George Washington University Athletics
Preseason Practice Officially Begins for GW Women's Hoops
10/6/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
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Oct. 6, 2014
WASHINGTON - The George Washington women's basketball team tipped off the 2014-15 campaign with its first official practice of the season on Monday at the Charles E. Smith Center.
"The effort was good today," said Head Coach Jonathan Tsipis, who begins his third season in Foggy Bottom. "Definitely a lot of teaching going on. ... I think we definitely took a step forward today, but (we have) the understanding that one practice is not going to dictate our season."
While Monday's practice was the first official preseason session, the Colonials were able to get a head start over the summer ahead of their European trip - the NCAA allows teams 10 practices leading up to foreign tours. The squad also gained experience playing together in four exhibition games during their 10-day trip.
"I think we're ahead of schedule as far as terminology and understanding of things as a group," said Coach Tsipis.
GW returns four starters and eight letterwinners from last season's squad, which posted a 23-11 overall record and 11-5 mark in the Atlantic 10, tying for second in the league standings and reaching the conference semifinals. In their most successful season in six years, the Colonials earned a bid to the WNIT and advanced to the third round, picking up the program's first postseason victories since 2008.
Atlantic 10 All-Conference Second Team selection Jonquel Jones and reigning Rookie of the Year Caira Washington headline GW's returners, while five freshmen join the squad. The Colonials also welcome back senior Lauren Chase, who will make her Buff and Blue debut this fall after transferring from UMBC in December 2012.
