UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- At 7 p.m. on Tuesday night the Lady Lions are set to tip-off the season in the Bryce Jordan Center against Long Island University (LIU).
With fans set to return to the BJC for the first time since the end of the 2019-20 season, captain Anna Camden and head coach Carolyn Kieger expressed their excitement for game day and reflected on some of the biggest takeaways from preseason.
As the official start to the Penn State women's basketball season is just hours underway, here is everything you need to know before tip-off.
Leilani Kapinus is Ready to Hit the Court
After missing her first official season due to a knee injury, redshirt freshman Leilani Kapinus is finally ready to show fans her full potential.
"She immediately gives us more athleticism on the court," said Kieger on Kapinus' debut. "She can keep up with the best of them when it comes to open court mentality. She is going to drastically change the way we play on the defensive end."
After two knee surgeries she has done a phenomenal job getting ready for this moment, and she will play a key role rebounding on the defensive end.
Tova Sabel Had a Great Summer
Following a phenomenal freshman season in which Tova Sabel saw action in all 24 games, she continued to put in tremendous work in the offseason that has set her up for a successful upcoming sophomore year.
"She's put in the work, she can go for long periods of time longer than she could as a freshman," said Kieger. "She's stronger and she can help us in a variety of ways. I think she can be an x factor for us this year."
Finding Identity as a Team
Something that Kieger values as a coach is finding identity as a team, and she feels strongly coming out of preseason that this is the year the Lady Lions have discovered their potential and truly know who they are going into the season.
"In terms of our team identity we play fast," said Camden. "I think we're going to be a really exciting team to watch because of that."
"We're going to have the mentality that we are not going to back down and refuse to lose," said Kieger. "This is the first time I've seen in two years that we're close to where we need to be."
Anna Camden as a Leader
Since she stepped foot on campus, Kieger has been training Camden in leadership. This season, alongside teammate Kelly Jekot, she was granted the opportunity to be named co-captain for the 2021-22 season.
"The label captain I think doesn't mean as much as being viewed as just a leader in general for our team," said Camden, who started 23 of the team's 24 games last season. "We've been trying to fulfill the role by doing everything we can do to help our team win because that's ultimately the goal of what captain is. We're really thankful for this opportunity."
What to Expect from LIU
The season opener is set for a battle against LIU and the Lady Lions are ready to put out a product they have been working hard on.
Although LIU is coming off an 8-22 year, the Lady Lions will still need to be ready and play their style, hoping to force turnovers and rebound effectively.
"We can't start playing fast if we don't perceive that rebound," said Kieger. "First game is always different because they've got a lot of new transfers too but so do we. I think it will be a really good chance for us to play."
"I can't wait to win because we are going to win," said Camden. "The last time I played a basketball game it was a loss, and I am ready to avenge a lot of those losses."
Fans in the BJC
For the first time in 616 days, fans are finally welcomed back into the Bryce Jordan Center and the Lady Lions are overwhelmed with excitement to have them return. Since the start of the pandemic, Kieger has prioritized building up a fan base community that is ready to come out and support.
"We want to build this up," said Kieger. "We want thousands of fans screaming their names, and little girls in the stands admiring them. This team is going to be phenomenal and I encourage people to come out because I think you are going to fall in love with them the more you watch them."
