By Chris Schmidbauer, Sports Information Director
Toledo, OH -- On Tuesday, the NJCAA released its first regular season poll of the 2018-19 Division III Women's Basketball poll, and the Owens Express got some good news. After a month of play, the Express debuted at No. 8 in the latest poll.
Owens is coming off a week that saw them win on Wednesday followed by a tough loss on Saturday. The Express began the season winning their first game back on November 3 against Oakland. The team would drop their next three contests in a row, before reeling off four straight victories. One of those wins came over Rock Valley, who was ranked No. 2 in the NJCAA Division III Preseason poll. The Express lost their most recent game to Macomb, 72-57.
Owens is trying to replace their entire basketball roster from a year ago. When the college announced its move from Division II to Division III athletics, it caused major roster turnover. On top of the roster rebuild. Owens has a first year in head coach Stephen Perry, who was promoted to the head coaching spot after long time head coach, Michael LLanas, moved to NCAA Division II Wheeling jesuit.
The Express have had some growing pains to begin the year, but they have begun to hit their stride now that the full compliment of players are available, after freshman, Shyah Wheeler, joined the team after she participated in the Owens Volleyball season.
Currently the Express are led in scoring by sophomore, Taylor Works, who is averaging 18.6 ppg and nearly four assists per contest. Hot on her heels is freshman, Moreina Moore, at 17.3 ppg. Wheeler is the other player in double figures with 12.7 ppg.
Owens will be in action next against Lakeland on Wednesday night. The team will then have over a week off as the prepare to participate in the Lady Bobcat Classic on December 14 and 15 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.