For the first time in 20 years, the Missouri State Lady Bears will begin a season ranked in the AP Top 25 Poll.
“It’s great to be ranked, no matter when it is: preseason, during the season, postseason. We celebrate all those small victories,” said Missouri State Head Coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton.
No. 24 Missouri State ranks in the preseason top 25 for just the third time ever, but you won’t find the Lady Bears resting on that accomplishment.
“I know we’re still going to play with a chip on our shoulders and just knowing that we are getting the rightful recognition that we are getting now and even just from last season,” said senior Brice Calip.
Last year, MSU was the top team in the Missouri Valley Conference on the way to winning the Valley regular season championship.
However, it’s what the Lady Bears did get the chance to accomplishment that sticks with them.
“We were robbed, all around,” said junior Jasmine Franklin about having last season cut short. “We would’ve wrecked it up in that [Missouri Valley] tournament and going into the [National Tournament] all around, but it’s definitely something that’s going to motivate us”
“Not being able to finish that season that we had…” added senior Elle Ruffridge. “I’m excited this year to get back on the court and finish what we didn’t get to finish last year.”
The quest to do that will begin with a tournament in Florida and games against Wake Forest and No. 12 Maryland.
“Like we did last year at the WNIT, playing those big schools, I don’t see it being a problem. I know it’ll be a challenge all around but we’re always up for it,” Franklin said.
At this point, the Lady Bears don’t care who’s on the other side, they just ready for tip off.
“Practice has been going great, but nothing compares to those game day feelings and the preparation that goes into those,” said senior Abby Hipp
The Lady Bears first game is Nov. 27 on the road vs. Florida Gulf Coast.
