Originally published November 12, 2009 at 6:01 PM | Page modified November 12, 2009 at 10:31 PM

Seattle U. Women's Hoops | 5 keys to the season

They expect to hit some bumps as they play their first complete Division-I schedule.

Stay energized

Seattle U. typically is energized from pregame warm-ups to the final horn. The Redhawks need to keep the intensity because it'll help establish a new tradition within the program, even if they hit some bumps as they play their first complete Division I schedule.

Get defensive

A trait the Redhawks can rely on is their defense. It's only going to improve under first-year coach Joan Bonvicini. She has the team trapping and pressuring, using the talent available to her advantage.

Remain healthy

Past injuries depleted the roster. SU has returned to lifting weights during the season under Bonvicini. Hopefully the improved conditioning helps the Redhawks avoid mishaps.

Hit the freebies

Bonvicini has her team shooting more free throws in practice. The extra work needs to carry over into games. The Redhawks shot 65 percent from the line last season.

Rebound

True, SU is undersized inside, but that shouldn't stop them from grabbing rebounds. Everyone should be active to help the Redhawks play an up-tempo game.

Schedule highlights

• Purdue, ranked No. 23 in the USA Today/ESPN preseason coaches' poll, hosts Seattle U. on Nov. 20 in its annual Basketball Travelers Tournament.

• Redhawks host Washington on Dec. 9. Now that both teams are Division I, this is a renewal of a crosstown battle. The Redhawks lost 82-56 at Edmundson Pavilion last year.

• Seattle U.'s only game at KeyArena will be Feb. 16, against North Dakota.

Jayda Evans

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