Last season, the Lady Aggies were 2 points away from a MEAC championship and a n NCAA bid.The Aggies lost just one senior last season and welcome an impressive recruiting class. Therefore, the expectations will be tremendous.

“We are not going to put a lot of pressure on ourselves,” said Bibbs, who is 51-40 as the Aggies head coach. “If you enjoy what you are doing, if you’re working hard and you’re doing the right things, the expectations will take care of themselves and the wins will come.”

After a season of accolades that included broken school records in wins, assists, steals, and rebounds, the Lady Aggies have a lot riding on this season. The heartbreaking loss to Coppin State cost the team a bid to the NCAA tournament, and they are looking to avenge their defeat and clinch their title.

The Aggies have been chosen as MEAC preseason champions in 2008-09.They return all five starters, including senior star guard Amber Bland. The 2008-09 preseason MEAC Player of the Year has been a three-year starter since transferring from Penn State.

Ta’Wuana “Tweet” Cook has garnered two all-conference selections and MEAC Rookie of the Year award during her three year tenure as starting point guard. Junior power forward Lamona Smalley stood out last season and is back for her third season as a starter. Senior Brittanie Taylor-James is a two-time all-conference performer. Sophomore Jaleesa Sams was a member of the MEAC All-Rookie team last season and was a starter for most of it.

GUARDS: Ta’Wauna “Tweet” Cook will bring the same quickness and 3-point skills to the team that she has the past 2 seasons. Junior Tyronnica “Wudi” Alford knows how to win and is a good leader when given the opportunity. Taryn Russ, a sophomore who did not play much last year, could make a difference when she gets a chance.Some followers of the MEAC will agree that Amber Bland was snubbed of the POY honor because she is very selective with her shots and does not take many ill-fated attempts.Bland may only take less than 10 shots in a game, but can still score 20+ points because of free throws and her defense. She will be backed up by freshman Tierra Thomas and junior college transfer Reisha Bullock.

FORWARDS: Lamona Smalley was free to roam the MEAC last year, and it paid off. She averaged 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds and earned all-tournament honors. She will be joined by senior Brittanie Taylor-James, who is a two-time all-conference player with a colorful presence on the court, and Jaleesa Sams who can play multiple positions. Ahmad Williams and Shantar Waddell also add depth to the position. CENTERS: Smalley will likely start the season off in the post again, despite being slightly undersized. She is a better fit for the power forward, which should free up playing time for sophomore Brittane Neely and freshman Nakia Deblanc in the post.  Guards: A-, Forwards: A-,Centers: B

• laporsha lowry