WBB Preview: Expectations High as New Era Begins

1/26/2021 1:21:00 PM

River Forest, IL - As the Dominican University women's basketball team heads into their first season under new head coach Antonio Rivas, the team has been working hard during the offseason to prepare for the shortened season that lies ahead.

The Stars have been putting in the work at preseason practices and Coach Rivas has been pleased with their effort. "I think practices have gone as well as we could have expected. There are always things we are going to find and tweak as we progress, but I am very pleased with their level of focus considering how much we have had to put in."

Going into this season, the Stars have a great group of returners and freshmen that will make depth a team strength. "I have been impressed with three of our returners who will now step into big roles for us," said Coach Rivas. "Alisha Markley has bounced back from her injury last year and Stephenee Huggans has shown she's ready to lead us on the court. Hannah Currant will see her role increase as well. She has grown and matured into a more confident player and we are hoping she starts off the season as well as she ended the last one."

This year's roster welcomes four newcomers and some transfers who Coach Rivas believes will see some time on the court for Dominican. "We have a good mix of freshman and transfers who I think will surprise some people. The cupboard is not bare. We added some good pieces this off-season through recruiting, so I expect us to be able to compete for a full 40 minutes every game."

Even though this season's schedule was cut to just nine regular-season games due to COVID-19, the goals remain the same for Dominican. "Our team goals haven't changed since our first team meeting in October. We expect to compete for a conference championship and we believe that our team has the skills and personnel to put us in a good position to achieve that" stated Coach Rivas. "Whether it is a shortened season or a regular season, anytime everyone is on the same page, you will always give yourself an opportunity for success."

The Stars begin their 2021 campaign when they head to Aurora this weekend for a back-to-back with the Spartans on Friday, January 29th at 6:00 p.m. before Saturday's 5:00 p.m. rematch. Dominican returns to the Igini Sports Forum for its home opener on Friday, February 5th at 5:00 p.m versus Benedictine.

Live Stats and Video (when available) for all games can be found here

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