PRAIRIE | AMANDA GARCIA

The WTAMU Lady Buff basketball team is back with new players, new opponents and a new season.

Eight new faces have been added to the 2009-2010 roster: Ariel Robertson, Brittany Williams, Madelyn Brown, Aly Sherman, Megan Janousek, Callie Schneiderjan, Cara Lambert and Jamie Simmons.

“We have a really talented group with us this year,” Head Coach Krista Gerlich said. “We’ve got a lot of new ones. But I’m really excited in what they bring.”

The Lady Buffs will replace four seniors from last season: Courtney Lee, Jamie Dreiling, Emily Brister-Cooper and Dixie Bell.

Although each of these former seniors were utilized at the guard and forward positions, Coach Gerlich has been working with the new girls to make up for their speed and size.

“We are bigger because we have three 6’2” kids on the roster,” Gerlich said.

“But we have definitley increased in speed as well with Brittany, Aly and Jamie adding to the mix. They are definitely fast.”

Although speed is an important factor on the Lady Buff squad, the post game is another crucial component.
“We do have a bigger inside threat, and that has helped us,” Gerlich said.

“It still remains to be seen on how different we are. We do have some athletic depth. It’s going to be a different team they’re going to see, but it’s going to be really exciting.”

Senior guard Holly Isaacs is among some of the few returners to the team.

Although she may only be 5’ 4”, she stands tall in her leadership role as a veteran Lady Buff.

“I’ve just been trying to show them [the new girls] how Lady Buff basketball is played,” Isaacs said.

“Meaning how Emily, Courtney and Jennifer Brock played and keeping the tradition going.”

Tradition has been a major component of Gerlich’s tenure as head coach.

Since her arrival, she has compiled a 54- 10 mark.

Additionally, in her three years as head coach, the Lady Buffs have captured the Lone Star Conference Division title each year.

Now, the new season has similar expectations.

According to the LSC preseason poll, WT has been selected as the top pick for the South Division above Tarleton State and Abilene Christian.

“These girls have to understand that a target isn’t on their back because of what they have done, it’s what previous teams have done,” Gerlich said.

“They’ve got to really put their best foot forward and understand our tradition here in a hurry.”

The Lady Buffs will put those expectations to the test during their season opener November 15.

WT will host Incarnate Word with tip off beginning at 2 p.m. from the First United Bank Center.

EYES UP: Senior Guard Holly Isaacs scans the court in search of an open man. Isaacs is one of three seniors on the 2009- 2010 Lady Buff
basketball team.