Lady Pirates Open Season Against Hampton
November 13, 2008 | Women's Basketball
Nov. 13, 2008
GREENVILLE, N.C. - The East Carolina women's basketball team is set to tip off a new season as the Lady Pirates take on Hampton Friday evening at 5:30 inside Minges Coliseum. Seventh-year head coach Sharon Baldwin-Tener has plenty in her arsenal as four starters and eight letterwinners return, looking to capture their second Conference USA championship in three seasons after winning the league tournament and making an appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2007.
"I am very excited about this season," Baldwin-Tener stated. "After losing just one player to graduation, the majority of our team is back. With the newcomers we have added, I think we may have the deepest basketball team we have ever had here at East Carolina. Our players are better prepared for our up-tempo, pressing style of play and are in better shape. However, the majority of our team is made up of underclassmen and how they develop will be a big key to our success this season."
One reason for Baldwin-Tener's optimism is the presence of senior leaders Jasmine Young and LaCoya Terry. Both guards were named to the Preseason All-C-USA Team, making East Carolina the only program to have more than one player represented on the squad. Additionally, Young and Terry both reached the 1,000-point milestones for their careers as Young is now the ninth-leading scorer in program history while Terry sits 17th.
In advance of the season opener, Baldwin-Tener also announced the suspension of freshman guard Jamie Shaw for the contest due to a violation of team rules.
Off the court, ECU Marketing will host a food drive during the first three home women's basketball games, benefitting the Food Banks of Central and Eastern North Carolina.
