A terrific trio of guards last year carried the BYU women's basketball team to a 26-7 record and a trip to the NCAA tournament. All three guards are back this season to build on last year's success. Sophomore Stephanie Rovetti says she's excited about the outlook of this year's season.
'I think that we're all really excited for the year. I think we have a lot of good expectations and high expectations. I think that we have a preseason that, if we do well, will give us some momentum and confidence going into conference,' said Rovetti.
The Lady Cougars are hoping to improve on their 12-4 conference record last year, but to do so they'll need to break through opposing defenses and make room for the sharp shooters on this year's squad - including Sophomore Lexi Eaton.
'One of my strengths is driving and getting to the hoop. So, that's a good way to get to the defense and that opens things up for the shooters outside...we have a lot of great shooters on the team,' said Eaton.
Last year, Eaton shot 44% from the field, including 77% from the free throw line. BYU is counting on a repeat performance from Eaton and her teammates this season to carry them to a WCC title. Assistant Head Coach Melinda Bendall understands just how beneficial having the same guards back this year will be for the team.
'They're big directors on the court and we expect a lot out of them every single day. So, this year we're going to expect even more out of them, because they're all experienced. So, it'll be a good year for them,' said Bendall.
The three returning upperclassmen will act as mentors to the nine underclassmen guards who will one day fill their shoes.