11/1/07: EOU Womens Basketball Preview

November 1, 2007

Synopsis
It was another trip to the national tournament in Sioux City, Iowa, but another first round exit to a superior Midwestern school, Hastings College. After last year's 74-47 season-ending loss to defending national champion Hastings, the Mountaineers are back with a new look; but same expectations.


The 2006-2007 season was the second best in school history as the women finished with an overall record of 25-7 and 15-3 in the Cascade Conference.


Last season Eastern was fourth in the nation in three-point percentage and sixth in scoring defense per game. Since 2002, the women have amassed a record of 95-25.


Key Losses
The Mountaineers lose the 2006-2007 Cascade Conference Player of the Year, Christie Weaver. Weaver was the leading scorer of last year's team and was named CCC player of the week on multiple occasions.


Back Court
Returnees Laura Olsen, Bre Olson, and Salena Leavitt will fight for the two starting guard positions.


Jenny Fiso is a 5'7" junior transfer from Orem, Utah. Jenny played last season at Eastern Utah Community College.


Front Court
To replace some of the offense that was lost to graduation, the Mountaineers will rely on their dynamite trio in the post. EOU will need Sheena Henderson and Tiffanie Ulmer to step their scoring up.


Henderson averaged 12.52 points a game last year, which was second on the team. She was also third on the team in rebounds per game at 6.13.


Tiffanie Ulmer, EOU's leading rebounder and third in scoring from last year returns this season. Rounding out the three posts is Elise Hawes. Hawes will play both post and guard for the Mountaineers.


Coach Anji Weissenfluh continued on all the new players, “I am really excited about the quality of recruits we were able to bring in this year. These young women are not only talented athletes but are outstanding students. By signing these six we have added some depth to our team."


Schedule
Eastern has put together a strong non-conference schedule in hopes of it helping them prepare for conference season. EOU plays NCAA Division One Utah Valley State and Brigham Young in exhibition games and will face NAIA Division One number two, Vanguard, in a tournament game in Hawaii.


The Cascade Conference looks to have one of its greatest seasons this year. EOU was tabbed in the coaches’ preseason poll at number one in the conference. Eastern finished one vote ahead of the College of Idaho and just eleven points in front of Southern Oregon. Defending conference tournament champions Corban, are at fourth and Oregon Tech is receiving one first place at fifth place.


Coach Weissenfluh believes the conference will be as tough as it has been in years. "There is a lot of parity amongst the teams. We will have to be ready to compete every night. There will be no easy games this season, “said Weissenfluh.


Coach's Outlook
"With five seniors to lead the way we again have high expectations. I believe we have established a strong foundation. Our goals never change from season to season. Our goals include working together as a team and enjoying the journey. Winning games and championships are a by product of commitment, work ethic, unselfishness, and being committed to doing the little things. I believe with the right work ethic and patience they can make a run at another championship."