La Trobe University Eagles begin their season this Sunday (25/3) against local rival, Diamond Valley Eagles. The two teams have a history of spirited competition over the years and this game is sure to be no different. Both teams tend to play out a fast break style game with high intensity pressure defence. The game tips off at 1pm and for the benefit of those who will be making the trek to Diamond Valley we have a preview of this season's LTU women's team.

The MVP

Steph Cortese returns after an MVP season that saw her awarded selection as the Big V Division 1 centre after leading the league with 15.8 rebounds per game, complimented by 14 points per game. Steph's presence inside commands respect and a large amount of attention from the opposition, yet somehow she manages to get the job done week in week out.

Ready To Take The Next Step

Erin McCutcheon enters this season a legit double double threat after averaging 9.6ppg and 10.3rpg in 2006. The emotional leader of the team, McCutcheon's aggresive play and tenacious defence are the perfect tools to have as she looks to become an interior force in her own right.

Amber Farrington has trained the house down during the 2007 preseason. Her shot is looking good and she has refined her post moves and looks set to become a regular in the talls rotation for 2007.

A more confident finish to 2006 provided glimpses of things to come for 2nd year guard, Kendall Raby. One of the more vocal players in the team, Raby will have her long range game on target as Nikki Calverts backup at the 2 spot.

The Veterans

Michelle Lee returns for her 4th year as an Eagle and has put in a solid preseason. Lee has worked hard on her outside shot and her leadership on and off the courtwill be an important factor in this years season.

Lee's co-captain, Krystal Calvert also returns for her 3rd LTU season eager to improve on what was a sub par 2006 by her standards. Calvert's decision making and solid inside-outside game make her a dangerous opponent for all teams this season.

Outside threat, Nikki Calvert is healthy and ready go for 2007. Nikki's 2006 was hampered by injury and she just couldn't find her rhythm. Now she's back and all systems are go!

Mel Carter is another experienced player who had a season last year below her standards. This season look to see Carter use her explosive pace to run the break and slash to the basket before the D even knows what's happening!

The Rookies

LTU has brought 3 rookies on board for 2007. Each 1 is sure to have an impact on the team.

For the first time in club history, the women's Big V team has added a student still at high school. Erin Jarvis is currently enrolled in Box Hill Senior Secondary School's Elite Basketball programme and is a product of the Nunawading Spectres. Jarvis brings an enthusiasm and commitment to her basketball that has provided a real boost and positive example to her older teammates. She puts her body on the line and she will be a valuable contributor as the season progresses and she finds her Big V legs.

Following Jarvis from Nunawading is rookie tall, Sherry Glennie. Glennie is a legit big and has a very refined inside game. Glennie's size and presence strengthens an already quality tall rotation and she will make people take notice before the season is over.

Charlotte Grieve probably wins the award for the quietest teammate already. But that's her game and if opponents are lulled into a false sense of security by her quiet demeanour, she will soon wake them up as she splashes triple after triple on them!

The Insurance Policy

Kylie Rogers succumbed to some begging and pleading to help out in the case of emergency. For those who have been around the club for a few years, you will remember Kylie as the tenacious point guard who represented La Trobe at Intervarsity level from 2000-2002 before disappearing to Norway for a few years. Kylie's experience and overly positive attitude are an added bonus for this young team.

The Injured List

Jayda Hunter was another rookie from last season who was looking to take the next step this season. Unfortunately Jayda went down with a knee injury in a preaseason game that requires surgery. While the club is hopeful that Jayda will play again this season, the reality is that we probably wont see Jayda in an LTU uniform until 2008.

The Coach

After finally accepting retirement as the obvious next step in his basketball career, Andrew Forbes accepted the position as head coach of the women's team. No stranger to coaching, Forbes was head coach of the North Bears state league team in NSW during 2004 and has been playing assistant coach of the Big V LTU men's team in 2003, 2005 and 2006. Forbes is looking forward to a season where he believes the current team can be a legitimate playoff threat.

The Season Ahead

The Eagles first game will be 1pm at Diamond Valley on Sunday 25th March. The Eagles first home game will be the following week, Sunday 1st April at Darebin Stadium against newcomer, Warrandyte Venom.

2007 LTU EAGLES BIG V DIVISION 1 WOMEN'S TEAM

• Krystal Calvert (c)
• Nikki Calvert
• Mel Carter
• Steph Cortese
• Amber Farrington
• Sherry Glennie
• Charlotte Grieve
• Jayda Hunter
• Erin Jarvis
• Michelle Lee (c)
• Erin McCutcheon
• Kendall Raby
• Kylie Rogers

         Coach - Andrew Forbes