Murray State University Athletics
Women?s Basketball Hits Court for First Practice of 2008-09 Campaign
10/17/2008 5:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
“We are excited to get started,” said first-year head coach Rob Cross. “It doesn't feel any different for me from any other season. Having 13 years of experience under my belt I got the opportunity run practices for so many years it is just another season.”
MSU finished the 2007-08 campaign with a 24-8 record and advanced to the NCAA Tournament after wining the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament Championship. The Racers will have a challenge in front of them to reach their goal of another OVC Championship and a trip to the NCAA Tournament, as they have four teams on the schedule that made the 2008 NCAA Tournament.
“This is just another season and another chance to win a championship,” Cross added. “We are excited to start defending our title.”
The Racers, who were picked to finish second in the OVC by the league's head coaches and sports information directors, return two starters from a year ago. Seniors Ashley Hayes and Amber Guffey averaged around 18 points per game for MSU and are expected to lead a team with eight returners and six newcomers.
Hayes was named the 2008-09 OVC Preseason Player of the Year after being named the 2007 OVC Player of the Year. She finished second in the points column and third in the rebounding column in the conference standings.
Guffey, the 2007 OVC Tournament MVP and All-OVC First Team selection, was named to the 2008-09 All-OVC Preseason team after leading the Racers and landing in the No. 6 spot in the nation in three-point shooting.
MSU will open up a tough 2008-09 schedule at
