University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Women's Basketball Team Making Strides, McNelis Pleased With Progress
10/19/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Oct. 19, 2006
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- - The Southern Miss women's basketball team continues to make progress preparing for the 2006-07 season.
"We continue to make strides in practice," Head Coach Joye Lee-McNelis said. "It's an ongoing process, we take a step everyday, and we get better. As a coach, when you take a step back and evaluate, we've gotten a little better every day."
Southern Miss returns five letterwinners, including four starters from last year's team that finished with a 14-15 record and fourth in the league. Heading the list of returnees are senior Kristin Chaney, junior Liz Biland and sophomore Kendra Reed. Reed led the team in scoring last season, averaging 15.6 points while Chaney handed out 5.4 assists per game.
"Our returning players are giving us a tremendous amount of direction on the floor," McNelis said. "That's something we've got to have in order for us to be successful."
Also returning are sophomores Amber Eugene, who led the team in rebounding, and Rachael Manuel. Redshirt sophomore Emer Foley returns to the team after sitting out last season after sustaining a season-ending knee injury.
"We have only 10 players in practice, but when we get our practice guys in, we will be able progress more," McNelis said. "I'm pleased with our efforts. The energy has been there and we have been doing a lot of teaching and I believe we are catching on. We are getting ready to put our system into overdrive to get ready to play Nov. 10."
Lady Eagle fans can get a sneak preview on Nov. 2, when the team plays an exhibition game against Delta State. The admission is free to the public.
