Women’s basketball team prepares for 10-day roadtrip

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The 2011-12 version of the Central Michigan women’s basketball team has seven new players on its roster.

Over the next ten days they will have a better chance to get to know each other as the Chippewas start a four-game road trip through Pennsylvania and Alaska.

“The only focus will be on each other, which is a good thing,” said head coach Sue Guevara. “I think this road trip will give us a chance for our team to bond and really appreciate all the differences and the strengths that everyone on this team has.”

The Chippewas committed 26 turnovers in their first game together in a 69-60 loss to Northwestern.

“We practiced Saturday morning after that loss,” Guevara said. “It was a very spirited, competitive practice. The kids have come back ready to get after it and understand the areas we need to work on.”

By the time CMU plays its next game, it will have had a week more of practice together.

The road trip begins on Friday when the Chippewas play the first of two games in Pennsylvania against Robert Morris. Then Sunday it takes on Pittsburgh before flying to Anchorage, Alaska to compete in the Carrs/Safeway Great Alaska Shootout.

“I think it’s a once in a lifetime thing going to Alaska,” Guevara said. “It’s a really good opportunity to experience another area of the United States.”

Guevara played four of the five freshmen on her team in the loss to Northwestern, with only forward Jas’Mine Bracey getting the start.

Guards Crystal Bradford and Jessica Green came off the bench in the loss to the Wildcats — something they will continue to do as of now — leading CMU in scoring with 14 and 13 points respectively.

“The goal is to get players experience and you need to be ready to play regardless of who you’re playing,” Guevara said. “Right now I don’t see any changes being made to the starting lineup.”