Eagles Eye NCAA Tournament Return

By JOEY MERKEL

The powerhouse that is the University of Mary Washington women’s basketball team will open its season when they face off against Washington and Lee on Tuesday, Nov 18.
Coming in to the season, the Eagles are ranked no. 21 in the USA TODAY ESPN/Women’s Basketball Coaches’ Association’s Preseason Poll.
After reaching the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament last year, the Eagles will look to return to the national stage once again.
With a large crop of freshmen recruits, time will only tell if the inexperience will hurt the Eagles’ chances of equaling the success of the 2007-08 season.
The Eagles graduated four of last year’s starting five including standout center Liz Hickey, who led the team in points, rebounds and blocks per game.
The University will be retiring Hickey’s #44 jersey, this Tuesday at the game. Hickey will be the first player to ever have a jersey retired by the school.
The only returning starter from last year’s team is Ashton Mitchell. The senior forward was second behind Hickey in points, rebounds, blocks and led the team in free-throw percentage.
Mitchell is no the only valuable asset to the Eagles’ puzzle returning to the team in 2008.
Head coach Deena Applebury has been a critical part of the success that has engulfed the women’s team.
This year, Applebury will look to win her fourth straight Capital Athletic Conference Coach of the Year award.