TicketsOct. 15, 2005
CINCINNATI, Ohio -- As the 2005-06 basketball season gets underway with the first official practices this weekend, Cincinnati women's head coach Laurie Pirtle is excited about this year's team and the Bearcats' entrance into the BIG EAST.
"Last year at this time I was asked how the BIG EAST would affect recruiting," said Pirtle at a media luncheon on Friday. "and I said `wait and see our recruiting class.' And then our class was ranked No. 10 in the nation. The affect these young women are having on the program already is great. They are talented and they are energetic."
That recruiting class features Jill Stephens (Mineral Wells, W. Va.), the sister of senior center Anne Stephens and one of the top 50 players in the class of 2005. Joining her as a freshman are Mt. Notre Dame's Michelle Jones, Kahla Roudebush (Noblesville, Ind.), Shelly Bellman (Ottawa, Ohio) and Angel Morgan (Springfield, Ohio).
"Besides the talented young players," added Pirtle, "the rest of our team is more experienced and much healthier. Micah (Harvey) and Bellva (May) have another year of experience and are more ready to lead this team. And last year eight of the 10 players we used missed time due to injury.
"This team is full of pride and intensity. They are buying in to our program and determined to exceed expectations as we head into the BIG EAST. Heading onto the court for the first time we are excited for what is coming. And the BIG EAST is still affecting recruiting. Our `06 class will be great also."
The Bearcats return three starters and nine letterwinners overall. The exhibition season opens on Wednesday, Nov. 2 against the Ohio Legends. The regular season begins on Saturday, Nov. 19 when UC hosts St. Francis (Pa.) at 3 p.m. ET. Season tickets are available now by calling 513-556-CATS or logging on to www.UCBearcats.com.