File Photo Beth Eckstein Coach Wanda Briley is hoping to build on the success she enjoyed during her first season as head coach of the Cardinal Newman women's basketball team last year. The 2007- 2008 Cardinals surpassed expectations on the way to a 12- 16 regular season record and made it to the second round of the SCISA state tournament. Cardinal Newman only loses one player from that team; so it isn't unrealistic to believe the Cardinals could have a big season.

"I believe we can win it all if we play as well as we can. We need our leaders to lead and everyone else to step up and become leaders," Tori August, senior captain, said.

Coach Briley will lean heavily on seniors August and Beth Eckstein.

"The players have their own set of team and individual goals. The most important is for them to finish the season better than they started," Coach Briley said.

Coach Briley will rely on the Cardinals strength, quickness, full court defense, and the desire to do what it takes to win to carry her team through the season.

There are a couple of underclassmen who could have key roles in this year's team. Junior Nazley Wilson has turned in some great performances in early season scrimmages. Chelsea Goodwin, also a junior, is expected to step up her game after a year under Coach Brinley. Freshmen Molly Rainwater and Alex August are other players who should be able to make big contributions to the 2008- 2009 Cardinal Newman Cardinals as they hope to fulfill their dreams of bringing home a championship.