Oct. 16, 2004

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford University women's basketball team began practice for the 2004-05 season with a two and a half hour workout at Seibert Hall Saturday morning.

"I thought overall we had a good practice," head coach Mike Morris said. "Our freshmen stepped up and did a good job. I think our leadership was very good. LaBrena (Friend), Sarah (Clement), Chelsee (Insell), Alex (Munday) and Che' (Walker) really set the tone in everything we did. Day one was good, but we have to be better tomorrow."

Samford returns four of its five starters from last season, including leading scorer Alex Munday, who was named the Ohio Valley Conference's Freshman of the Year last year. Also returning is the team's second-leading scorer Chelsee Insell, who set a Samford record with 62 three-pointers made last season.

The Bulldogs welcome three newcomers to the squad. MaKenzie Spruiell, a 5-9 guard, comes to Samford from Aubrey High School Aubrey, Texas. Taryn Towns is a 5-8 guard and is from Bolton High School in Memphis, Tenn. A.J. Darnell, a 6-1 forward, comes to Samford from Hendersonville High School in Hendersonville, Tenn.

Samford enters the season after posting a 10-27 mark last season. Last season was the Bulldogs' first in the Ohio Valley Conference, posting a record of 3-13 in league play.

Samford opens the 2004-05 season on Nov. 19, when the Bulldogs play host to Jacksonville University at 7:00 p.m. at Seibert Hall.