A team short on numbers, the Lady Toppers welcome the addition of three newcomers who are all expected to compete for playing time.

High school standout Tiffany Porter-Talbert will see significant time at both guard positions and could even contribute down low as a freshman.

This Saturday when Western women’s basketball team begins the season with an exhibition against the Houston Jaguars, they will do it with a revamped coaching staff.

While Mary Taylor Cowles appointment as Lady Topper head coach has been highly publicized, the team will also look to assistants David Graves, Kyra Elzy and Carrie Daniels to help return the team to national prominence.

Western has had an abundance of star quality in recent seasons. While the program has struggled, they have had their share of prolific scorers.

Over the past three years, Western superstars Natalie Powers and ShaRae Mansfield carried the Lady Hilltoppers.

One year ago, Lady Topper basketball was filled with smiles. The promised land was on the horizon again. The history of a decade ago, would be the toast of the present.

Then the season started.