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Women look to rebound after tough season By STEPHANIE PENDRYS THE GAMECOCK It’s the most wonderful season of the year — the tune when driving hard through a lane won’t result in a ticket, stealing is not considered a criminal offense and people actually want to be on the rebound. College hoops are in full swing, and the USC women’s squad is looking to establish itself early on as a basketball force to be reckoned with before diving into the shark-infested SEC waters in January. USC’s schedule outside the SEC includes games against Jacksonville, Charlotte, Clemson and Florida A&M. Clemson and Charlotte both advanced to the 2004 Women’s NIT Championship Game with Charlotte winning, 78 71. The Florida A&M Lady Rattlers posted a respectable 17-12 record in 2003-04 and were picked to finish fourth this season in the tough Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference. USC’s performance in tough non-conference games will help prove if the Gamecocks are truly prepared for battle in the SEC, which is well known as the most competitive women’s basketball conference in the country. The AP poll ranks Tennessee No. 1, LSU No. 3, Georgia No. 5 and Vanderbilt No. 13. The SEC boasts 11 of the 50 women named nationwide as preseason candidates for the Naismith Award, college basketball’s most prestigious individual award. The list was compiled by the Atlanta TipofF Club’s Board of Selectors, which is comprised of leading journalists, coaches and administrators from around the country. Despite facing the great talent and clout of their SEC foes, the Gamecocks enter this season with high aspirations. After a 2003-04 campaign that went 10 18, including a dismal 1-13 SEC mark, the Gamecocks are ready to show that they are not satisfied with residing in the basement of the conference. USC begins SEC competition in 2005 against Virginia on Jan. 2. Carolina fans will be able to see the Gamecocks take on top opponents Tennessee and LSU at home on Jan. 27 and Feb. 13, respectively. Team goals are high, even though there are no seniors and just two juniors on the roster. “Expectations are very high- We have to go out and prove to ourselves and everyone else that we are for real this season,” standout sophomore guard Lauren Simms said at Media Day on Nov. 9. The Gamecocks opened their 2004-05 campaign last Sunday against Washington and UNLV in the WBCA/BT1 Classic in Seattle. ■■Kv, T"^ m ———^ fl \J—r ELAINE THOMPSON/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Washington’s Kayla Burt, left, is bumped by junior guard Sarah Burgess in the second half in Seattle at the WBCA/BTI Classic. USC came away from the tournament 0-2. Unfortunately, they returned home with an 0-2 Washington Huskies. The Huskies trailed at record after a pair of tough losses. The Gamecocks suffered a 65-53 loss to the ♦ Please see WOMEN, page 7 a V\ £ Carolina Collegiate . Federal Credit Union Visit our convenient offices, for all vour financial needs. We offer fnMttj Mmhrskij) •Student Membership •Preferential treatment in lending •No minimum checking •No checking service charges •No per check fee •Nightwatch/24 hour telephone account access •Private Teller/24 hour computer account access •Nationwide, no surcharge ATM Network •uirect aeposa •Full line of savings plans •VISA Debit Card •VISA Classic & Platinum Credit Cards •Mortgage loans •Worldwide ATM-Cirrus & Star •Overdraft protection •Auto Warranty Program •Safe deposit boxes •Free traveler's checks •Payment Unk/bill payment service •Loan Connectlon/24-hr. loan approval •Financial Counseling Please call formembersNo information! 710 Pulaski Street • 4480Rosewood Drive • Columbia