University of Wisconsin-River Falls
Falcon Sports

Falcon Sports Archive

 

Falcons Lose WIAC Playoff Game at UWEC

Feb. 24, 2003

The Falcons lost, 76-41, in the first round of the WIAC playoffs at UW-Eau Claire Monday night.

UWEC held a 31-25 lead at the half and outscored the Falcons 44-16 in the second half. The Falcons had only one player score in double figures, Bri Biebighauser with 10. Erin Effle, the Falcons leading scorer, was limited to two points. Chantele Melgaard scored nine points and Jill Crandall eight. UWRF was 15-53 (.283) from the field, inlcuding 2-18 (.111) from three-point range. UWRF finished 9-14 (.643) from the line. UWEC was led by Katie Murphy who scored 16 points. Rachel Becker scored 14 points and Brooke Wozniak led both teams with 17 rebounds. UWEC held a 53-38 advantage in rebounding.

The Falcons end their season with 10-15 overall record.

Falcons Lose Close One to Platteville

Feb. 22, 2003

The Falcons lost a 62-58 WIAC decision to UW-Platteville Saturday afternoon in their final game of the season at the Karges Center.

UWRF held a 32-24 lead at the half. The Falcons were led by Lisa Bartsch who scored 13 points and picked up 8 rebounds. Darcy Olsen and Brianna Biebighauser each added 11 points for the Falcons. Erin Effle picked up 9 rebounds and 5 points. The Falcons shot 19-51 (.373) from the field, including 6-13 (.462) from three-point range. The Falcons were 14-24 (.583) from the line. UWP was led by Angie Sisson who scored 16 points and Shannon Boatman who grabbed 14 rebounds.

The Falcons are now 10-14 overall and 4-12 in the WIAC and will play at UW-Eau Claire on Monday in the first round of the WIAC tournament. The Blugolds, 24-1 overall and 16-0 in WIAC play, finished first in the final conference standings. The Falcons lost twice to the Blugolds, 57-41 on Jan. 8 at UWEC and 60-47 on Feb. 8 in River Falls.





Falcons Lose to Stout, 65-56

Feb. 19, 2003

The Falcons lost a 65-56 WIAC decision to UW-Stout Wednesday night at the Karges Center.

UWS held a 36-23 lead at the half. The Falcons were led by Erin Effle who scored 17 points. Chantele Melgaard added 16 points for the Falcons. The Falcons shot 17-56 (.304) from the field, including 4-17 (.235) from three-point range. The Falcons were 18-22 (.818) from the line. UWS was led by Lindsey Erichsen who scored 16 points and she grabbed 16 rebounds.

The Falcons, now 10-13 overall and 4-11 in the WIAC, will next host UW-Platteville on Saturday at the Karges Center with action starting at 3 p.m.

Falcons Win at UWS, 89-56

Feb. 12, 2003

Darcy Olsen scored a season-high 25 points to help lead the Falcon women's basketball team to an 89-56 win at UW-Superior Wednesday night.

The Falcons held a 48-24 lead at the half. Olsen finished 7-14 from the field, including 5-8 from three-point range. She was 6-7 from the line and had eight rebounds and eight assists. Erin Effle scored 19 points and Lisa Bartsch added 13. Effle led both teams with 12 rebounds. UWRF was 31-61 (.508) from the field, including 11-19 (.579) from three-point range. The Falcons were 16-24 (.667) from the line. UWS, now 1-20 overall and 0-14 in the WIAC, were led by Molly Ray who scored 17 points.

The Falcons, now 10-12 overall and 4-10 in the WIAC, will next host UW-Stout on Wednesday, Feb. 19. Tip off is set for 7 p.m.

Falcons Lose to UWEC, 60-47

Feb. 8, 2003

The Falcon women's basketball team dropped a 60-47 WIAC decision to UW-Eau Claire Saturday afternoon at the Karges Center.

UWEC held a 25-20 lead at the half and outscored the Falcons 35-27 in the second half. UWRF was led by Erin Effle who scored 17 points and grabbed seven rebounds. She finished 7-12 from the field and a perfect 3-3 from three-point range. Darcy Olsen scored nine points and had five rebounds and Jill Crandall scored eight points and had five rebounds. UWEC was led by Kristi Channing who scored 14 points. Brooke Wozniak scored 11 points and led both teams with 12 rebounds, nine on the offensive end. The Falcons were 18-41 (.439) from the field, including 7-13 (.538) from three-point range. UWRF was just 4-6 (.667) from the line. UWEC finished 21-53 (.396) from the field, including 3-17 (.176) from three-point range. The Blugolds were 15-26 (.577) from the line. Both teams finished with 32 rebounds.

The Falcons, now 9-12 overall and 3-10 in the WIAC, play at UW-Superior on Wednesday with game time set for 7 p.m.

Falcons Lose to Stevens Point, 70-53

Feb. 5, 2003

The Falcons were defeated by UW-Stevens Point, 70-53 on Wednesday night at Karges Center.

Erin Effle led the team with 13. Chantele Melgaard had 12 points and 7 rebounds. UWRF finished 19-54 (.352) from the field, including 3-13 (.231) from three-point range. UWRF was 12-13(.923) from the line. Cassandra Schultz and Cassandra Heuer each picked up 16 points for the Pointers. Tara Schmitt had 11 rebounds and 9 points. UWSP is now 16-4 overall and 8-3 in the WIAC.

The Falcons, now 9-11 overall and 3-9 in the WIAC, play UW-Eau Claire on Saturday Afternoon at Karges Center. Game time is 3p.m.

 

Falcons Defeated By Whitewater

Feb. 1, 2003

The Falcons were defeated by UW-Whitewater, 62-53, on Saturday afternoon in Whitewater.

Darcy Olsen led the teeam with 17 points and 6 rebounds. Erin Effle picked up 11 points. Chantele Melgaard had 9 points and 7 rebounds. UWRF finished 19-55 (.345) from the field, including 7-22 (.318) from three-point range. UWRF was 8-13(.615) from the line. Amy Morris scored 21 points and had 11 rebounds to lead UW-Whitewater. Warhawk, Nya Geschke scored 18 points. UW-Whitewater is now 9-9 overall and 4-7 in the WIAC.

The Falcons, now 9-10 overall and 3-8 in the WIAC, play UW-Stevens Point on Wednesday night at Karges Center. Game time is 7p.m.

 

Falcons Defeated By La Crosse

Jan. 29, 2003

The Falcons were defeated by La Crosse, 68-53 on Wednesday night at Karges Center. UW-River Falls was 4-31 (.129) from the field in the first half. The score after the first half was 28-11 La Crosse.

Erin Effle had a double-double scoring 21 points and grabbing 10 rebound. UWRF finished 20-61 (.328) from the field, including 4-12 (.333) from three-point range. UWRF was 9-14 (.643) from the line. Amy Greil scored 15 points and had 17 rebounds to lead UW-La Crosse. Eagle Karen Berg scoreed 14 points and grabbed 8 rebound. UW-La Crosse is now 9-9 overall and 4-6 in the WIAC.

The Falcons, now 9-9 overall and 3-7 in the WIAC, play at UW-Whitewater on Saturday. Game time is 3 p.m.

 

Falcons Lose at UW-Oshkosh

Jan. 25, 2003

The Falcons were defeated by Oshkosh, 100-49 on Saturday night at Oshkosh. UW-Oshkosh made 10 of its first 13 field goal attempts (5 three pointers) to take a 27-12 lead. In the second half Oshkosh went on a 22-8 scoring run , making nine of its first 11 field goal attempts. Earlier in the season the Falcons defeated UW-Oshkosh, 56-46.

Chisato Nakaike and Brianna Biebighauser each had 10 points for the Falcons. Erin Effle grabbed 7 rebounds. UWRF finished 16-52 (.308) from the field, including 6-16 (.375) from three-point range. UWRF was 11-22 (.500) from the line. Kay Mikolajczak scored 15 points to lead UW-Oshkosh. Four other Titans scored in the double digits. UW-Oshkosh is now 15-3 overall and 6-3 in the WIAC.

The Falcons, now 9-8 overall and 3-6 in the WIAC, face UW-La Crosse on Wednesday night at Karges Center for a WIAC game. Game time is 7 p.m..

 

Falcons Lose at UW-Stout

Jan. 22, 2003

The Falcons were defeated by Stout, 89-74 on Wednesday night at Stout.

Erin Effle scored 14 points and 7 rebounds. Christi Crews scored 12 points and Lisa Bartsch had a double-double scoring 10 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. Bartsch was also 4-4 (1.000) from the line. UWRF finished 28-65 (.431) from the field, including 4-11 (.364) from three-point range. UWRF was 14-25 (.560) from the line. Tanya Halbach scored 23 points to lead UWS. Laura Verdegan had a double-double scoring 13 points and grabbing14 rebounds. UW-Stout is now 14-3 overall and 6-2 in the WIAC.

The Falcons, now 9-7 overall and 3-5 in the WIAC, travel to UW-Oshkosh on Saturday night for a WIAC game. Game time is 7 p.m..

 

Falcons Lose at UWP, 50-40

Jan. 18, 2003

The Falcon women's basketball team scored a season-low 40 points in a 50-40 loss at UW-Platteville on Saturday night.

Erin Effle scored 10 points, the only Falcon to score in double figures. She also led the Falcons in rebounds with 12. Only six Falcons scored in the game where UWRF finished 13-50 (.260) from the field, including 3-13 (.231) from three-point range. UWRF was 11-15 (.733) from the line. Nikki Harberts finished with six points and 10 rebounds for the Falcons. Angie Sisson scored 12 points to lead UWP, now 11-5 overall and 4-3 in the WIAC. UWRF was also outrebounded, 44-40.

The Falcons, now 9-6 overall and 3-4 in the WIAC, travel to UW-Stout on Wednesday for a WIAC game. Game time is 7

Falcons Top UWS, 78-61

Jan. 15, 2003

Chantele Melgaard scored 17 points to help lead the Falcon women's basketball team to a 78-61 win over UW-Superior Wednesday night at the Karges Center.

Melgaard finished 6-8 from the field, including 1-2 from three-point range. She was 4-8 from the line. She also had four rebounds, four assists, one block and five steals in 33 minutes of action. Four other Falcons scored in double figures. Darcy Olsen scored 14 and had nine rebounds and three assists, Miranda Biteler scored 13 points and had six rebounds and five assists, Lisa Bartsch scored 12 points and led the Falcons with 10 rebounds. She had five assists, two steals and a block. Jill Crandall added 10 points. UWRF was 30-63 (.476) from the field, including 7-15 (.467) from three-point range. The Falcons were 11-16 (.688) from the line. UWS had three players scored in double figures led by Jodie Johnson with 13 points. She also led the Jackets with eight rebounds.

The Falcons, now 9-5 overall and 3-3 in the WIAC, travel to UW-Platteville on Saturday for a WIAC game with the Pioneers. Game time is 7 p.m.

Falcons Defeat Macalester, 69-40

Jan. 13, 2003

The Falcon women's basketball team beat Macalester, 69-40 on Monday night.

UWRF had a 35-19 lead after the half and outscored Macalester 34-21 in the second half by Nikki Harberts who scored 16 points and grabbed13 rebounds. Chantele Melgaard added 13 points and six assists. Miranda Biteler scored 13 points. UWRF was 27-59 (.458) from the field, including 7-17 (.412) from three-point range. The Falcons were 8-8 (1.00) from the line.

Macalester, now 1-10 overall, was led by Afton Hanson who scored 21 points and had six rebounds. Sarah Jacoby scored eight points. Macalester was 16-48 (.333) from the field, including 2-4 (.500) from three-point range. Macalester was 6-7 (.857) from the line.

The Falcons, now 8-5 overall and 2-3 in the WIAC, will next host UW-Superior on Wednesday at the Karges Center with action starting at 7 p.m.

 

Falcons Lose at UWEC, 57-41

Jan. 8, 2003

The Falcon women's basketball team dropped a 57-41 WIAC decision at UW-Eau Claire Wednesday night.

UWEC held a 31-23 lead at the half and outscored the Falcons, 26-18 in the second half. UWRF was led by Erin Effle who scored 13 points and grabbed five rebounds. Darcy Olsen added nine points and four assists. UWRF was 17-51 (.333) from the field, including 2-8 (.250) from three-point range. The Falcons were 5-6 (.833) from the line.

UWEC, now 13-1 overall and 5-0 in the WIAC, was led by Becca Spaeth who scored 13 points. Kristi Channing scored nine points and led both teams with 13 rebounds. UWEC was 20-53 (.377) from the field, including 2-15 (.133) from three-point range. UWEC was 15-20 (.750) from the line. UWEC held a commanding 44-26 advantage in rebounding.

The Falcons, now 7-5 overall and 2-3 in the WIAC, will next host Macalester College on Monday at the Karges Center with action starting at 7 p.m.

Falcons Beat Whitewater

Jan. 4, 2003

The Falcon women's basketball team defeated UW-Whitewater 83-63 in a WIAC game, at Karges Center today.

The Falcons were up at the half 42-23, and in the second half the Falcons scored 41 more to bring them to the victory. Five falcons had point totals in the double digits. Darcy Olsen and Chantele Melgaard led the team in points each had 20. Olsen was 4-5 from 3 point range. Nikki Harberts had 15 points. Lisa Bartsch finished with 11, and Miranda Biteler had 10 and was 2-2 from three point range. Harberts led the Falcons with eight rebounds. UWRF was 31-58 (.534) from the field, including 10-13 (.769) from three-point range. UWRF was 11-15 (.733) from the line. UW-Whitewater now 5-3 overall and 1-2 in the WIAC, was led by Nya Geschke who had 25 points and nine rebounds.

The Falcons, now 7-4 overall and 2-2 in the WIAC, will next travel to UW-Eau Claire on Wednesday. Game time is 7 p.m.

 

Falcons Beat Northwestern

Dec. 31, 2002

The Falcon women's basketball team defeated Northwestern 66-61, at Ericksen Center today.

The game was tied at the half 28-28, but in the second half the Falcons pulled ahead for the win. Nikki Harberts led the Falcons with 20 points. Darcy Olsen finished with 14, and Lisa Bartsch had 13. Harberts also led the Falcons with eight rebounds. UWRF was 25-59 (.424) from the field, including 3-13 (.231) from three-point range. UWRF was 13-13 (1.000) from the line. Northwestern now 8-7 overall, had four players score in double figures led by Sara Toonneson with 23.

The Falcons, now 6-4 overall and 1-2 in the WIAC, will next host UW-Whitewater on Saturday at the Karges Center. Game time is 3 p.m.

Falcons Lose to Judson in Title Game

Dec. 14, 2002

The Falcon women's basketball team lost to Judson, 73-52, in the championship game at the Viterbo College Tournament played Saturday in La Crosse.

Judson led 32-29 at the half, and outscored the Falcons, 41-23, in the second half. Erin Effle was the only Falcon to score in double figures with 13. Amber Sickels finished with nine. Effle also led the Falcons with six rebounds. UWRF was 19-59 (.322) from the field, including 4-17 (.235) from three-point range. UWRF was 10-21 (.476) from the line. Judson, now 10-5 overall, had four players score in double figures led by Charrmaine Rogers with 16.

The Falcons, now 5-4 overall, will next play on Dec. 31 at Northwestern College. Game time is 1 p.m.

Falcons Top Martin Luther

Dec. 13, 2002

Erin Effle scored 19 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to help lead the Falcons to a 55-34 win over Martin Luther College on Friday night at the Viterbo College Tourney.

Effle finished 8-16 from the field, including 2-4 from three-point range. She was 1-4 from the line. Darcy Olsen also finished in double figures with 10 points. She had two assists, two rebounds and one steal. Nikki Harberts had 10 rebounds and scored five points for the Falcons, who led 22-20 at the half. UWRF finished 23-58 (.397) from the field, including 4-9 (.444) from three-point range. UWRF was 5-11 (.455) from the line. UWRF held a 48-28 advantage in rebounding. MLC was led by Sarah Gronholz who scored 10 points. UWRF outscored the Knights, 33-14 in the second half.

The Falcons, now 5-3 overall, compete in the Viterbo College Tournament again on Saturday.

Falcons Drop WIAC Game at La Crosse, 74-62

Dec. 11, 2002

The Falcons had four players score in double figures, but it wasn't enough as UWLC took a 74-62 WIAC win in La Crosse Wednesday night.

UWLC held a 44-30 lead at the half. Nikki Harberts led the Falcons in scoring with 14 points and in rebounding with eight. Erin Effle scored 13 points and had two blocked shots. Darcy Olsen scored 11 points and had three assists. Amber Sickels scored 10 points and had six rebounds. UWRF shot 23-60 (.383) from the field, including 3-13 (.231) from behind the arc. The Falcons were 13-20 (.650) from the line. UWLC, now 4-4 overall and 1-2 in the WIAC, was led by Amy Greil who had 16 points. Jacquie Bartz led the Eagles with nine rebounds.

The Falcons, now 4-3 overall and 1-2 in the WIAC, compete in the Viterbo College Tournament on Friday and Saturday.

Falcons Topple Titans, 56-46

Dec. 7, 2002

A late-game 12-1 run broke an even contest into the eventual 56-46 Falcon victory, the team's first against UW-Oshkosh since the 1988-89 season, at the Karges Center Saturday afternoon.

Darcy Olsen and Amber Sickels led the Falcons with 15 points a piece. Erin Effle finished with 13.

The Falcons led most of the contest, including a 19-11 lead toward the end of the first half. The Titans came back to a 23-21 halftime score and kept the pressure on until the UWRF run with 7:23 to go.

The Falcons shot 43.8 percent from the field (21-48) and made 76.9 percent of their 13 free throws. Oshkosh suffered from a 29.2 percent field goal shooting percentage.

Olsen knocked down three from behind the arc and played the full 40 minutes. Effle led the squad in rebounds (10), assists (5), and steals (5). Chantele Melgaard had five rebounds; Sickels pulled down four. Melgaard scored seven points. Olsen had three assists; Lisa Bartsch assisted twice. Melgaard had two blocks and two steals.

Oshkosh was led in scoring by Libby Sievert (13) and Melissa Schweitzer (10).

The Falcons, now 4-2 overall and 1-1 in the WIAC. Wednesday the Falcons travel to UW-La Crosse for a 7 p.m. contest before competing in the Viterbo Tourney next weekend.

 

Falcons Lose at UWSP, 73-57

Dec. 4, 2002

The Falcons dropped a 73-57 WIAC decision at UW-Stevens Point Wednesday night.

UWSP led by just 33-30 at the half, but outscored the Falcons, 40-27, in the second half. Amber Sickels led the Falcons with 17 points. Erin Effle was the only other Falcon to score in double figures finishing with 12. Lisa Bartsch, who scored eight points, led the Falcons with nine rebounds. UWSP had four players score in double figures led by Amanda Nechuta and Cassandra Schultz with 17 each. Nechuta led the Pointers with 12 rebounds. UWRF was 21-55 (.382) fromthe field, including 5-11 (.455) from three-point range. UWRF was 10-14 (.714) from the line. UWRF held a 43-34 rebounding advantage.

The Falcons, now 3-2 overall and 0-1 in the WIAC, host UW-Oshkosh on Saturday at the Karges Center. Action starts at 3 p.m.

Falcons Win at St. Scholastica, 64-63

Dec. 1, 2002

Darcy Olsen scored 19 points to help lead the Falcons to a 64-63 win at St. Scholastica Sunday afternoon.

UWRF held a 59-46 lead with 3:14 to play. But CSS outscored the Falcons, 17-5, down the stretch to make it a close game. CSS led 30-29 at the half. Olsen finished 5-10 from the field and was a perfect 3-3 from three point range. She was 6-6 from the line to score her season high point total. Erin Effle added 16 points going 7-13 from the field and 2-3 from the line. She had six rebounds and three steals. Lisa Bartsch led the Falcons with eight rebounds and she had three steals. UWRF was 25-56 (.446) from the field, inlcuding 4-8 (.500) from three point range. The Falcons were 10-16 (.625) from the line. CSS was led by Jackie Plasha who scored 16 points.

The Falcons, now 3-1 overall, open WIAC play on Wednesday at UW-Stevens Point. Tip off is set for 7 p.m. UWSP won the NCAA Div. III National Championship last year.

Falcons Beat Bethel, 59-38

Nov. 26, 2002

Three Falcons scored 10 points each to help the Falcons to a 59-38 win over Bethel College Tuesday night at the Karges Center.

Darcy Olsen, Lisa Bartsch and Erin Effle each scored 10 points. Effle led the Falcons with six rebounds. UWRF was 25-65 (.385) from the field, including 5-13 (.385) from three point range. The Falcons finished 4-8 (.500) from the line. Effle also led the Falcons with five assists and three steals. Amber Sickels and Jill Crandall each scored eight points. Crandall had five rebounds.

The Falcons, now 2-1 overall, will play at St. Scholastica on Sunday with action starting at 3 p.m.

Falcons Lose to Kenyon in Title Game

Nov. 24, 2002

The Falcons had three players score in double figures, but still lost a 63-58 decision to Kenyon in the championship game at the University of Chicago Tournament played Sunday afternoon.

The game was tied, 23-23, at halftime, but Kenyon outscored the Falcons, 40-35 in the second half. Erin Effle led the Falcons wtih 25 points and six rebounds. She was 7-17 from the field, including 1-1 from three point range. She finished 10-11 at the line. Jill Crandall was 5-8 from the field and 1-2 at the line for 11 points and Nikki Harberts added 10 points. UWRF was 21-51 (.412) from the field, including 2-10 (.200) from three point range. The Falcons were 14-16 (.875) from the line. Kenyon had a 37-26 advantage in rebounds.

The Falcons, now 1-1 overall, will host Bethel on Tuesday at the Karges Center. Action starts at 6 p.m.

Falcons Open With Win at Chicago

Nov. 22, 2002

Erin Effle scored 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to help lead the Falcons to a 72-63 win over the University of Chicago Saturday afternoon.

The Falcons will play Kenyon in the championship game of the Chicago Tourney at 2 p.m. Sunday. Kenyon beat Whittier, 67-53 in the other semifinal.

Effle finished 10-13 from the field for her 20 points. Nikki Harberts and Amber Sickels each added 13 points. Harberts, Darcy Olsen and Chantelle Melgaard each had five rebounds. The Falcons dominated on the boards with a 35-20 advantage. UWRF was 30-51 (.588) from the field, including 3-8 (.375) from three point range. The Falcons finished 9-14 (.643) from the line. Olsen and Lisa Bartsch each had four assists while Bartsch and Melgaard each had three steals.

Falcons Open Season at Chicago Tournament

Nov. 20, 2002

By Jess Perry

As the Falcon women's basketball season is opening up, Falcon Head Coach Cindy Hovet believes that the team strengths this season will include improved athleticism, team chemistry, worth ethic and balance.

“Our team has really committed to our system, which was specifically designed to fit them,” Hovet said. “If they compete and give 100 percent every day this team can get a lot done this season.”

Returning players who saw a lot of action last season are sophomore guards Amber Sickels and Darcy Olsen, sophomore post player Erin Effle, and senior forwards Nicole Harberts and Lisa Bartsch.

“Our seniors, Nikki and Lisa, have been critical leaders for us since last spring. They are positive and caring teammates, which really helps keep our team together,” Hovet said. “Both of them will bring consistency for us on the court.”

Effle received WIAC honorable mention honors last season. In her rookie year with the Falcons, Effle led the team in scoring, averaging 11.3 points per game and 6.8 rebounds per game. She finished sixth in rebounding and ninth in scoring in the WIAC.

With Sickels, Olsen, Effle, Harberts, and Bartsch returning, Hovet feels the team will have depth. “I think our depth will be better than it has been in the past,” Hovet said. “I think this will be a big strength for us.”

From the freshmen class, Hovet feels that Miranda Biteler, Jill Crandall, Chantele Melgaard and Kendra Sticha have the potential to make a huge impact with the team.

The status of freshman Gina Astedt is up in the air at this point. Astedt tore her ACL this summer, but Hovet is anticipating her return after Christmas.

Since the team is young, Hovet thinks that consistency will be one thing the team needs to work on.

“Lack of experience can be either an advantage or a disadvantage,” Hovet said. “It depends on how your team responds to it.”

Hovet feels that the young players on the team are progressing well.

“Our young players are looking good right now. A little more up and down than I like to see, but that's part of being young. It's a steep learning curve when you go from high school into college, but our players are picking
things up and working really hard.

“We have to make sure they have a lot more ups than downs, and that they know how to handle the downs when they come along. They know I'm expecting them to contribute to our success regardless of their year on our team.”

Hovet believes that rebounding will be an important aspect of the Falcon game.

“We need to be a strong rebounding team. Rebounding is an area we have made a commitment to in practice, but it's really all about effort and being smart with positioning,” Hovet said. “There will be a lot of games either
won or lost by rebounding this year."

Hovet said the team also needs to be able to bounce back and pick each other up when things get tough.

“Usually that comes with experience, but for us it's going to have to come from our young team spirit and feistiness,” Hovet said.

Another strength Hovet feels this young team possesses is its chemistry.

“Our chemistry is really good. Our players care about each other and have committed to playing together,” Hovet said. “They realize our success this year will live or die with them together. They are a fun group to coach, no question about that!”

One of the challenges the Falcons need to meet this season is playing with consistency.

“We play in an extremely tough conference so we face challenges every single week. As a young group we have to be able to relax and play the way we are capable of playing on a consistent basis,” Hovet said. “There is no lead that's comfortable and no deficit that can't be overcome in this league, we need to understand that. Every day is a new day, and we have to take advantage of each one...regardless of what happened the day before.”

If the Falcons keep working hard each day, Hovet feels that they’ll be a very tough team to beat at crunch time.

“I really want to see how good this team can be. We have the right players doing the right things, now we need to see it come together as we get into our games,” Hovet said. “If we play loose, have fun, and work harder than
our opponents...this team can exceed any goals that could possibly be set for them at this point.”

With the season still early in the making, Hovet isn’t sure how the season will unfold, but she said she thinks the Falcons will be better than people anticipate.

“I’m really excited that if they go out there and just play every day and give it all they’ve got, and if they go out with no fear, they could be awfully good,” Hovet said. “They are a really fun group to coach. Only time will tell how good they can be as a team if they all stick together. We are incredibly young right now, but we’re improving each day and are looking forward to the season.”