VIDEO | Ann Hancock Interview

Wingate, N.C.----The 2023-24 Wingate University women's basketball season kicks off this weekend, with the Bulldogs traveling to Hartsville, S.C. for the Conference Challenge to take on Francis Marion Saturday at 4 p.m. and UNC Pembroke Sunday at 4 p.m. The Bulldogs are coming off a 23-8 season, going 14-4 in league play and advancing to the NCAA Southeast Region semifinals.

"This preseason has been a roller coaster as we are not entering the season with team we thought we would have," head coach Ann Hancock says. "Going into the season with all five starters returning made strategy and planning seamless. We have had several injuries that have forced newcomers into immediate impact roles. It has been sort of a guessing game on who needs to be in what role. Those challenges are what make coaching fun. Coaching is never the same every day and figuring out how to make the puzzle pieces fit together to make a successful team is exciting."

The NCAA Tournament bid last season was the eighth in the last nine seasons for the Bulldogs, who have made five trips to the regional semifinals during that span. The Bulldogs are ranked 14th in the WBCA preseason top 25 poll, while checking in at number three in the preseason SAC coach's poll, with a pair of preseason All-SAC honorees in Emily Hege and Hannah Clark.

Clark will once again run the point for the Bulldogs. She earned All-SAC honors last year, averaging 11.8 points per game on 40 percent shooting from three-point range, knocking down a team-best 46 threes while adding 4.0 rebounds per game. She handed out a team-high 91 assists, while also leading the Bulldogs with 56 steals. "Hannah continues to be a leader, playmaker and scoring threat," Hancock says. "Her work ethic and leadership have been great examples for the newcomers. She has all the tools and experience to guide this team."

Hege, the reigning SAC Freshman of the Year and second team All-SAC honoree is back for year two with the Bulldogs. She averaged 13.5 points per game last season, shooting 44 percent from the field and 37 percent from three-point range, knocking down 39 triples while handing out 72 assists and pulling down 3.5 rebounds per game. "Emily had a terrific summer getting in the best shape of her life," Hancock says. "She has added tools to her tool bag that will help her face tough defenses. She is fearless and ready for the challenges of a new season."

Fellow sophomore Laney Beale will also be a key factor for the Bulldogs this season. She started 21 games as a freshman, averaging 4.7 points per game while shooting 54 percent from the field, adding 3.0 rebounds per contest while handing out 47 assists. "Laney's basketball IQ is amazing," Hancock says. "She loves basketball and studies the game. She is an invaluable part of the team. Her court awareness is a key to our success. She has also extended her shooting range to be a three-point threat, which will help extend the defense."

Jaia Wilson will once again play a big role in the Wingate back court. She appeared in all 31 games last season, averaging 5.3 points and 3.8 rebounds per contest while adding 48 assists and 27 steals. "Jaia has had a good preseason and is ready to take off," Hancock says. "She has been forced into a different role due to the injuries but has accepted the challenge. Her knowledge of what we do and her experience will serve her well as she does whatever is needed for the team to be successful."

Lauren Sullivan started all 31 games for the Bulldogs last season, knocking down 42 threes on 37 percent shooting while averaging 7.1 points per game, handing out 71 assists and pulling down 6.8 rebounds per contest. "Lauren has had an outstanding preseason," Hancock says. "She has shot the ball extremely well. Her ability to stretch the defense along with her basketball IQ are crucial for us. She is a leader with experience that will help us reach our goals."

A pair of newcomers in Lia Anderson and Trinity Breedlove will be key factors in the post for the Bulldogs this season. "Lia is extremely athletic and plays really hard in the post," Hancock says. "The sky is the limit for her. She has a unique skill set that will serve her well. Her ability to run the floor and rebound are amazing. She will be thrown in the fire to get experience quickly. Trinity is another post who will be thrown in the fire early in the season. She can stretch the defense with her outside shooting ability. Her court awareness and passing skills have been impressive for a post player."

Bethel Ekperigha appeared in 21 games during her first season with the Bulldogs. "Bethel has so much God-given talent, she amazes us every day," Hancock says. "Her speed, quickness and jumping abilities separate her from others. Her determination and grit on defense will allow us to mix up our defensive scheme. The more she plays, the better she gets and the more she understands why we do what we do."

Wingate has two more newcomers to add depth to the win position in Anna Beraldi and Skyler Hatfield. "Anna is a player who gives us depth on the wing," Hancock says. "She has the international style of play that can stretch the defense with her shooting ability but can also drive by to get to the rim or make a post defender help. Her JUCO experience will help her understand the pace of play. Skyler can play on the wing or in the post. She has been asked to do a little of both since we have had injuries. She has lots of playing experience that will help definitely be beneficial."

Three more newcomers looking to add depth for the Bulldogs include Taaria Pehi-Kupa, Shaylin Pollock and Anya Massey. "Taaria will give us depth in the post," Hancock says. "Her ability to run the floor and finish in the post will be a plus. Shaylin has been injured most of the preseason, but when she has been able to participate, her understanding of the game has been impressive. She picks up on things quickly and can finish around the basket. Anya has been injured most of preseason as well. Before getting hurt, she was able to play facing the basket or be a stretch floor player. She sees the floor well and can score from behind the three-point line."

After opening the season in South Carolina, the Bulldogs will be at home Wednesday, Nov. 15, hosting Johnson C. Smith at 11:30 a.m. on Future Bulldog Day. The 'Dogs then welcome Augusta to Cuddy Arena Saturday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. Wingate opens SAC play at Carson-Newman Nov. 21 at 5:30 p.m., followed by a trip to UVA Wise Saturday, Nov. 25 at 2 p.m. Wingate's first SAC home game is Sunday, Dec. 10, hosting LMU at 2 p.m.