(L-R) Iva Belosevic, Sara Bershers, and Jessica Martino are pictured in action at this Fall’s Women’s preseason practice. Photo credits to UTRGV athletics department.
The UTRGV Women’s Basketball team began official preseason practice on Sept. 28th in the UTRGV fieldhouse in preparation of their 2021-2022 season. This will be head coach Lane Lord’s fourth season in the Valley with the Vaquero’s.
The Vaqueros have been using the time they’ve had to work out and become stronger before the seasons start. To get a more in-depth perspective on the work they’re putting in and how the preseason is going, Vaquero Radio interviewed head coach Lane Lord.
“Our Fall camp, before official practice started, still had that eight hour week rule. Just continuing in the weight room, continuing to condition with our strength coach. Getting on the floor, work fundamentals. Now that we’re at a full time practice mode we’re back to twenty hours a week…but the team is pretty healthy right now, and we’re excited to get the season rolling.”
Since the Vaqueros have started practice, they have also been heavily invested in areas of their game that need improvement such as rebounding and turnovers.
“Well we really need to cut down on our turnovers…obviously last year with the starts and stops it’s hard to be consistent. So we’re just looking for consistency, and I think with the veteran group that we have, with a couple really talented newcomers, I think we’ll really improve in that area.”
Within the Vaqueros veteran group, there are some leaders that may help to mitigate the flaws the team currently has.
“Number one, a grad transfer named Taylor Muff. She played volleyball the last four years at (the University of) Northern Colorado…Volleyball player for the Big Sky (Conference), she’s brought that leadership…Number two is probably Jena’ Williams. Our point guard last year, she’s really taken her body to a different level. Really understands the game, she has a big basketball IQ.”
The Vaquero’s begin the 2021-2022 season Saturday, November 6th in an exhibition match against Dallas Christian College at the UTRGV Fieldhouse in Edinburg, TX at 6 p.m., and officially kick off their season Tuesday, November 9th against the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL. The game will be held in the university’s Yuengling Center at 6 p.m.
This is Aaron Vasquez with Vaquero Radio
