The Chico State women's basketball team officially opens the new season this Friday against Notre Dame de Namur as part of the two day, Carl's Jr. Coslet Classic at Acker Gym.
After a season of transition, the Cats hope to have enough experience to battle back towards the top of the conference.
Coming off a fifth place conference finish and a 16-13 record last year, Head Coach Brian Fogel and his lady Wildcats are eager to improve and tip off the new season on a winning note.
Forward Christine Vest says, "we are so excited to play somebody besides ourselves, because we've been working really hard, we've been competing and I think we're ready."
Head Coach Brian Fogel says, "we've been practicing for a little over a month and everybody is optimistic for a fun season."
With key returners, Natasha Smith, Melissa Richardson, and Christine Vest, leading the way, Chico State has the personnel to be a better squad, but the Cats will undoubtedly need more production from their bench players this time around. Last season, the non-starters combined for just 16 points per game.
Fogel adds, "I think the depth definitely plays into being one of our strengths, there's no question about it. I think we have nine, ten, maybe even eleven players that can really be able to come on the floor and contribute and so I think we're going to be exciting."
And with any team led by Brian Fogel, defense and rebounding will be important pillars to success. Last year the Cats had trouble with size and strength down low and in the offseason, they added 6'2" Center pPauline Ferral, and 6'1" Forward Kristin Marquardt, to bolster the bottom of the key.
Guard Natasha Smith says, "they play in different ways, like Pauline is really a back to the basket type of player and she just really wants to be down low, and Kristin is like a bulldog inside, she's going to do whatever it takes to get the rebound and put the ball back in."
Center Pauline Ferral says, "I think we're both you know a good addition to the team and definitely what the team needed."
With just a few days remaining until the new season gets underway, excitement is brewing in Acker Gym and this weekend, we'll get a glimpse of what's in store for Chico State in Head Coach Brian Fogel's second season at the healm.
