Playing for Home
By Jesse Newell
Originally published 12:45 p.m., November 15, 2007
Updated 12:45 p.m., November 15, 2007
The Emporia State women’s basketball team has some extra incentive to stay focused in early-season games this year.
White Auditorium might be on the line.
For the first time in a few years, the Lady Hornets will have the possibility of playing host to the Regional tournament in their home gym. In years past, White Auditorium was already booked during that week for the Class 6A State basketball tournaments.
If ESU takes care of business in the regular season and is at the top of its region, it could be looking at playing its first three NCAA Tournament games at home.
History would seem to be on ESU’s side if that occurred. Each year the Lady Hornets have hosted the Regional, they have advanced to the Elite Eight.
That means November games — like the first one of the season Friday against Regional foe Cameron in the Candlewood Suites/Mix 104.9 Classic — will have a huge effect on determining ESU’s end-of-season status.
“As upperclassmen, we know how important (early-season games) are,” ESU guard Andrea Leiker said. “Every game that’s a regional game is very important. We can’t have any slip-ups.”
On paper, it looks like a game in which the No. 3 Lady Hornets should have the advantage.
The Aggies finished 4-22 last season and also lost 81-56 to ESU in the first game of last year’s Candlewood Suites Classic.
“I think we’re pretty prepared,” Leiker said. “We’re going to have to have a good practice (today) and focus on the upcoming games.”
The Lady Hornets also play Texas Woman’s University at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the same round-robin format.
ESU received some encouraging signs last exhibition game against Tabor, courtesy of both Allie and Alli.
Allie Renberg did a good job of attacking the basket in the second-half, ending with a team-high 26 points on 9-of-10 shooting. She also added seven assists.
Alli Volkens, meanwhile, had 14 points and six rebounds in 17 minutes.
“They’re players that are very capable of being good rebounders and finishing around the basket,” ESU coach Brandon Schneider said.
Volkens left the game in the second half with an ankle sprain, and Schneider said she would be a game-time decision against Cameron.
hartford (anonymous) says...
I am excited about this years team. It will be great watching two Olpe girls battle it up together again on the court! Michelle Stueve and Kayla Krueger are both great young women. I look forward in Kayla's college career to be as succesful as Michelle's. Way to go lady's!
I would like to say congrats to who taught them how to play but that would be giving an honor to Coach Nelson that isn't necessarily his to take. I have watched both these girls play throughout the years, the honor is all theirs!
November 15, 2007 at 2:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )