Oct. 25, 2006

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- The Navy women's basketball program is quickly approaching the end of their second week of official team practices, which leaves only two more weeks until the squad opens its regular season. So far, head coach Tom Marryott has been pleased by the progress he has seen in the players.

"We have been very happy in a number of areas," said Marryott. "Our seniors have done a great job of setting the tone as far as attitude and work ethic for the entire team. We have tried to really focus during this period on improving upon our deficiencies from last season, namely our turnovers and excessive fouling, and we are driving those points home every time we take to the court.

"We also need to take better care of the basketball on the offensive side of the ball. Defensively we are making a conscious effort to make sure every shot by our opponents is being challenged, but without fouling. We still have a long way to go in both areas, but it is nice to see us progressing."

Navy returns a veteran team from last season, a returning core including three starters, nine letterwinners and 11 players. Having so many returning players has helped keep the pace of practice brisk and allowed for several new features of both practices and the playbook to be added during this time.

"We have had to provide a few reminders to our returning players, which is always the case during the first few practices of the year, but on the whole because of their experience we have already been able to implement many new concepts to the team," said Marryott.

In addition to the large contingent of returning players, the 2006-07 roster features six newcomers to the program. Despite having a lot of learning to do in a short period of time, their transition to the practice routines of the program has gone well.

"As is always the case, our freshmen have found themselves in the whole new world of college basketball," said Marryott. "They have a lot of adjusting to do to the pace and intensity of the college game, but we couldn't be happier with the desire and effort they have displayed during the opening two weeks of practice."

Navy will open its season with a busy weekend consisting of games Nov. 10 at Ohio and Nov. 12 against Marshall in Annapolis. As time has already flown by for the Mids, the remaining two weeks before the start of the season will, as well.

"The opener is really coming up fast on us," said Marryott. "Over the next ten days we need to have in place everything that this basketball team needs to compete in our November 10 game. If we can achieve that, we will then be able to refine our offense and defense in preparation that first game."