Women Ready for Tipoff

November 14, 2009

WEATHERFORD, Okla. - Southwestern Oklahoma State University begins its 2009-10 women's basketball season under the leadership of a new head coach.

Kelsi Bond, a former assistant at Fresno State University, has returned to her home state in hopes of improving the Bulldogs and putting them back in post-season play for the first time since 2006. Bond has overhauled the SWOSU roster so that it mirrors many of the same characteristics she used successfully while starring at nearby Cameron University. The Bulldogs plan on playing with a tempo style and rely on a pressure defense in hopes of creating some easy baskets.

To make this system work, Bond has bolstered the backcourt with eight guards on the 13-player roster. Each player brings their own unique skill set and promises to keep the court buzzing with activity both offensively and defensively.

While a lot of the team's success will hinge on the development of a young backcourt, SWOSU does have considerable experience around the basket. Forwards Jenna Sprague, Shanessa Smith and Courtney Harper have all started in the past and have posted big numbers in games during their career. Add, Lucy Livingston, a 6-2 transfer center from Sam Houston State, and the Bulldogs should more than hold their own in the paint.

SWOSU opens its season Tuesday at Oklahoma Panhandle State University before returning home for two games in the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce/SWOSU Classic. The Bulldogs will play two of the top ranked NAIA teams - Oklahoma City University and Oklahoma Baptist - on successive days over the weekend. Tipoff for both games will be at 3:30 p.m.