The University of La Verne women's basketball is set to open its 2012-13 season as it plays a pair of home games this weekend against Whitman (Nov. 16) and Linfield (Nov. 18) to begin regular season play.

Head coach Matt Rogers returns eight letterwinners and four starters for the upcoming campaign. Last year's squad went 8-17 overall and finished fifth in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference with a 6-8 record.

The Leopards up-tempo system did result in a few record-setting moments a year ago, highlighted by its NCAA Division III single-game record of 26 three-pointers established against Pomona-Pitzer on February 11.  Additionally, La Verne finished 2011-12 leading the nation in three-point field goals per game at 10.3.

The 2012-13 installment of Leopard basketball, despite the wealth of quality returnees, should take on a different look in the sense of more experience and better fluidity on both offense and defense.

"The biggest change is the overall familiarity with playing in that style, which will allow us to be much more dynamic," Rogers said.  "We expect to have improved offensive continuity to perform at an optimum level night in and night out."

"Our expectations are much higher this season," said the third-year head coach.  "Our new players have grasped our systems and have a better understanding of what we're trying to accomplish.    It's about getting our kids to understand multiple ways to succeed and knowing how to successfully transition from one style to another." 

The nucleus of this year's squad begins with a pair of All-SCIAC returnees in senior guard Amanda Copas and junior forward Megan Musashi. 

A three-year starter, Copas played in all 25 games for the Leopards and averaged 11.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per contest.  She shot .738 from the free throw line while also connecting on 39 three-pointers.  "Amanda has learned to accept the game for what it is and has learned immensely," Rogers said.  "Her focus will be more on getting to the rim, moving more off the ball and to create more scoring opportunities."

Musashi averaged a team-high 11.8 points and 3.6 rebounds in 16 games played.  In conference games, she ranked first in free throw percentage (.868), fifth in scoring (11.0) and ninth in both field goal percentage (.436) and three-point field goal percentage (.339).  "Megan has learned to be more assertive and to take challenges," said Rogers.  "She has established herself as one of the team leaders and we expect her to have a strong season."

In addition, the Leopards are expected to receive solid contributions from senior center Tyne McClure and point guard Riki Murakami

McClure challenged for All-Conference honors after leading the SCIAC in field goal percentage at .629 while averaging 9.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per contest a year ago.  "Tyne has worked hard to keep pushing, added more agility.  She is learning different aspects of the game that will allow her to have a more successful season."

Murakami is ready to assume full-time duties as point guard after playing in 24 of 25 games last season.  She averaged 6.4 points and 2.9 assists per game.  "Riki has grown up and has become a definitive floor general," Rogers said.  "If Amanda and Megan are our CEO and CFO, then Riki is our operations person."

Among the newcomers ready to make an impact include the trio of Lindsey Foster, Shannon Irwin and Kimmie Fung. 

Rogers describes Foster as a dynamic player who can create her own shot, and has an array of skills and strong work ethic.  Of Fung, he describes her a yet another player that can play multiple positions and create her own shot.  Rogers believes her overall assertiveness and ability make her a player ready to step in and contribute as a freshman.

The Leopards will begin conference play when it faces Whittier on November 29.  The landscape of the SCIAC has been altered by the addition of Chapman, which adds to the overall competitiveness of league play.  The likes of defending league Occidental along with squads such as Cal Lutheran, Redlands and Claremont-Mudd-Scripps should make for formidable competition within the conference.

"We have a league that has definitely improved in recent years," Rogers added.  "At this point we feel that we're in the middle of the pack.  That being said, we've got to get really good at what we do early on.  If we can get everyone to buy in, we can compete with the top of the league."

The Leopards appear to have a combination of talent and experience along with a will and belief that they will succeed in a conference that has elevated in stature.  "We have the talent and the mindset to have an outstanding year," added Rogers.  "We can definitely be a team that can contend."