 "Photo: Caleb Miller")
The women's basketball team has devoted this week to one of their toughest opponents yet: final exams. Texas did not have their usual Thursday game this week and hits the court this Saturday for the first time in a week.
The team practiced just two days, gearing up for their next opponent, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. During the time off, the team has hit the books.
"Our main focus for the week is academics," coach Gail Goestenkors said. "This time also gives us a chance to do recruiting and work with the players on some areas we need to improve."
No. 22 Texas (6-2) travels to Corpus Saturday for a 1:30 p.m. matchup against the 1-6 Islanders. A trip to shorefront Corpus Christi may provide the team with a nice study break.
Last year, Texas survived TAMUCC 73-68. However, the Islanders graduated first team all-conference and defensive player of the year Kirbria Lewis. 6-foot center Elisa Beagle leads the team in scoring with 12.1 points per game, while 5-foot-10-inch sophomore guard Deziree Green is also averaging double figures with 10.7 points per game.
"They don't have the best record, so this is another game where we're going to have to focus on ourselves," Goestenkors said. "We have to come out excited and motivated to play, especially since it is during the finals period."
Goestenkors has brought the transition game with her to Texas, and the team has responded, scoring more than 90 points in three games so far this year. The team never reached the 90-point plateau once last season.
Sophomore guard Brittainey Raven has been 'So Raven' this season. The team co-captain has reached double figures in every game and leads the team in scoring with 17.5 points per game.
Another boon for Texas has been the emergence of junior forward Ashley Lindsey. Standing 6-feet-4-inches tall, the lanky Lindsey had always been a reliable defensive player but saw limited minutes due to lack of offensive production. This year, Lindsey is third on the team in scoring, averaging 10.9 points per game. Assistant coach Mickie DeMoss has been working with Lindsey on establishing post moves and creating her own shot.
"I think the progress I've made has been from my teammates helping me out and my coaches getting on me to play harder," Lindsey said. "I always play harder when I'm mad. When the coaches get on to me, it makes me mad and makes me want to do well."
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