October 22, 2007

 

     Bristol,TN-- The two time defending Appalachian Athletic Conference Champion Bryan College Lady Lions have been picked 5^th in the Appalachian Athletic Conference’s Pre-Season Women’s Basketball Poll.

     Bryan returns three starters, two of which were all conference last season, in Kellie Thurman and Katie Davis. Their third returning starter, Ashley Gray, ranked in the top 10 in the nation last season in assists. Two sophomores, Hillary Tipton and Courtney Swanson are expected to round out the starting lineup for the Lady Lions.

     “It is disappointing that with two all-conference players and a point guard ranked 9^th in the nation in assists last year that we are ranked this low going into the season.  The girls have worked extremely hard in the off-season.  I know that Kellie, Katie, and Ashley are hungry to win another championship and to further leave their mark on the program at Bryan.  Additionally, Hillary and Courtney have improved significantly from their freshman year.    Yes, the conference is as good as it has ever been and any one of six teams could end up on top of the regular season standings;  However, I feel that our returners had a lot to do with the last two years of winning the conference and that they are excited to compete for another one.  Losing Sarah Coffman and Brittany Swanson (two-time AAC Player of the year) are big blows but this team is much deeper and more experienced than those teams were,” said head Women’s Coach Jamy Bechler