SQUAWS TRY TO SURFACE ABOVE .500

Its been a while since the St. Vincent Squaws broke above the .500 mark for a winning basketball season.

St. Vincent's coach Terry Wengert is optimistic, with several players returning from last year's 7-15 team, this could be the season.

"We're really excited," said Wengert. "We've got four girls back with quite a bit of experience and we're planning on doing well."

St. Vincent will be missing starting center Becky Lorenz and top-reserve Laurie Kirn to graduation, but the Squaws appear to have the players to replace those two girls.

"We'll have to step it up with the loss of Becky," said Wengert. "One of the largest things is everyone will have to play as a team. We're working on having a real team concept."

Seniors Debbie Welker (5-4) and Fara Galati (5-7) both earned post-season honors last year and will be counted on heavily to lead this year's squad. Welker ran the offense as the point guard and Galati nearly led the Squaws in rebounds and averaged about nine points a game.

"Fara had an ankle injury and missed the last few games or she would have been our top rebounder," Wengert said. "She shoots really well on the inside.

"And we're looking for a lot of leadership from Debbie."

Senior Stephanie Klaus (5-5) is also expected to start in the backcourt with Welker. Senior forward Jennifer Guyot (5-5) will also see plenty of action along with juniors Stephanie Schremp (5-6) and Kelly Brickhaus (5-6). Wengert said Schremp plays bigger than she is because of her jumping ability.

Sophomores Jessica Lakenan, a 5-8 center, Sara Cissell (5-6) and Cari Strattman (5-3) will also push for playing time. Lakenan played on the varsity as a freshamn and was an outstanding volleyball player this past season. Strattman will split time between the varsity and junior varsity.

"Jessica shoots the ball very well and Cari's a good defensive player," Wengert said.

In order for the Squaws to reach their goal of a winning season, fundamentals will be an important point of emphasis.

"We'll have to cut down on turnovers and rebound well," Wengert said. "We want to improve our record and we're looking at getting over .500."

The Squaws host Delta next Monday to start the season.