High hopes for women’s basketball as season starts against UC Irvine and Santa Barbara at home
After three straight seasons of postseason appearances, the Portland State Vikings are returning to action this Friday against University of California, Irvine, at the Stott Center.
The Vikings were picked to finish first in the Big Sky Conference in both the coaches and media preseason polls. Portland State won the Big Sky Conference last season, and success has been a common theme throughout the career of Viking head coach Sherri Murrell, who has won a remarkable 83 games in her three-year tenure at Portland State.
Portland State returns the reigning Big Sky MVP in senior guard Eryn Jones, the team’s returning leading scorer at 13.9 points per game. Junior guard Courtney VanBrocklin won the Newcomer of the Year award and was second on the team in scoring with 13.4 points per game.
Although the Vikings have been one of the most efficient and best offenses in the conference in recent years, an important factor in keeping up the success of recent years will be defense.
“We really have to come out with a lot of effort,” Murrell said. “I want our defense to really ignite our offense. A concern of mine is that we’re just not there defensively.”
The Vikings played an exhibition game against Central Washington last Friday, coming out with an 85-69 win. Freshman Allison Greene led all scorers with 21 points, although she is questionable for Friday’s game.
A problem Portland State faces heading into the season is injuries. The Vikings have had a few players get banged up throughout the practices and exhibition game to start the season.
“We have to be healthy,” Murrell said. “If we don’t [get healthy]…then young kids and players who maybe haven’t played and don’t have experience have to step up.”
Tip-off for tomorrow night’s game against UC Irvine is set for 7 p.m. Portland State will play UC Santa Barbara at home Sunday. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.
