The UWF Women's Basketball team looks to continue its success from last season by adding seven new players and improving the depth of an already experienced squad. This year's team has six returning seniors and has made vast improvements on three-point shooting and quickness on the court.

Head coach Shannon Bergen said she has high expectations for her veterans.

"We actually return our whole starting five from last season and have added lots of depth," Bergen said. "We should be really strong in every position with that amount of depth."

One of the most notable expectations for the 2005 season is the return of Michelle Gibson. The star-guard led the conference in steals with 112 in 2003 and was named Gulf South Conference Player of the Year last season.

"We are expecting another great year from her," Bergen said. "We also expect a big year from first team all-conference performer Erin Vierling."

Bergen also expects an improved offensive performance from her other key starters.

"Melissa Nafzger is a starting four-year player who has improved her scoring ability," Bergen said. "We are looking for her to step up and score more this season. We also have Lyndsay Munro back, who is a big time inside scorer for us. Ann Ching, our starting point guard from last year returns, and, in addition, we have added a lot more depth to the position with the addition of Heather George and Karmeshia (Easley)."

The Lady Argos is coming off an 18 win season and a second place finish in their division. With the addition of Heather George, Jessie Ivey, Elisa Harding, Alex Hernandez, Karmeshia Easley, Laura Davis, Chelsea Koontz, a national title might not be out of the question.

"Yes, I do think we can compete to get to the national level," Bergen said. "Of course, it will be a huge challenge but we did not lose anybody from last year's team. We had no seniors."

Bergen is in her 9th season with the UWF basketball team. Last year she received the GSC Coach of the Year Award for leading the Lady Argos to a sixth consecutive winning season and a 7th consecutive GSC tournament appearance.

The Lady Argos host an exhibition game Nov 7, and tip off their official season on the 15th against Concordia-Selma.

For more information on the 2005-06 UWF Women's Basketball team visit their website at

http://uwf.edu/athletics/wbasketball/wbasketball.htm

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