Nov. 1, 2005
Normal, Ill. -
As well as things have been going in preseason for head coach Robin Pingeton and her Illinois State University women's basketball team, the Redbirds are ready to see some unfamiliar faces. They will get that chance against Odyssey, a team of former college stars, in a 7:05 p.m. exhibition game Saturday at Redbird Arena.
"While we are still early in the season, our players are ready to face an opponent other than ourselves," said Pingeton, who led the Redbirds to the 2005 NCAA Tournament. "Odyssey is a very good team. Their experience will challenge us."
Pingeton, who has three starters and seven letterwinners back from last year's group, sees the first exhibition as a chance to gage where her team stands. Returning starters Megan McCracken, Amber Shelton and Holly Hallstrom are facing competition on a daily basis.
"We will be able to see where we are defensively and offensively," said Pingeton, whose Redbirds have been among the nation's leaders in three-point field goals each of the past two seasons.
The practice competition is so good that Pingeton didn't see a clear starting lineup, but believes all 12 of her players will have a chance to make important contributions as the Redbirds plan to continue a wide-open, full-throttle style of play.
"At every position, players are competing," said Pingeton. "We will have the depth to play the style we want to play. There is great intensity during practice and a sense of urgency. On different days, different players may stand out. But, overall, we're pleased with everybody."
She sees a different kind of leadership emerging as well.
"The kind of players we have recruited are all leaders," said Pingeton. "I'm sure different leaders will emerge as the season goes along, but, the way the players have competed so far, individual leadership hasn't really been a question or an issue."
Illinois State's other exhibition is at 2:05 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13 vs. Northwest Missouri State in Redbird Arena. The regular-season opener is Nov. 18 at Chicago State, with the regular-season home opener Nov. 20 vs. Loyola Chicago in Redbird Arena.
