IU faces injury issues as it prepares for opener

On a team with no seniors and just two juniors, injury problems are the last thing a coach wants to see. But that is exactly what IU coach Kathi Bennett is facing heading into her squad's regular season opener against Cornell tomorrow night at 6 p.m. in Assembly Hall.\nIU's injury problems began earlier this fall when the team's only senior, forward Jamie Gathing, suffered ligament damage in her knee during individual workouts. This preseason, a host of Hoosiers have fallen victim to the injury bug. \nSophomore post players Brigett Branson and Angela Hawkins both missed significant preseason action, and freshman Jamey Chapman had to overcome an ankle injury to make her debut last week against the Reebok Lady Stars. \nTo make matters worse, junior guard LeeAnn Stephenson suffered a knee injury earlier this week in practice. Stephenson has an MRI scheduled for today to determine the extent of her injury, said Bennett.\nThis means that Bennett might be forced to start two freshman, if Branson's sore hamstring isn't better by game time. \n"Since LeAnn is out, we are going to go with (sophomore) Kali (Kullberg) at the point with (sophomore) Cyndi (Valentin), (junior) Jenny (DeMuth) and Jamey Chapman," Bennett said. "After that it's a question of who is healthy." \nBennett said that Branson will compete with freshmen Sarah McKay and Carrie Smith for the final starting spot. \nBranson was sidelined with a hamstring injury last week, but has practiced every day this week in preparation for this weekend.\n"Last week I sat out to let it heal and it feels a lot better," Branson said. "I still have some pain in it, but that is to be expected."\nHawkins was the team's leading rebounder last season as a freshman, hauling in nearly eight boards per contest. She grabbed 14 rebounds in IU's exhibition opener before injuring her knee the next week in practice. Luckily for the Hoosiers, Hawkins could return this weekend, Bennett said.\n"Angela should be back for us on Sunday," Bennett said. "We could even use her on Saturday, but on a need basis only because her knee is still sore."\nIf Hawkins remains sidelined, IU's post players will have to step up on the boards. One of those players is the Chapman.\nShe was a big bright spot for the Hoosiers in last week's win. The freshman forward notched 17 points and grabbed six rebounds in just 22 minutes of play against the Lady Stars. She said she is eager to begin the regular season.\n"The fact that the games mean something is exciting," Chapman said. "There's a little bit more pressure, which is good because I think this team plays better under pressure."\nPressure is something Bennett said she wants to see more of on defense. After the Athletes in Action smoked her squad in transition, Bennett has put an emphasis on defense at practice.\n"Our defensive positioning off the ball needs the most improvement," Bennett said. "Our transition defense has taken strides, but when teams screen us and work the weak side, we struggle." \nThis weekend's games are part of the Indiana Classic. Although it has had different sponsors, the classic has been in existence since 1980, and the Hoosiers are 34-7 in the season-opening tournament. \nIf IU wins against Cornell on Saturday night, it will play either Indiana State or North Texas on Sunday afternoon. The consolation game tips-off at 2 p.m. with the championship following at 4 p.m., both at Assembly Hall.\n"I think it's good timing with the football game on Saturday afternoon," Bennett said. "Hopefully we can get a big crowd in here and create a fun atmosphere."\n-- Contact Ryan J. Cost at rjcost@indiana.edu