Women's Basketball Kicks Off Season With HoopsFest

Team scrimmages, interacts with fans

MILWAUKEE -- The Marquette women's basketball team began its 2004-05 season with HoopsFest on Saturday, Oct. 16. It was the first official day of practice for college basketball teams across the nation.

Fans came out to enjoy a 16 minute scrimmage with the two teams, a couple of fan interaction games and a meet and greet with the players.

In the scrimmage, the white team, made up of juniors Amber Johnson and Tierra Shirley, sophomores Danielle Kamm and Jasmine McCullough, freshman Svetlana Kovalenko and senior Lesley Juedes came out on top of the scrimmage 37-30. The white team hit an impressive 61.5 percent of its shots and was led by 12 points from Juedes. Shirley contributed 11 points.

The blue team shot 50.0 percent and was led by junior Efueko Osagie who scored eight points.

Following the scrimmage, seniors Monica Frede and Lesley Juedes along with junior Caroyn Kieger took part in shooting competitions with the fans.

The team was involved with a question and answer session with head coach Terri Mitchell and then signed autographs to end the session.

"When these ladies put on a Marquette uniform, they're serious about winning," Mitchell said to the crowd. "They want to be successful and win championships."

Kamm was also inspirational when addressing the crowd on hand.

"With the success we had last year, it gives me a lot a confidence to help bring this team back to the NCAA Tournament."

The team continues its practice in preparation for the 2004-05 season.

Photos from HoopFest