Central Michigan University Athletics
Chippewas Open 2012-13 Season With First Official Practice
10/1/2012 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
MOUNT PLEASANT - The journey for a Mid-American Conference championship and third-straight postseason appearance began for the Central Michigan women's basketball program Monday with its first official practice.
The Chippewas, coming off back-to-back 20-plus win seasons and WNIT appearances, spent two hours inside McGuirk Arena getting a fast start on their high-paced up-tempo style of play.
"Day number one finally came," head coach Sue Guevara said. "We have all been very excited to get to this day and get things rolling. Today was a very competitive day of practice and I'm pretty pleased with how we got after it."
The Maroon and Gold return all five of its starters from last season and their top seven scorers, including the sophomore trio of Crystal Bradford, Jas'Mine Bracey and Jessica Green which became just the second trio of teammates to earn MAC All-Freshman Team honors.
Seniors Brandie Baker and Jalisa Olive, the 2012 MAC Sixth Player of the Year, also return for the Chippewas, as do key juniors Taylor Johnson, Niki DiGuilio and Kylie Welch. The senior class will also welcome transfer Jessica Schroll, who joined the Chippewas last winter and will be eligible to play following the completion of the fall semester.
"They key strength for us is our experience," Guevara said. "We had 10 players play double digit minutes last season. There is never a sub for quickness or experience and all of our top players got that experience last year. There is no doubt this is the deepest team I've ever coached here. I have a lot of players that can play four out of five positions on the court."
CMU opens its campaign in 38 days when it travels to Peoria, Ill., to take on Bradley for the first of three games on the road to start the season. The Chippewas will play their first home game of the season on Nov. 23 when they take on South Dakota State.
