Women's Basketball

SIUE Women's Basketball Eager to Open 2007-2008 Season
         EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - When the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville women's basketball head coach Wendy Hedberg and her team takes the floor Saturday in its exhibition game against Bradley University, everyone will be eager to see what this year's team offers.
         SIUE returns five players who all contributed heavily to last year's team and two players who sat out the 2006-07 season with injuries. Joining the Cougars on the court will be five new players who are eager to showcase their skills. With this year's roster, there is an exciting mix of program veterans and rookies.
         Saturday will be the first test as to whether the off-season work improved upon last year's 20-9 overall and 13-6 in Great Lakes Valley Conference record. The Cougars face off against Bradley in Peoria, Ill. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:05 pm.
         "We will run more than we did last year. Our athleticism is improved, so we can do some things this year we could not in years past," said Hedberg.
         Amber Shelton (Edwardsville) returns for her senior season after earning All-American honors last year. Shelton led the Cougars with 19.4 points per game as well as steals with 51.
         "Amber is a phenomenal player who propelled us to another level last season. She works hard in practice, and that kind of hard work pays off come game time," said Hedberg.
         Sharpshooter Whitney Sykes (Pontoon Beach) returns for her senior season after setting the SIUE record for three-pointers made. With 207 three-pointers, Sykes will be looking to pad her career record. The All-GLVC selection should once again be a leader for the Cougars.
         "I think Whitney gets overlooked so much for her efforts. She plays hard night in and night out. She not only hits the three-pointer but works her way to the free throw line," said Hedberg.
         Sykes finished second in the nation last season with a 93.3 percent free throw percentage.
         Taking care of the distribution duties again will be Amy Austin (Jeffersonville, Ind.). After finishing with 97 assists, Austin not only led the team last year, but she also was a top ball handler in the GLVC.
         "I think Amy has done everything we've asked of her. She's a focused individual whether it's in the classroom or on the court," Hedberg said.
         Elyse Morris (Prophetstown) was a strong addition last season after transferring from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Her 1.80 assists to turnover ratio last season was good enough for fourth in the GLVC. The team expects her to improve upon her already efficient style of play.
         "Elyse battled through injuries last season, and we'll expect her to make an even bigger contribution this season," said Hedberg.
         With appearances in all 29 of last year's games, Julie Sweetin (Benton), will have the most experience for the Cougar reserve players. After sitting out last year with injuries, Shardae Butler (East St. Louis) and Laura Witherspoon (Moline) will be welcomed back with important roles.
         Despite being new to SIUE basketball, the five incoming players are definitely not new to the game of basketball. The four transfers and All-Area freshman should provide depth for the Cougar program.
         Lindsey Rujawitz (Edwardsville) is the lone freshman for this year's incoming class. Combining her three state Elite Eight appearance and her competitive nature, Rujawitz should help raise the bar for Cougar basketball.
         "Lindsey is a scrappy player who I expect will have little trouble adjusting to the collegiate game," Hedberg said.
         Jessie Stapleton (Chillicothe) looks to break into the starting lineup for the Cougars. With a NJCAA National Championship under her belt from Illinois Central College, she has the pedigree to make things interesting for those in front of her on the depth chart.
         "Jessie will give us toughness in her position. She rebounds well and plays aggressively on defense," said Hedberg.
         Coming from New Mexico Junior College, Brittany Imig (Joshua, Texas) is another experienced guard expecting to see the court this year. While at NMJC, Imig was an All-Tournament selection for the NMJC Shoot Out and an honorable mention All-Conference pick.
         By adding another champion in Amber Jordan (Kansas City, Mo.), SIUE should expect big things from the season. While attending North Central Missouri College, Jordan and her team won the NJCAA Region 16 Championship, the NJCAA District F Championship, and finished sixth at the NJCAA National Championship.
         "Brittany and Amber come from strong programs, and I think their experience gives us more options on offense," said Hedberg.
         Kim Karges (Villa Park) will be listed as the only center on the roster. Transferring from Spoon River College, the 6-foot-2-inch Karges should be able to contribute immediately.
         "Kim has the potential to be a solid player down low for us. She is getting better every day through her hard work," said Hedberg.
         This also is the final season on the sidelines for Coach Wendy Hedberg. She announced earlier this fall that her 29th would be her last.
         The Cougars kick off their season with the Central Missouri Classic in Warrensburg, Mo. Their game against Central Missouri is Friday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m.
                  -siue cougars-