Blend of senior leaders, U women ready to roll

Coach Pam Borton is pleased with her team's senior leadership.

Last update: November 4, 2009 - 1:55 PM

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U WOMEN'S BASKETBALL EXHIBITION OPENER

7 p.m. today vs. Winona State • Williams Arena

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On the eve of the Gophers women's basketball team's exhibition opener tonight against Winona State, coach Pam Borton summoned the past as a comparison point.

"Our leadership is better than since Lindsay Whalen was a senior, with that class," Borton said.

Whalen as a senior in 2003-04, led the Gophers to their only Final Four appearance in the program's history. This year's leadership is based on having four seniors who will log regular playing time: starters Brittany McCoy, Ashley Ellis-Milan and Katie Ohm, plus backup center Zoe Harper. The Gophers return a fourth starter, sophomore forward Jackie Voigt, with sophomore Kiara Buford moving into the fifth spot opened by the graduation of Emily Fox.

Borton will unveil four newcomers: junior college transfer China Antoine, a point guard, and freshmen Katie Loberg and Amber Dvorak, both centers, and guard Leah Cotton.

In addition to senior leadership, Borton will have another reminder of the 2003-04 season tonight when Shannon Schonrock -- a guard on the Final Four team -- takes her place on the Winona State bench as an assistant coach. As far as Borton is concerned, the reminders of that season can keep on coming.

"We just have a group of players this year leading this team that are on a mission," Borton said. "I think there's going to be very little that stands in their way of accomplishing their goals."

DENNIS BRACKIN

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