Leos take on tough preseason

by Max Zänker
Staff Writer

In a one-sided game on Tuesday in the Supertents, the University of La Verne women’s basketball team beat La Sierra University, 82-46, and tied their preseason record at 2-2.

“Within the first five minutes, we rallied off with 18 points and we knew that only we could stop us,” said forward Tiffany Joyner.

The key to the victory was center Sydni Myrick, who collected a double-double, leading her team with 22 points and 10 rebounds.

“The height made the difference, La Sierra had small players and that gave a lot of looks to Sydni,” Joyner said. “It was nice to get a win, but this was not a quality win. La Sierra is a good team, but we didn’t play to our best.”

The main thing to improve upon for when the conference season starts will be the high rate of turnovers. In their game against La Sierra, the Leopards lost the ball 30 times to the opponents.

“We just have to be more patient with the basketball,” head coach Julie Kline said.

The defending Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champions competed in the Bon Appetit Classic Tournament in Portland, Ore., to start preseason.

The Leopards dropped their season opener against Lewis & Clark College, 70-58, and beat Willamette University close by one point with 61-60.

The Leopards also dropped a contest Nov. 26 in Orange against Chapman University, 79-62.

“We should have played better, we rushed the ball to much,” forward Lisa Mila said. “But we will see Chapman again in the conference.”

For Myrick, Mila and Denae Howell, this will be the last season as Leopards.

Coach Kline expects leadership and commitment and Mila hopes to be able to fulfill those high expectations.

“I hope to be more confident in the game as last season,” she said. “I draw my confidence from the volleyball season and hope to make an impact on the basketball team, too.”

Stepping into their footsteps will be players like Joyner, a junior transfer from Chaffey College.

Joyner started the season with a game-high 11 rebounds against Lewis and Clark and ended her first home game against La Sierra with eight rebounds and 10 points.

“We have great shooters, are quick and athletic” Joyner said.

The team this season is defending the SCIAC championship.

“We lost four starters from last years team, this can have a lot of impact,” Mila said. “But with the new people and the returners stepping up, we can get as good as last season and reach our goals.”

One of the main issues for the Leopards to deal with will be the small roster of only nine players, including three seniors in their last season, one sophomore and no freshman.

“Our team has a lot of experience,” Kline said, pointing out the advantages. “The majority of the girls have played in a lot of tough games and know what to do.”

According to Mila, the small size of the roster contributes to the team atmosphere. “The atmosphere is just great and this is the only reason why I play for this team,” she said. “I love the girls.”