Women's basketball team opens its 2008-09 season with youth and eagerness.  The 08-09 season will have challenges of its own to face before continuing the high standards started by last year's squad.  The graduation of Tech's first recruiting class leaves the team without the two most decorated players in the program's history.  The departure of the Class of 2008 took both of Tech's All SCIAC players, Lindsay King and Rene Davis.  The duo were Tech's first players ever to receive all conference honors, and King is Tech's all time leading scorer and the only player to pass the 1,000 point mark.  The departures leave a big void to fill, but with the team dressing for 2008-2009, things can absolutely happen.

Returning to Tech orange will be four starters.  Leading the charge will be Junior Lisa Yee.  Yee's sheer athletic ability will prove to be problematic for teams on the schedule.  Her speed and agility will be key for the Beavers.  Yee is also likely to be the next player to join King on the 1,000 point list if she continues at the pace she has started on.  Adding experience is defensive specialist Jessica Roberts.  Roberts drew Tech's toughest defensive assignments a year ago, and plans to bring her tenacity back with her again for 08-09.  Roberts also returns to the floor in a new role, leading her team as a captain.  Already setting the bar high for her teammates, looks to Roberts to be a factor on the floor.

Senior Lea Kunesh returns to keep Tech fast and productive going to the basket.  A guard who slashes through defenses, Kunesh has much needed experience in SCIAC, as she begins her fourth year as a starter on the floor.   Finally, Sophomore Lisha Li rounds out the returning group and the captain slate.  Li gained valuable experience at the end of the season, standing in at the point during Rene Davis' injury.  Thrust into action for two weeks late in conference play put Li in the role at a critical time, and provided a glimpse of her potential.  Given the opportunity to acquire leadership early in her career, Li has the chance to set the tempo for the future of her program.

Returning players adding to the team's depth are Diana Dou, Julianne Gould, and Kathryn Gunn.  Dou made significant progress in her game through 08-09, showing her skills on the boards in multiple outings for Tech.  Gould and Gunn both battled different infections which kept them out of practices a big portion of the year.  Watch for Gould to get back on track and make contributions in the new season.  Gunn will have to wait until January to join the team and show her gains.  Her Fall will be spent in London as she studies abroad for the first term. 

New to the roster are impact players Krissy Dahl and Erin Hoops.  Dahl arrives in SoCal from Agnes Irwin High School in Bryn Mawr, PA.  Dahl brings a key ingredient to the Tech floor.  Standing at 6'2", Dahl is the tallest player on the roster.  Her ability to score in the paint gives Tech another weapon to use against opponents.  Watch for her to lead the Beaver rebounding efforts on the boards as well.   As if that wasn't enough, Dahl runs the floor like a guard and will be central to Tech's transition.  Bringing versatility to Tech's game is Erin Hoops. Coming to Pasadena from El Dorado Hills, CA, Hoops will help provide depth at the guard position.  A perimeter threat, the inside outside game is a factor for the Beavers. Her sharp shooting will help draw defenses out and force teams to guard both the three point line and the paint. 

In addition to Dahl and Hoops, the new Beavers include Theresa Juarez, Hoi Yee Nam, and Grace Li.  Juarez is from El Paso, Texas and will get back to the court after an injury detoured her high school career.  After a successful rehab, Juarez is an important addition to Tech's depth.   Natural talent is plentiful for Grace Li, who wasn't a member of her high school team, however Li brings solid instincts and a spot on shot.  Li will certainly add to the number of reserves available for the Beavers.  Sophomore Hoi Yee Nam arrives on campus from Hong Kong where she was a key member of her high school team.  Nam brings a street like style to the court   Watch for her to be a threat on the drive. 

Samantha Smiley a Tech sophomore who will return to the court after spending last season in cross country.  Rounding out the roster is Frosh class Shannon Mohler, Sylvia Sullivan, Joy Chen and Sara Ahmed.  These frosh will increase their game knowledge every day, and bring great enthusiasm to the team. 

Watch for Tech to continue its journey toward being more competitive in SCIAC.  Although the team still faces the same challenges of experience and depth, opponents will see a different look and different game.