who returned from an injury and played in the final four games.
But the starting five for most of the season all are back for the 2012-13 campaign.
“We are very excited to have almost everyone back for this season. We lost only two games last year by more than 10 points,” said Pacific Head Coach Josh Spuhl. “Practices have been going very good so far. Our goals are to be competitive every game and to continue to get better for districts. We want to be at our best by the end of February.”
Pacific’s returning starters are 5-6 senior guards Lizzy Almo and Abby Spuhl, 5-6 junior guard Ashley Hill, 5-9 junior forward Kya Hill and 5-7 sophomore forward Ellen Rogers.
Almo has the ability to score from anywhere on the floor. She has had success in the past taking the ball to the basket.
Spuhl figures to be the top three-point shooting threat on the team.
Ashley Hill will run the offense as the point guard.
Kya Hill and Rogers will help the Lady Indians with inside scoring and rebounding.
Other varsity returners, all sophomores, are 5-5 guard Meagan Wakefield, 5-6 guard Karlie King and 5-7 forward Kate Cookson.
King likely will miss the start of the season after recent knee surgery.
Varsity newcomers are sophomore guards Brigid Toney and Charla Jackson.
The Lady Indians won’t be the tallest team around, so their ability to rebound will be key.
Pacific opens the season Saturday, Nov. 24, at the St. James Shootout against Jefferson City at 12:30 p.m.
The Lady Indians are seeded fourth for the Marquette Tournament Nov. 27-30, opening against Webster Groves Nov. 27 at 7 p.m.
The home opener is Dec. 13 against New Haven.
“We are starting off the year with some very tough competition. We open against Jeff City and then the Marquette Tournament is loaded with great basketball teams,” Spuhl said. “We have added Eureka to our schedule this year. We want to three-peat at the Seckman Tournament. The Lindbergh Tournament is going to be very tough this year. I really enjoy working with our players. I know we will be successful.”
Pacific will host the Class 4 District 9 Tournament this season. Other schools in the district are Borgia, Union, St. Clair, Sullivan and Owensville.
