WATCH NOW - Media Day Interview with Tatiyianna McMorris

The BIG Picture
With seven upperclassmen, including six seniors, the Golden Eagles are poised for a solid year in 2010-11. Six newcomers also are set to join the squad, including five freshmen. Junior Andi Oordt joins the team as a forward and looks to continue the success Marquette has had with players from Kirkwood Community College (most recently Lauren Thomas-Johnson). A number of the freshmen are ranked among HoopGurlz top 50 rankings, and could contribute immediately. Adding six newcomers could pose a challenge to some, but under the direction of veteran head coach Terri Mitchell, the Golden Eagles should fly high.

Who’s Returning
Seven letterwinners, including three starters, return for the Golden Eagles. Guard Angel Robinson leads with way following an All-BIG EAST Second Team selection last year. As the team’s top returnee, her 11.9 points and 4.7 assists should increase this year and pace the Marquette offense. Robinson also has started 72 straight games. Backcourt senior Tatiyiana McMorris combines to anchor the guard spot. Sophomore Sarina Simmons also should start at forward. Last year she averaged 7.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Simmons also earned a spot on the All-BIG EAST Freshman team last year.

Who’s Gone
Marquette loses two starters in forward Jessica Pachko and guard Lauren Thomas-Johnson. Each were key components to the Golden Eagles’ team. Pachko averaged 10.4 points and 6.3 rebounds while Thomas-Johnson contributed 8.2 points and 40 3-pointers. Thomas-Johnson hit double-figures in scoring 10 times last season, while Pachko accomplished the feat on 18 occasions. Guard Janelle Harris also will not return following graduation.

Storylines
The Golden Eagles went 12-4 in home games last season, but just 3-10 off-campus. Getting road wins could prove crucial for the team to fare well. The Golden Eagles also were 0-10 when trailing at the half last year. Learning to fight back in games will be key. Defensively the team was 14-2 when holding its opponent to less than 60 points. That kind of staunch play should carry over this year as well. A blend of six seniors, led by Robinson and five freshmen should provide for an interesting mix.