From SGU Sports
Brad Collins, Sports Information Director
SHAWNEE – St. Gregory’s women’s basketball team enters its 2016-17 season looking to continue the positive momentum it created a year ago. Under the direction of second-year coach Jenone Bell, the Cavaliers begin that journey Tuesday at Southwestern (Kan.).
Last season, SGU hit the 10-win mark for the first time in three years – more than doubling its output from each of the previous two seasons.
“I think we are headed in the right direction,” said Bell, who enters her 20th year as a collegiate coach. “Our returning players have done a great job in bringing the new girls along. We’ve shown progress with each practice and scrimmage.”
The Cavaliers return their leading scorer in Kylee Tatum. The third-team All-Sooner Athletic Conference selection finished with 14.5 points per game and led the team in minutes. She joins five other returnees to go along with seven newcomers.
Kelsie Howgard is back after averaging 7.5 points and 4.9 rebounds. She started 27 of the Cavs’ 29 games last year.
Among the newcomers are transfers Chelsea Exum (Seminole State), Sara Hamilton (Seminole State) and Lauren Godbold (Central Oklahoma). CheBria Porter looks to make an impact as a true freshman (Spring Woods High School, Texas).
Following Tuesday’s season opener, the Cavs will prep for their home opener against Randall University Saturday. SGU’s schedule features seven games against teams either ranked or receiving votes in the NAIA Preseason Coaches’ Poll.