After getting the oil changed Nov. 3 in the first phase of preseason tune-up, it’s time for the Utah women’s basketball team to rotate the tires against Fort Lewis tonight. The engine is running and Utah has already put the pedal to the metal.
After an impressive rout of Montana-Western in which five Utes scored in the double digits, the Utes will get the chance to work out a few more kinks in an exhibition contest against Fort Lewis in anticipation for the regular season.
Head coach Elaine Elliott reminded everyone that the team would be learning from the game film, even after the 95-36 decision over the Bulldogs.
Sophomore Kalee Whipple led the Utes with a game-high 24 points, adding four assists and grabbing five rebounds in the win. Senior point guard Leilani Mitchell tallied the only double-double of the game with 10 points and 10 assists.
But the Utes have turned their eyes to the Skyhawks from Durango, Colo.
Laura Haugen, the Skyhawks’ leading scorer from last season (11 points per game), is back to lead the team again this year. Shutting down the scoring sophomore is the biggest challenge the Utes face.
Senior Lauren Redfern and sophomore Katie Mackey also return for Fort Lewis as major contributors against the Utes. Redfern scored more than 10 points per game in 2006-2007. Mackey contributed nearly 10 points and four assists per game.
The Utes will be focused on tightening up any loose ends tonight.
Morgan Warburton’s 17 points and seven assists against Montana-Western echoed her star performances of last year. As a sophomore, she led the team in scoring and minutes played. Now a junior, Warburton will try to keep her success rolling as the Utes look to drive by the Skyhawks and prepare for the regular season, which begins at home against UC Irvine on Nov. 15.
j.gilbert@chronicle.utah.edu
Tyler CobbKalee Whipple led the Utes in scoring during the first exhibition game. Tonight she will continue to get into game shape and the team plays Fort Lewis.