With a successful exhibition game under its belt, the women’s basketball team has a promising season ahead.

The team has several returning players and two freshmen players. Head coach Maryann Mitts has high hopes for the team.

“The first thing that the fans will see is a much improved returning class,” Mitts said. “They spent most of the summer here with our strengthening and conditioning coaches.”

The Lions played the Oklahoma Flyers Nov. 8 for an 89-63 win.

“I think the game went extremely well,” said Vonny Wilson, junior forward. “Everybody just had a good time playing, and we had a good time playing with each other.”

The Flyers had a brief lead of three points in the first quarter, but the Lions dominated the remainder of the game.

“That was a game, I felt, that showed the kind of offensive power we can have,” Mitts said. “We took care of the ball very well.”

The Lions have a tournament this weekend, the Pizza Hut/ Fairfield Inn Tip-off Classic at the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center. Their first game begins at 7 p.m. on Friday versus Henderson State University.

At 3 p.m. on Saturday, they play against Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

“The wins early in the year are very important in building confidence,” Mitts said. “It takes a certain amount of time for the players not only to learn a system of play, but believe in it – and winning helps.

“We have a very competitive team, one of the most talented groups that we have ever had here. We have a team that will play both ends of the floor.”

She said to make this season a success, some improvements need to be made.

While the team is working well together and its defense is exciting, Mitts said the team can always improve.

“Our rebounding has to be more successful,” she said. “We are not a big team. While we make good shots, our bench needs to develop as a strength for us.”

An important aspect of any team would be the level of balance it can achieve.

“I think our team is coming together nicely,” Wilson said. “We’re still getting to know each other.”

Mitts said the Lions this season have a strong team with a “balanced attack.” She said when defense and offense work together, there will be some exciting games for the fans to watch.

For more details on the Missouri Southern women’s basketball program, one can go to the athletics Web site at www.mssu.edu/athletics/basketball-girls.htm.