InsideHilltopperSports.com - AUDIO: Ugly Taste In Mouth From Last Season

November 4, 2009

Jason Stamm
InsideHilltopperSports.com Editor

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It was the most miserable summer she can remember.

Never in Mary Taylor Cowles' time as a player or head coach at WKU had the Lady Toppers not qualified for post-season play. Cowles said at today's media day that she still has a hard time talking about it.

But she and her team have moved on. Where as she lost her lone senior not even halfway through the season, this year, Cowles has four seniors to lean on.

There's also a level of looseness this season already. After Monday's exhibition win over Lindsey Wilson, Cowles said sophomore forward Jasmine Johnson told her the game was "a lot of fun."

Last season, which Cowles said "left and ugly taste in my mouth," also made the Lady Toppers hungry for this season. But there's a challenging slate ahead. WKU will match up against such top opponents as Duke, Arkansas, Vanderbilt and Pittsburgh in non-conference play, before conference play.

Seniors Kenzie Rich and Dominique Duck will help lead the team as co-captains. Cowles called the two the "alphas of the team." She said the two seniors have gained respect and that the players all look at them for guidance and for leadership.

Last year's freshman group has also grown from the seniors' tuteledge. Cowles spoke glowingly of the class and the confidence gained from the group. She said they now understand things and are more mature and confident.

Cowles also has big things to look for from her incoming freshman class, in guards Lashay Davis and Courtney Clifton

Change isn't always a good thing. But among the Lady Toppers, it's more than welcome.

Click here for the Cowles' full, exclusive audio: COACH MARY TAYLOR COWLES MEDIA DAY

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