So
the Lady Raiders are on the road again and two games into the season that's
rare.
Tech
hasn't had back to back roadies to start the season
since the 2001-'02 season.
But
I think the early trips to a couple of tough places to play will definitely
help this team down the road.
It's
great having Brandi Cantrell on the road with us this trip. She's with
the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and makes an occasional road trip with the
team.
After
film session Wednesday, she held a Bible study for the staff that I was
privileged to be a part of. That's one of the things I really admire
about Coach Kristy Curry is how well grounded of a person she is that she would
want Brandi to be with us and to have that time with the staff.
The
coaches and staff actually meet for a study on a weekly basis. Brandi also
makes herself available to players wanting to seek her counsel as well.
Unfortunately
the prayer list was long for Lady Raiders needing healing and the list grew by
one Sunday with Minta Spears' season-ending injury.
She is here though (crutches in-tow) and seems to be in pretty good
spirits.
On
the floor this team's performance Sunday reminded me of teams I've seen from
previous seasons - tenacious on defense and using that to turn into offense at
the other end.
Case-in-point
would be Tech's 16 steals Sunday and 22 turnovers overall by Arizona State
leading to 28 Tech points. That's more than a third of their total point
output scored off turnovers.
The
only difference with this team from recent ones is they are deeper and more
talented.
But
it's a fun "in your face" brand of basketball that this team will
bring again this season and Sunday was an example of that.
As for the New Mexico game Thursday, don't expect it to be the cake-walk it's been the last two times around.
The
Lobos have their heart and soul leader back in Sara Halasz,
who missed all of last season, and appear to be well on their way back to being
the Mountain West power they once were.
New
Mexico is always an interesting game because there are usually always Texas
kids playing for them or New Mexico kids playing for Tech, or both.
On
that note, Lady Raider sophomore Amber Battle from Albuquerque scored 30
tickets to give to family and friends for the game.
Should
be interesting. Let's hope for a Lady Raider win and you can also pray
for those who need healing. At this point, it probably won't hurt to pray
need more prayers for the healthy ones to stay that way.
See
you Sunday at the USA.