In sports, win, lose or draw as an athlete, you just want to finish, mostly when you were as dominant as the lady cougars last season. The Lady Cougars controlled the CCAC previous season posting a 22-0 record, outclassing opponents with an average margin of victory of 18 points. With a disappointing loss in the CCAC tournament to in-state rivals St. Francis, the lady Cougars seemed poised to make a deep run in the NAIA national tournament. However, the season was cut short due to COVID-19. Don’t let last season’s success fool you though the Lady Cougars aren’t satisfied, Neither is head coach Irvin who will be entering into her second season with the team.
“It’s a new season, said coach Irvin. We’re not really thinking about what we accomplished or didn’t accomplish last season. The biggest thing for us to build on last season was the fact that we didn’t get to play in the national tournament. It’s not that we didn’t accomplish anything, but our returners feel like they have a chip on their shoulder, and our newcomers are excited to build their own legacy.”
The Lady Cougars Ranked 6th in the country in NAIA Division 2 last season, seemingly laying waste to the rest of the division. However, being narrowly beat in the CCAC Tournament Championship to the number 8thranked University of Saint Francis, the Lady Cougars have a bitter taste in their mouth. “To win the conference this year, we have to be a better rebounding team than we were last year,” said Coach Irvin. “We have to out rebound the majority of our opponents, we have to be able to run and score early in the shot clock, and we have to mix it up defensively.” The Lady Cougars will be without outstanding player Chanel Fanter who Graduated in the spring. Fanter, who was Two time All-American Second Team player, a Two-time All-CCAC First Team player, led the team in points per game, Rebounding, was second on the team in field goal percentage, and third on the team in assists, Fanter absence without a doubt will leave a void that needs to be filled. Looking to help fill that void is transfer student Alyssa Streeter. Streeter, a transfer from Lewis University, played 24 out of 31 games and shot 47.4 percent from the field. “We’re waiting for an MRI to see what the season will look like for her” said coach Irvin.
The Lady Cougars were fluent on offense last season, averaging 84 points per game while shooting 45 percent from the field and 35 percent from 3. The lady Cougars will look to continue their quality offensive game this season.
“We try to put players in the positions they are most comfortable in,” said Coach Irvin. “What’s high percentage shots for each of our players. So, we focus a lot in practice, and even when we’re shooting, we’re figuring out what those shots are. I don’t try and put a player outside of their comfort zone, so it’s more about creating opportunities for them to be successful, and then creating those open looks for each other.”
While the Cougars were impressive on offense, they were even more dominant on the defensive end. The Cougars stifling defense held opponents to a staggering 66 points per game, while only allowing a 34 percent field goal percentage. However, Coach Irvin believes that they can be even better than last season.
“I think our weakness on the defense last year was our rebounding; we gave up a lot of rebounds and second-chance points. Our opponents field goal percentage should probably be even lower if we didn’t give up so many rebounds. This year we’re looking to really make it uncomfortable on other teams. We need to make them rush their shots and take shots that’s out of character for them.”
The Cougars will plan to improve their season from last year led by veteran trio Maia Fawcett, Claire Austin, and Brianna Flayter. “I think all three of them have gotten a lot better this offseason,” Said coach Irvin. Even though we weren’t together because of the quarantine, those three spent a lot of time together improving their games and working with each other. I think what we lost from the seniors we will gain from the three of them, and I believe they’re ready to add that scoring presence to their games.” The Cougars are ready to handle business this year with the season beginning Oct 30 Vs. Morningside College.
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