Will The Third Time be a Charm?
By: Ira Hertzoff, Sports Information Director, Phoenix College

Two years…a couple of highly successful seasons…two championship games…no titles.

For Head Coach Liza Oakley and her Phoenix College women's basketball squad, the above statements are all true. And, for the most part, the plans are to keep things the same. The one small exception is to take the next step…a Championship step.

After coming up short in the Region 1 Division 2 Championship game, the goal for 2002-2003 is to earn a ticket to Hagerstown, Maryland, site of the NJCAA Division 2 National Championships. Leading the way to make the dream a reality is Nicole Hommell, the 2002 ACCAC Freshman of the Year and NJCAA Division II All-American. Hommell, who is being recruited by some major college programs, dominated opponents a season ago, averaging 15.4 points and 9.5 rebounds a game while connecting on 3-pointers at a 45% clip.

"Nicole may play some point for us this season," said Coach Oakley. "She really improved over the summer and is one of our team leaders."

Leni Messenger, who transferred to PC from Arizona Western, will play in the low post for the Lady Bears. The 6-2 Messinger isn't a banger, however she gets it done with her smarts and finesse.

"Leni is a great defender, and really sees the floor well," said Oakley. "However, her greatest strength is her ability to pass the ball and get her teammates open shots."

Another transfer and low-post threat will be Wyoming transfer Kelly McCree. "I have never seen a kid this strong, " said Oakley, "She uses her body well, has a great attitude and is also a great three point shooter."

Independence High graduate Lupe Godinez will be vying for the point guard slot. "Lupe creates and penetrates to the basket well. She is a phenomenal passer and she can set up a lot of easy shots for her teammates," said Oakley.

Natasha Hollingsworth, a sophomore from Westview, sets the tone for the team with her defensive abilities. In a game against Yavapai last season, Hollingsworth took four defensive charges to lead the Lady Bears to victory. "Natasha is our defensive specialist. Everyone on the team feeds off of her defensive intensity," said Oakley.

Another returnee, Ruth Cain, will also be looked to as a quarterback for the Lady Bears. Cain has many of the attributes Coach Oakley looks for in a successful player at the point. "Ruth is a tough defender who will work hard and has great mental toughness," said Oakley.

When Coach Oakley looks down her roster, she expects two things from her players - intensity and tough defense.

"We play a tough man-to-man defense and I will take any player who is willing to work hard at the defensive end because that is where it starts, " said Oakley.

With a stifling defense and seasoned veterans carrying out the game plan, Coach Oakley's Lady Bears are poised for the next step. The exclamation point will be a NJCAA Region 2 Championship trophy and a few plane tickets to Maryland in March