October 16, 2009

2009-10 Schedule

2009-10 Roster

FARMVILLE, Va. – The Longwood University women's basketball team begins practice for the upcoming 2009-10 campaign on Friday evening, October 16. The Lancers are conducting their first official practice in Willett Hall beginning at 5 p.m.. Longwood, under the guidance of third-year head coach Kristin Caruso, returns two starters among six letterwinners from last year's team that finished 8-21, and has added five newcomers to the program.

The two returning starters include senior and fourth-year starter Becky Fernandes/Fort Belvoir (Bishop Ireton) [5-7] who led the team with her 8.9 points a year ago, adding 4.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists, and junior Krystal Garrison/Fredericksburg (Courtland) [5-8] who averaged 8.3 points with 37 three-point field goals last season. Other top returning players include sophomores Brittanni Billups/Goldsboro, N.C.) [6-1] who scored 4.6 points, Emma Zieverink/West Chester, Ohio (Lakota West) [6-0] who added 3.8 points, and Morgan Smith/Williamsport, Md. (Williamsport) [6-1] who averaged 3.0 points. Longwood has added area freshmen Chelsea Coward/Mechanicsville (Hanover) [6-1], Crystal Smith/Richmond (Meadowbrook) [5-8], and Jasmine Spence/Midlothian (Amelia Academy) [6-4].

Longwood will open the season at Virginia Tech on Friday night, November 13, at 7:30 p.m. in Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, one of three games this season against members of the ACC along with Virginia and Maryland at home in Willett Hall on January 31, while also playing Big East member West Virginia. The Lancers open their home schedule against USC Upstate on Monday night, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m. in Willett Hall, and have additional contests against CAA and in-state opponents VCU at home and on the road at James Madison while playing at Liberty as well.

Coach Caruso is assisted this year by Gayle Coats, Mike Davis, and Wanisha Smith.