Large |
X-Large |
Large |
X-Large |
Large |
X-Large |
This year’s team returns three starters, and seven players overall from last year’s team. Union also adds four new players to the program and two players return after sitting out last season. Jessica Graves returns to the program after missing last season with a knee injury and Beatrice Awino Duol after playing as a freshman with Union two years ago.
Union head coach Mark Campbell says, “We have a strong group of returners that know exactly what is expected of them and the expectations of this program. I believe that this is the strongest group of guards we have had in my 11 years. Kaitlin Dudley (17ppg), Zienab Chan (11ppg), Lavanda Ross (10ppg), Kayla Hudson (9ppg 7apg), Jessica Graves (10ppg in 2008) and Christina Ray (started every game, best defender) will be a great group to lead this team.”
The senior class for Union has five players led by three-time All-American Dudley. Graves returns for her fifth year at Union, after playing for three seasons and then missing all of last year with an injury. Laura Crittendon returns to complete her four-year career at Union. Crittendon was named an NAIA Scholar Athlete last season. Ray and Ashley Lilliard are back for their second seasons with Union after transferring in as juniors.
Three juniors highlight the roster for Union, led by All-American Hudson. Chan returns for her third season with the Lady Bulldogs, while Kayla Bryant begins her Union career after transferring in this season.
Union boasts four talented sophomores led by last season’s TranSouth Newcomer of the Year, Ross. Duol returns to the roster after not playing in 2008-09. Rebecca Sharpe joins Union from Bryan (Tenn.) College where she led NAIA DII in assists last season as a freshman. Stacey Conway joins Union this year, coming from the junior college level.
Three freshmen begin their college careers at Union. Paige Parker comes to Union from Hanceville, Ala., Aly Giddens joins Union from the University School of Jackson, while Mildred Olumasi is from Kenya.
“We have three newcomers and one veteran returning from injury that will play major roles on this year’s team,” says Campbell. “Jessica will give our team an option that we did not have last year. Kayla (Bryant) will bring great experience in NAIA and playing in big games, while Stacey and Beatrice will give us significant depth and size in the post.”
Union looks to defend their NAIA and TranSouth titles from last year. The challenges will be tough as Union again plays in the TranSouth conference, one of the premiere women’s basketball leagues in the NAIA. The Union schedule is full of matchups, both non-conference and in conference, which are against ranked and national tournament caliber teams. The challenges start early as Union opens with an exhibition game on Oct. 30 at Vanderbilt University out of the Southeastern Conference.
Union will also look to extend several streaks that are intact entering the 2009-10 season. Union has been ranked No. 1 in the NAIA for 25 straight rankings (two straight seasons). Union has also won 23 straight games, 42 straight home games and 35 straight regular season conference games.
The Union Lady Bulldogs have won three straight TranSouth titles. Over the 13-year history of the TranSouth Conference, Union has won 11 regular season titles and 10 tournament titles. Coach Campbell and assistant coach Katie oodruff will work to bring this team more championships in 2009-10.
