The Student News Site of North Carolina A&T State University

The A&T Register

The Student News Site of North Carolina A&T State University

The A&T Register

The Student News Site of North Carolina A&T State University

The A&T Register

Lady Aggies eager to start fresh with new season by Patrick Edmond

With the 2017 season approaching, the North Carolina Agricultural &Technical State University women’s basketball team have high hopes for the upcoming season.

Despite last year’s disappointing end to the season, the Lady Aggies are accustomed to winning. However, injuries and inexperience led to an underwhelming 14-18 record, while going 8-8 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Although the team was full of potential last season, they were inconsistent. According to the head coach of the Lady Aggies, Tarrell Robinson, the team had to mature, “ We had 8 freshman at the time. They had to learn to understand what it takes to be a division one athlete,” said Coach Robinson.

After gaining experience from last season, the team is more than prepared for the upcoming season. From the moment the season was over, summer workouts, scrimmages, and leadership improved tremendously.

According to the head coach, sophomore center, Alexis Lessears (2nd-team preseason all-conference), and  sophomore point guard, Cinia McCray, have done a great job in getting themselves prepared, working on their skills. Robinson noticed a dramatic improvement in leadership when he realized his team would hold each other accountable for mistakes made on the floor.

When asked who is the toughest opponent for the upcoming season, Robinson swiftly answered saying, “Everybody!” He then went on to explain how every team on their schedule is more than capable of beating them. However with seven of their games are at home, two are neutral, and three are away, the outcome for wins is a little more favorable for the Lady Aggies.  Nevertheless, the team will be tested before entering MEAC play, going up against non-conference teams such as University of Georgia, and Auburn University

Health is a major focal point Robinson wants to correct. Coming off of a career high with 17 points and 10 rebounds against Morgan St. in February, junior power forward/center, Charnise Tyler, unfortunately tore her ACL in the very next game. She is currently recovering, and is expected to return in December. Freshman guard, Morgan Batie, is also battling a back injury. The team’s medical staff is continuously working to return all players to 100 percent as quickly as possible.

During the Aggie Madness event, featuring the men’s and women’s basketball teams, one thing in particular stood out the most.  Nearly one third of the team was wearing a protective boot on their feet. However Robinson emphasized that their use was simply to comfort nagging and recurring injuries and every player with a boot on was healthy.

Coach Robinson’s expectations for the team is to win the MEAC. Last season the standards were lowered, but the team plans to build back up its winning tradition.

Team captain senior forward, Quenswayla Story, has a vision for this year’s team. “My goals for this upcoming season are to produce and provide for my team as much as I can, and also lead on and off of the court,” said Story. With the season swiftly approaching, the Lady Aggies are prepared to make it memorable.

Catch the Lady Aggies in action at their  2017-2018 season opener on Friday, November 10, 2017 at 5:30 P.M. against Georgia Southern University at the Corbett Sports Center

 

 

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