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SPORTS

The Norwich Guidon
October 16, 2003

Women's basketball looks strong with five returning starters

By Justin Fitzgerald
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

The women's basketball team is building the foundation for the season with hard work and strong team unity during preseason training.

With five returning starters and new freshmen, the team is optimistic about their success.

"We are getting a good foundation to get started before official practice starts on Oct. 15," said Steve Lanpher, head women's basketball coach. "They are conditioning five days a week; they are doing three days of cardio work, and three days of weightlifting and weight training."

Preparing for a season is not all fun and games. Student athletes must work intensely to get into shape so that they can compete well during the season.

"We are all working very hard," said Jamie Hoyt, 19, a sophomore undeclared major from Springfield, Vt. The team is doing "lots of running and training" to prepare for the road ahead.

"We have been on a really hard lifting program for the past couple of weeks, so we are getting into really good shape," said Kristen Purcell, 21, a senior English and elementary education major from South Glens Falls, NY.

So far, morale is extremely high, and the team has a strong sense of togetherness.

"Our unity is what made us successful this past year, and I think our unity will make us successful again this season," Lanpher said.

"I think we have got a very positive team morale." Conway agrees. "We are getting together every single day, so we are getting really close, already. We love being with each other."

Team morale is "pretty good," according to Beth Forney, 19, a sophomore physical education major from Chester, Vt. "We have new freshmen, and we are all getting along pretty well."

The team's returning starters are Kim Sweeney, Lisa Belmonte, Jamie Abrams, Kristen Purcell, and Diana Monahan.

"We returned all five starters this season," Lanpher said. "So expectations are high.

"We are led by our senior Lisa Belmonte," Lanpher said. "She was a first team all-conference last season, which is one of the top five players in the conference."

Belmonte's leadership is very important for the team this year. She has achieved things that no one else in Norwich women's basketball history has ever achieved.

"She has already become the all-time leading assist person,basketball player, at Norwich University," Lanpher said.

"Last year, we didn't have any height," Conway said. "This year, we have many recruits that are really tall, and I am excited about how this year is going to go."

"We have got a 6-foot 2-inch freshman, Sarah Chap, coming in, who is just a very hardworking and very mature young lady," Lanpher said. "I'm expecting great things from her."

"We have Lekisha Acklin, who is a junior college transfer from Little Rock, Arkansas," Lanpher said, explaining that Acklin is "very quick and athletic" and that she will be a great addition to the team. She has a great "transition game" and will be one of the team's "defensive stoppers."

Kelley Keating will also be in the lineup, hoping to bring "depth at the forward spot, as a freshman," Lanpher said.

The Norwich Guidon is a twice-monthly student newspaper distributed at Norwich University. It provides laboratory experience for students in the Communications program. Claims asserted by letter writers, editorials and other articles do not represent the positions of Norwich University. The Norwich Guidon welcomes signed letters to the editor. They should be no longer than 300 words. Unsigned letters will not be printed, but names may be withheld upon worthy request. All letters are subject to editing for length and good taste. Mailing address: The Norwich Guidon, Communications Center, Norwich University, Northfield, VT 056632. www.norwich.edu/guidon. If you have any questions or comments about the paper, please contact Professor Ken Bush at kbush@norwich.edu.