Season Opener On Friday Afternoon For Trojans

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TROY, Ala. – Although the 2010-11 team may look young on paper, the Troy University Trojans women's basketball team returns a wealth of experience; including four players who have started at least one time in their career.

Those four players, along with seven other Trojans hit the floor for the first time at 12:30 pm (EST) on Friday afternoon against Stony Brook (NY) University in the first game of the Phoenix Classic, hosted by Elon (NC) University.

“We are excited to get the season underway,” head coach Michael Murphy said. “The girls have been working hard, and it seems like we have been on the practice floor a long time since the new rule this year allowing for more practice time. We are just ready to play.”

Senior Donette McNair leads the charge of players returning for Troy (12-17 a season ago), as she averaged 13.1 points and 9.6 rebounds per game in 2009-10. She was a Third Team All-Conference selection in the Sun Belt Conference last season, and is Preseason Third Team selection this year.

The senior will open the season looking to join an elite group at the school, as one of five players at the Division I level to score over 1000 career points and grab 500 rebounds. She is also looking to become just the second player in school history to score over 1000 points and grab 700 rebounds.

“In the past she has seen what people like Amy (Lewis), Kylie (Morrissy), Brittnie (Davis) and Alyce (Shearing) have gone through as far as being go-to players,” Murphy said. “I think she is ready to take on that responsibility in her last season. She is stepping up and trying to be a leader, which is what all upperclassmen should do. We are really pleased with where she is at, she has worked hard and come through some challenges to get herself into this position.”

The senior is joined by a pair of juniors who have seen multiple minutes and starts in their careers at Troy, Kirsten Smith and Tenia Manuel. Smith has played in 27 consecutive games since being injured in last season's opener and 59 career games; while Manuel has played in 33 consecutive games and 46 in her career.

Meanwhile, sophomore Sophie Kleeman returns for her second season at the point for the Trojans. The sophomore averaged 7.7 points and 3.3 rebounds last season; while also leading the team in assists with 76 in 2009-10.

“The junior class is strong,” Murphy said. “They have a lot of playing time and experience. We are still going to have to rely on our young people only having one season, and not having a couple of players due to injury. They are going to have to come through and grow up very quickly in order to produce on the floor. “

The only drawback to the season opener is the loss of two players who were expected to contribute this season; including junior guard Sarah McAppion, who was expected to start at the guard opposite Kleeman this season.

“Not having Sarah in the line-up is going to hurt us,” Murphy said. “We are not expecting to have her back this season because of offseason surgery. She was a terrific shooter for us, has great knowledge of the game and really understands how to play. When you play the way we play, you need players like that.”

Meanwhile, Stony Brook returns 10 players off a team that went 10-20 last season and 7-9 in the America East Conference. The Seawolves return their leading scorer and rebounder in Kirsten Jeter, who averaged 14.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in 2009-10.

It will be the first meeting between the two in school history.

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Season Opener On Friday Afternoon For Trojans

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