MOSCOW, Idaho—Idaho women's basketball was back in Memorial Gym on Sunday as the team held its first official practice of the 2017-18 season.
"I feel like this has been a long time coming," head coach
Jon Newlee said after practice. "We ended the year really well last year, getting to the semifinals of the WBI. We couldn't wait to get back out here and integrate our five newcomers."
Idaho has a key group of returners set to lead the team this season. Senior
Geraldine McCorkell and juniors
Mikayla Ferenz and
Taylor Pierce form a trio that is going to cause a lot of headaches for Vandal opponents. The group led Idaho last season in scoring. Ferenz returns as the top scorer from a year ago, averaging 18.5 points per game. McCorkell averaged 12.8 points and Pierce, the other half of the Splash Sisters, closed the season with 12. 6 points per game.
"I am definitely counting on them to help out the newcomers," Newlee explained. "If this first practice is any indication it is going to go really well."
A big focus for the Vandals this season will be working in the team's five newcomers. Idaho added one transfer and four freshmen to the squad this season, bulking up the depth at both the post and guard positions.
Freshmen
Nina Carlson and
Natalie Klinker will provide help at the post. Carlson, a Lake City graduate from Post Falls, Idaho, is long on the perimeter with her 6-3 frame. Klinker, a Fairfield, Mont., native will be a tough, physical presence underneath the basket.
Junior
Sarah Bersang, a Horsens, Denmark, native, transferred in over the summer from Eastern Wyoming College. Freshmen
Haley Blankinship (Springfield, Va.) and
Allison Kirby (Spirit Lake, Idaho) both will battle for time at the guard position.
"We have a lot of experience which is good," Ferenz added. "I think we just need to help out the new girls as much as we can. Obviously, we are talking them through drills and getting them set. It is our role now to teach them."
Idaho's first test on the court comes Nov. 5 in an exhibition against Lewis-Clark State. The Vandals open the regular season on Nov. 10 at Colorado State. The team's home opener comes on Dec. 1 against Washington.
Season and group ticket sales begin on Monday. Season tickets for adults are $60 and $55 for seniors. Group tickets start at $5. For more information visit GoVandals.com/tickets.
Fans can stay up-to-date on all things Idaho women's basketball by following the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @VandalsWBB.
For more information on Idaho Athletics, visit GoVandals.com. Fans can also find Idaho on Twitter and Instagram, @Idaho_Vandals, or on Facebook by searching Idaho Vandals.
