SEASON PREVIEW: WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Women's basketball is huge at FGCU and past success has only fueled anticipation for the 2009-10 campaign.

The Lady Eagles return all five starters from last year and are already picked to win the A-Sun Conference again in the preseason polls.

The team returns this year behind the senior leadership of Adrianne McNally and Chelsea Lyles, who both averaged over 14 points per game last year and were picked to the pre-season All A-Sun Conference team.

The team also returns last year's breakout freshman Kelsey Jacobson who was picked to the A-Sun All Freshman team last year. FGCU will "attack the rim and shoot a lot of threes," while continuing their run-and-gun offensive, according to head coach Carl Smesko.

Guard Shannon Murphy and forward Mcnally are our unquestioned leaders, while forward Lyles is also a vocal part of our team, said Smesko.

The team is well equipped to run an up-tempo offense, and will have the luxury of spreading the floor with some new acquisitions.

"All new players have the opportunity to fill a role on this team," said Smesko. Those newcomers are 5-foot-10 guard Sarah Hansen of Edinboro, Pa., 5-11 forward Kiara Bomben of Canberra, Australia, 5-11 forward Christina Rivette of Fenton, Mich., and 5-11 forward Marcey Burton of Bedford, Ind.

Only redshirt freshman Samantha Gray and Lyles are as tall as or taller than these four freshman girls.

Smesko is high on how his height can fit into his scheme this season.

"Our bigs are very versatile. They can shoot threes and hit mid-range shots, which opens things up."

With no true center, the play of the forwards will dictate how far this year's team can go, and the outlook for this year is arguably even better than last.

Since moving up to NCAA Division I, FGCU has already received a vote to be part of the top 25 before even playing any games this year.

The A-Sun Conference will be stronger than ever this year, and the Eagles realize that.

Even though the FGCU Lady Eagles are picked to win the conference, rivals East Tennessee State University (ETSU) and Belmont were a close second and third place in both the Coaches Poll and the Media Poll.

Look for these rankings to spark some key games late in the season.

"Well this year we returned all five starters, but so did ETSU. Last year it came down to the wire between us, ETSU and Belmont and I expect much of the same battle this year," said coach Karl Smesko on the conference outlook. "What we have in our favor is a highly talented bench to back us up. Some things I definitely want to work on to improve this season is our on-ball defense, rebounding, and especially being more physical in all aspects of our game."

This year's schedule boasts well known ranked opponents in No. 10 Michigan State. Come watch the Lady Eagles in action Nov. 13 in Alico Arena.