Searching for consistency
Lady Frogs mix up rotation, look for winning combo
By Drew Irwin
Skiff Staff

Twenty-two games into its season, the women’s basketball team is trying something a little different.

Head coach Jeff Mittie said the Lady Frogs are trying a new strategy to find some consistency in their second season in Conference USA.

When the Lady Frogs played against Houston Sunday, Mittie unveiled the new strategy. He started five players, and after five minutes, he substituted five new players into the game.

“We’ve struggled with consistency this year,” Mittie said. “We want to figure out who plays with who better and tell them, ‘This is your group, go play.’”

The Lady Frogs’ longest winning streak of the season so far is four games. It started Dec. 22, but the winning streak was followed by a four-game losing streak.

During the last six minutes of the Houston game, the Lady Frogs were able to outscore the Cougars 13-4. Against Tennessee Tuesday, the team’s strategy disrupted a quick 11-0 start by the Lady Volunteers. The second unit, led by junior guard Ebony Shaw, was able to adjust to bring TCU back into the game.

In the second half of games, Mittie said he has a different plan in mind.

“In the last 12 minutes of the game, I’m going to determine the lineup based on who’s playing well,” Mittie said.

Mittie said one reason for the change in the second half is because the team has done poorly making adjustments during the game. He said it is important to get the most effective players in the game during the final stretch.

Sophomore forward Sandora Irvin said the change will give the team an edge against its opponents.

“I think it’s a good idea,” Irvin said. “It allows us to keep coming at them, and we have a lot of energy.”

Mittie said the plan gives players equal time in the first half. In fact, he said each player is supposed to play 10 minutes in the first half of each game.

“It’s good for me because I know I can play hard for a while and then go rest,” Irvin said. “And everyone can play together, and that’s important.”

Irvin said the players are still adjusting to the rotations and it will take time for the players to get used to their groups.

“We’re getting used to playing in the units of five,” Irvin said. “But it has helped us out so far.”

r.a.irwin@tcu.edu