With nine new faces added to Park University’s Women’s Basketball team, chemistry on the court could take time. Coming off of a 10-18 record last year, the Pirates are ready to put the Women’s program back on the map.

Freshmen Lauren LaBonde, Salena Dunn, Aleah Hensley, Kristin Johnson and Sydney Heard join the program this season. The only sophomore is Christy Saldana. Lining up for the juniors are Channell Mackey, Jakyra Shelton, Jordan Brown, Ashleigh Downs, Lauren Maclin and Chanel Gwynn-Williams. Finally, only three seniors are making their last run at a championship including Amanda Laurenceau, Taylor Lloyd and Jessica Madsen.

The Pirates started off this year with an exhibition win against semi-pro team Livin’ the Dream Oct. 19. This was a comfortable nine-point victory for the Pirates.

The Pirates traveled up to Crete, Neb., for a back-to-back game to start of the regular season. On Nov. 1, they faced Doane College. The Pirates fought but loss 65-68. Their next game was Nov. 2 against Dakota Wesleyan University. The Pirates fell to a 0-2 record losing 56-80.

Senior Guard Taylor Lloyd believes that this Pirates team has what it takes to be elite.

“Our expectation this year is to win the AMC (American Midwest Conference) and in the process, become a family, which is very important,” she said. “We believe in each other and trust takes you far on a team.”