Nov. 17, 2000

Recently we completed our last exhibition game and are looking forward to the regular season starting. Some people wonder why we play exhibition games. At first I think it is for the freshman. It is a way to get them warmed up, into a uniform and playing in front of bigger crowds. Plus, it helps the team as a whole get into the rhythm of the offense. Jeneka Joyce was a little nervous the first time out but the two games we played have helped her get comfortable.

This last exhibition game was a little rough for us. It was a win, yet we know we can play better. The team we played, a group of young girls from Finland, was not as aggressive as teams we will face later in the year. Defensively we are not where we want to be right now, and coach reminded us of that fact after the game. She told us we need to step up and raise our level of play above the opposing team's level.

The game did have its good points. Megan Leahy played a tremendous game. The team really needs her to come off the bench and help offensively and defensively during the long stretch of the season. Jeneka followed up her first exhibition game with another great performance off the bench. We know we can score, so right now we need to focus and work harder on defense.

Our first regular season game is this Friday at Valparaiso. They are a solid team that has a really good inside game. Last season we played them and it was close most of the game so we know they are going to come out and attack us early this year.

Monday we open the home season up against a well-respected program in Arizona, which we are all looking forward to. It will also be the seniors final "home opener" of their Notre Dame careers, so I hope everyone comes out and cheers us on to victory.