Sept. 27, 2013

ARLINGTON, Texas - Women's basketball begins full-scale practices Monday…The Mavericks are allowed 30 practices between Friday and the season-opener Nov. 8 at Houston Baptist.

"Our practices thus far have been very individualized and focused on getting in shape," UTA coach Krista Gerlich said. "In team practices, we're going to really work on our defense as we are already a defensive oriented team."

UT Arlington heads into its third conference in the last three seasons and its first under Gerlich.

The Mavericks completed the 2012-13 season with a 7-23 record. Three starters return for 2013-14, the first season in the Sun Belt, in senior forward Desherra Nwanguma , senior guard Laila Suleiman and sophomore guard Jordan Holub.

Other returning letter winners are senior guard Malaika Green, junior forward Krioni Bruce, junior guard Chauntandra Williams, senior forward Briana Walker and sophomore forward Takiyah Langford.

The newcomers are junior guard Ryah Lacy, junior guard Tahlia Pope, junior forward Morgan Hunt, junior guard Amara Wainwright, freshman forward Allyson Te'o and freshman guard Allea Harris.

"Despite having seven newcomers, we are a very top heavy team," Gerlich said, "We are using team practices as a chance for the newcomers to gain some offensive rhythm with the returners and we really have high expectations for the team."

The Mavericks will face a pair of Big 12 opponents when they play at Oklahoma State and Oklahoma in November. The Cowgirls have made back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances and made the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament in 2013.

The 18-game Sun Belt slate begins Jan. 2 against Arkansas State at College Park Center. The Sun Belt Tournament begins March 12 in New Orleans.