The California State University, Stanislaus Women’s basketball team enters the 2013-2014 season looking to improve on a disappointing 2012-13 campaign in which they finished  with an overall record of 2-25, (1-24 in conference play).
The Warriors said goodbye to only one senior last year, guard Devin Brown, who was third on the team averaging 9.7 points per game. With only losing one senior, the returning players plan to make their existing potential grow.
A key returner for the Warriors is senior forward Lauren Godde, who last year was one of the top players in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) as she was selected to the All-CCAA second team. Godde led the Warriors in scoring with 15.3 points per game while being second on the team in rebounds with 7.3 per game.
After a standout junior season, Godde understands the leadership role she has taken on.
“I feel myself now more than ever fitting into the role,” Godde said.
“Not necessarily because of my past accomplishments but because I am a senior and will do anything I can to make our team successful.”
Along with Godde, the Warriors have more key returners from the 2012-2013 season. Junior guard Briana Cotton was the second leading scorer on the team last year averaging 10.3 points per game with 34 assists on the season and 22.3 rebounds per game.
Along with Lauren Goode, the Warriors have more than one Goode on their team, Erin Goode. Erin led the team last year with 7.6 rebounds per game as well as 6.3 points.
The Warriors also welcome freshman guard Morgan Roots. Roots led her high school team last year to a league championship, securing the league MVP. As freshman, she has noticed a change in the level of play.
“The biggest difference between high school basketball and  CSU Stanislaus basketball is the amount of effort that has to be put into conditioning before the season begins,” Roots said. “I’m excited to see it pay off when our games begin.”
When asked what a successful season would be, Goode responded, “Making it to the conference tournament at the end of the season and transitioning to the NCAA tournament.”
The Warriors begin their quest with a preseason  game on Nov. 8 as they take on the University of the Pacific in Stockton, followed by their first home game Nov. 14 as they take on Cal Maritime Academy.