Looks like another strong year for the WIAC.  Three teams are ranked in the preseason  top 25. Whitewater #8, Stevens Point #23 and Stout #25. Eau Claire received votes making their ranking #30. No other WIAC schools received votes. 

I found one other future opponent, coming in at #38 was Washington and Jefferson, the UWRF Falcons women will play them in Southern California on December 28.

2009-10 preseason women’s poll

Coach Holbrook explaining how she wants it done

With a mind set of improving last years record of 14-12 and finishing closer to the top of the WIAC, the women’s basketball team has hit the floor running since practice officially began last week.

The Falcon women lost one senior from last years team. Graduating was guard  Tessa Rohl. “We will miss Tessa’s leadership from last year, she was a positive kid with a great work ethic,” Coach Holbrook said. “We need Jenna and Kelli to take over the lead and for our other returners to take more of a leadership role as well.”

“A lot of players have really stepped up and are looking to become impact players for us this year,” Holbrook said. “This has made for very competitive practices and a focused team.”

Leading that charge on the court are returning seniors Kelli Hilt, Jenna Hanson and Katie Theisen who have stepped to the forefront and become vocal leaders for the Falcons.

“Our seniors have been keeping the energy level high at all of our practices,” Holbrook said. “They’ve taken responsibility for this team and are setting a great example for our younger players.”

While the returning senior players have made a smooth transition into the 2009-10 campaign, Holbrook also credits a fast-learning junior and sophomore class for helping keep the team on track. “These juniors and sophomores are really pushing hard this year. That year of experience really makes a difference physically and mentally. I expect major jumps in their play this year.”

“Our freshmen are really coming along quickly,” Holbrook said. “They have a lot of questions, which is a good thing,  and are very focused on learning our system. Because our freshmen are working so hard, the whole team has been able to stay on track.  They have a good mix of height and quickness and inside and outside play.  We expect this freshman class to make an impact on our season. It takes some time to transition from high school to college level basketball, but this group of freshmen can do it and I’m expecting them to help us this year. Obviously in the WIAC the upperclassmen have to carry the load, but our freshmen have a lot to contribute to the team.”

“Our focus has been on skill and team concept development. We drill the fundamentals over and over at this point and keep trying to get them to carry over into 5 vs. 5 full court situations. It’s a work in progress but our system will start coming together more each day,” Holbrook said. “We’ve had a great first week of practice and the hard work the team is putting forth is going to pay off.”

“Right now our goal is just to get better every day, even if it’s each player taking a small step forward with one aspect of their game,” Holbrook said. “An upper level WIAC finish is a realistic goal for this team, and we’re looking forward to the upcoming season, but for now we have to take it one step at a time.”

Boxing out

Working hard

Maranda "I think it is up there"

River Falls Women's Basketball

 

It’s here. Basketball practice starts October 15. It’s time to get down to business.

It did not come as much of a surprise but there is not “Midnight Madness” festivities planned for the women’s team. The coaches are busy with their practice planning and the players will be getting their rest in anticipation for their first practice Thursday afternoon.

 With a young squad featuring only five upperclassmen and nine freshmen and sophomores, the women Falcons basketball team is looking to improve on last years 14-12 overall record and 7-9 conference record. This experienced group looks to improve with good size, a strong commitment to defense and an explosive offense.

 The team will rely on a number of upper classmen including : Seniors Kelli Hilt, Katie Thiesen and Jenna Hanson. Juniors are lead by Tess Lardie and Lauren Pellowski.

With one season under their belt, the Sophomore’s look to improve their game. All four returning players saw many minutes last year. Returning are Taylor House, Alise Holst , Maranda Dohrn and Tiffany Gregorich.

The young Freshmen are excited to get it going, they include:

Melissa Carmody, Barneveld WI 5-7 Guard

Tracie Gillund,  Blaine MN 6-0 Post

Brittany Gregorich , Altoona WI  5-9 Wing

Nikki Guhr, Muskego WI 5-7 Guard

Lindsey Olson ,Plainview MN 6-0 Post

 Coach Holbrook has seen continued improvement from new and returning players, she said the team still has a lot of room for growth.  

“Through hard work, this group can be one the top teams in the WIAC,” Holbrook said.

“Great  teams do well on and off the floor,” Holbrook said. “This team is excited to get back on the court and improve.”

“Most of all we want our kids to be great teammates,” Holbrook said. “Chemistry is talent. Great teams have chemistry on and off the court and this translates into success.”

Coaches