UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa – Penn State's women's basketball media day has officially come and gone for the 2018-19 season. Head coach Coquese Washington and her team sat down with the media and addressed what to expect for the upcoming season, as well as some strengths of the team. Here are some of the major takeaways before the season gets underway.
Experienced Players Will Lead the Way
The Lady Lions bring back their top four scorers from a season ago in Teniya Page, Amari Carter, Jaida Travascio-Green and Siyeh Frazier. Overall, more than 85 percent of the offensive production and over 75 percent of the minutes played from a season ago will be looking to make an even bigger contribution this year.
"We got some experience on the perimeter, when you talk about Teniya Paige, Siyeh Frazier and Amari Carter. They really give us a good, strong core in the backcourt." Washington said.
Washington also alluded to the sheer benefit that bringing back so many players provides.
"I think experience is an invaluable gift to have in any sport but certainly in basketball. That's one thing many of our returning players were able to get last year. They were able to get some game experience and understand how tough it can be night in and night out in the Big Ten"
Freshmen Will Look to Make an Early Impact
Even though Penn State brought back so many players from a season ago, the team did add three freshmen in Karisma Ortiz, Lauren Ebo and Bexley Wallace who Washington thinks can provide some early contribution.
"They're talented and they're workers and they're sponges," Washington said. "The early returns are very promising that they'll have a presence for us."
However, the coach is not the only member of the team who believes in the newcomers.
"Coach does a good job just putting them in there and letting them feel it out for themselves" senior guard Amari Carter said. "I think they'll be able to make an impact."
Penn State Will Look to Improve on Road Performances
The Lady Lions need to improve on their 4-9 record away from home from last year, and Washington believes the improvements are coming.
"I think experience helps that." she said. "It's tough playing on the road but I think experience helps that and understanding what you have to do to be successful on the road. I also think being more versatile, having more players that can impact the game helps."
The Lady Lions Will Look to Play Up-Tempo
Fast paced play is something that everyone on the team is looking forward to.
"We definitely want to run. When I look at our guard play, certainly a strength of ours is speed and we want to utilize that as much as possible." Washington said.
Many of the players are buying into the idea of attempting to run other teams out of the gym.
"That's a normal thing for me to do, just push the ball up the floor. I think it's a great style of play and with this team it's going to work out great." freshman guard, Karisma Ortiz said when asked about her style of play transferring over to the team.
Many returning players, coming off a team that averaged 68.7 points per game last season, also believe this style of offense will give opposing teams issues.
"It's hard to guard a team at the pace we want to play at for a full 40 minutes." Carter said.
Siyeh Frazier also added, "That's how we like to play. I know for me especially in years before my teams focused on that style of play."
With experience, strong newcomers, and a strong style of play in mind, the Lady Lions are ready to get this season going. Penn State will take on Lock Haven on October 28 at 2 p.m. in an exhibition contest before kicking off the regular season on Nov. 8 against the Providence Friars at home at the Bryce Jordan Center.
