Bama Women's Basketball Opens Practice Saturday Morning
10/14/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
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TUSCALOOSA - University of Alabama head women's basketball coach Rick Moody will open his 16th season at the helm of the Crimson Tide program at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning.
Moody will put his squad through their first official practice of the 2004-05 campaign from 9-11 a.m. at Coleman Coliseum.
"I am more excited about the start of practice for this season than I have been for any other in my 28 years of coaching," said Moody, who is just three wins shy of 300 for his career heading into the start of this year. "I am anxious to see the players compete, especially at the guard position because of our depth. We have had some very good preseason individual workouts and that is very encouraging. It is always exciting for me to work with the players as a whole and begin the process of building and developing a team attitude. This group has a tremendous blend of experience, athleticism and talent that I am really looking forward to work with."
Alabama returns four starters and eight letterwinners from last year's team that finished 12-16. All-SEC senior guard Monique Bivins is the team's top returning scorer at 14.4 ppg. Junior Dee Merriweather (7.6 rpg) and senior Natasha Gamble (4.3 rpg) are the leaders in the paint while senior Katie Sipe, a three-year starter, returns following her best season a year ago. Sophomores Kate Mastin, Navonda Moore, Leah Drury and Lauren Hill provide the team with quality depth at the guard position.
A six-pack of newcomers also adds to the excitement for the Tide this season. Transfers Marverly Nettles (Chicago State) and Krystle Johnson (UCLA) have fulfilled their NCAA transfer requirements and look to be immediate contributors as should freshmen Crystal Bellinger, Lateefah Joye and Chanel Johnson. Freshman Mamie Rutherford, a Hatton, Ala., native is projected to redshirt this year.
The Crimson Tide will play their only exhibition game of the season on Nov. 9 against EA Sports. UA's season and home opener is slated for Nov. 19 versus Michigan. The Tide and Wolverines will tipoff at Noon that day as part of a day-night doubleheader of hoops with the Bama men's squad.
Season tickets for the Tide's 13-game home schedule are currently on sale at the Alabama Athletic Ticket office for the price of $20.
The ticket office, located in the main entrance to Coleman Coliseum, is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT. Fans may also use the ease of ordering tickets on the internet through the University's official website, www.rolltide.com, or by calling (205) 348-BAMA or toll free, 1-877-TIDETIX.
