Alec Tebben | Echo
The Taylor women's basketball team is moving forward with confidence as they enter this season.
The Trojans won their first three games against Asbury University, Madonna University and University of Northwestern Ohio. Starting the season 3-0 has given them confidence they hope will carry into the rest of the season. Having that confidence will be a great asset as the team faces a tough schedule this season.
"They're going to be tested more than they were last year, in terms of who we're playing," said head coach Jody Martinez.
Several players will also be taking on new roles this season. With the addition of its new players, the team is figuring out how they can be the most competitive.
Senior Aubrey Wright was the starting point guard last season but last weekend, she played as the three guard. She transitioned to shooting guard in Tuesday's game against University of Northwestern Ohio.
"Aubrey's got multidimensional skill level as she can play different positions, and right now that's what's helping us be very competitive," said Martinez.
The team has been making other changes as well.
Wright said that the team's dynamics have completely changed since last season.
"We've definitely become more of a shooting team. And Jody brought that in, he wanted us to all be confident shooting."
One of the team's goals for the season is to perform better against division rival Marian University. The Trojans fell to Marian three times last season. Marian was also the only conference team they did not defeat.
The Trojans' third loss to Marian last season was the conference championship game. Marian, ranked fourth in the nation in NAIA Division II, will likely be good again this season. The Trojans are hoping to take Marian's place as reigning conference champions.
But the team's aspirations do not stop there.
"We want to get this team back to the NAIA national tournament," said Martinez. "If we get back out there we'll be ready, calm, they'll see it as another game."
