2008 Woodie Awards
Team focuses on future after early exit
By: Dave Jones
Issue date: 3/12/08 Section: Sports
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"Some of the best compliments I got from almost every coach was how hard we played," she said.
The season for CMU ended Sunday in a 68-65 loss to Ohio University in the first round of the Mid-American Conference Tournament in Cleveland. The loss marked the fourth consecutive season the Chippewas' season has been ended by Ohio in the first round.
CMU finished the season 6-23. Its season began back in the spring with the hiring of Guevara from Auburn University to replace former coach Eileen Klienfelter.
"I was looking forward to the players and the competition," Guevara said. "I still feel the same way."
Guevara said she had her own expectations for the season.
"I wanted the kids to compete," she said. "I wanted to change the culture of the team. The last 12 to 15 years, there was a losing mentality."
The season started strong, though, for Guevara and her new team. The Chippewas won two of their first three, winning close games against the University of Illinois-Chicago and Chicago State for their only home wins.
"We started out good; really confident," said junior guard Angel Chan. "It was exciting. These were two teams we hadn't beaten in past years."
Then came a cold streak. CMU lost 13 of its next 16. This included 10 consecutive losses from Dec. 30 to Feb. 9 and losses in its first eight conference games.
The streak was plagued with turnovers, as the team averaged 17.9. But Guevara emphasized the team must run the offense and play tough defense.
The change to a small lineup worked quickly near the end of the MAC schedule. CMU soon won its first MAC game against Kent State in overtime and again at Buffalo the next week. But the Chippewas could not overcome their mistakes and ended the season losing five consecutive games.
But Guevara has some things to look forward to next season.
The team will return four of its five starters, only graduating guard Candace Wilson.
The team also will graduate forward Dana Westover and guard Stacy Verhoff.
Returning will be the team's top two scorers, sophomore forward Britni Houghton and Chan, who averaged 13.1 and 11.4, respectively.
The Chippewas also will get a boost in the middle when freshman Katherine Young becomes eligible after transferring. Other players have matured after a year in Guevara's system.
"A lot of people got playing time and experience this year," Chan said. "And they're getting more confident."
sports@cm-life.com
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