates who scored in the double digits on Tuesday against Lyons (Ark.). The Lady Eagles lost against Lyons 68-65.

JBU will have to face much tougher teams in conference play then Lyons.

Lubbock Christian (Texas) is currently No.1 in the nation and Rogers State sits a No.8 for their last season in the NAIA.

Last year’s national champion, Oklahoma City is also part of the Sooner Athletic Conference along with St. Gregory’s (Texas), Wayland Baptist (Texas) and Oklahoma Baptist, all Soderquist predicts will be very competitive teams this season.

“Out of the last 32 years we have won 16 championships,” said Soderquist. “I think our conference has always been known as the toughest conference in the nation.”

The Lady Eagles will play their next game on the road against Kansas Wesleyan tomorrow at 2 p.m.

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