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November 2, 2011
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The Voice, For Students, By Students
15
Lady Broncos
prepare for season opener by Shirley Townsend Voice Staff Writer
The Fayetteville State University women’s basketball team is quickly preparing for the upcoming season. Coach Eva Patterson welcomes both new and old players during the preseason as well as new staff members. “I believe we have a strong class, once they learn the system they will be able to make positive contributions to the team,” is how Coach Eva Patterson feels about the new freshman members and transfer members. This season, FSU Lady Bronco’s basketball team will be introducing four freshman, seven sophomores, six juniors and one senior. The Lady Broncos also introduced a new assistant coach, Walter Mebane. The Lady Broncos had a mediocre season last year, with only six wins and 21 losses. But this season, the team has plans to go all the way this year. “This year we will be more of a transition team with emphasis on defense. There has been a lot of improvement on and off the court.
The ladies mindset about this season is different than last season,” Coach Patterson stated. The team’s workout sessions that take place Monday through Saturday are preparing them mentally and physically for this upcoming season. Hard work and consistency is what the ladies strive for during every practice. “The hard work and dedication that we are putting into the program during pre-season will be seen on the court this season,” is how Lady Bronco’s, point guard #23, Courtney Small, feels about the upcoming season. The Lady Broncos have dedicated many hours during the preseason and plan to show it on their first game on Nov. 11 that will take place at Capel Arena, against Barber Scotia College at 5:30 p.m. Coach Patterson believes that her student-athletes are prepared for the upcoming game, but feels that there is always room to grow and become better student-athletes. “I want to let the Bronco Nation know that we are a different team than last year. The student athletes have a better work ethic and they are buying into being relentlessly committed into the program,” said Coach Patterson.
Voice photos by Tiffinei Lee
Top, Assistant coach Walter Mebane instructs Je'Lena Robertson (12) sophomore point guard and Shequita Manning (17) senior on proper technique during practice Bottom, Coach Patteson-Heath and assistant coach Mebane go over plays with Lady Broncos.