It’s that time of year again…time to make signs of your favorite player, to fill the “Quaker Dome” and to make some noise. It is now basketball season and the feeling of excitement is in the air in anticipation of what this year’s women’s basketball team is capable of.After winning the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) championship, Guilford coach Barb Bausch and her team look to build upon last season’s success. Ten letter-winners return from Guilford’s first NCAA Tournament squad in hopes that the excitement of last year’s team will continue into 2001-2002. Last season’s 22-7 unit made the school’s first NCAA appearance and posted a first-round win.

Winning an ODAC championship and making an appearance in the NCAA Tournament, the Quakers will be the hunted team in the ODAC this season. Opponents will be looking for chances to bring down a squad that has made huge strides over the past few years. Bausch will turn to senior captains Amy Evans (7.6 ppg.) and Erin Beacham (10.7 ppg.) to lead this year’s Quakers to another stellar season. Both players received All-ODAC recognition in the 2000-01 season and were named to the 2001 All-Tournament team.

Two starters and several key reserves return to build another balanced attack. This season the roster totals 17 deep, giving the team a bench of strong players. This team also has a full year of experience for the team’s seven sophomores combined with the two seniors and lone junior, which will help give the squad a strong base to build upon.

For the first time in two years, Guilford returns a large core of its team, all of whom contributed to the Quakers record-setting season. Two of Guilford’s top returners are the seniors, Evans and Beacham. Both guards will be looked upon for leadership on and off the court.

Bausch expects great things to come from the returning sophomores. Dara Burke (3.9 ppg, 2.4 rpg), who is recovering from an ACL injury, is a great defender and one of Guilford’s steals leaders. Jackie Hardenbergh (6.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg) will use her strong rebounding ability and spin moves to the basket at the post position. Guilford’s lone junior Shannon Underwood (5.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg), adds a strong presence on the boards and scoring.

This year’s recruiting class totals seven and adds more competitiveness to the team. Another large first-year group creates challenges for spots on the court, which improves the team’s overall play, according to Bausch. This year’s class features strong outside shooters and some needed post players.

With another large recruiting class the addition of two new coaches was made to the team. Chris Kosiba, who was an assistant coach for Guilford for two years, has left for a head coaching position at Hilbert College in New York. Bausch brought in two new coaches, Guilford grad Bari Nixon ’97 and former Guilford men’s basketball assistant Rob Brafford. With a larger team of mostly underclassmen, having more coaches will help the squad focus on many aspects of the game.

Quickness, intelligence, and fun will be keys to another successful season for the Quakers this year. With a large core of last year’s team mixing well with the first-years, another ODAC title and a return trip to the NCAA playoffs is not an unattainable goal.

The Quakers open the season in Demorest, GA, at the Piedmont College Tournament this weekend. They return to the Quaker Dome to a rematch of last year’s ODAC Championship game against Emory & Henry Nov. 28. So you have a few weeks to begin the process of making signs and practicing your three-point shot for the half-time contest. Come out to the gym to support your own 2001 ODAC Champions and see what they will do this year.