"We will be a team with a new style of play--up-tempo, aggressive, pressure defense and relentless on the boards," said Backus. "We will be a team promising excitement for the fans and players alike."

If by "exciting" Backus means "confusion over who will start and lack of leadership," she will be right. Only point guard Kelly Denit returns from last year's starting five. Denit, a senior, averaged 6.4 ppg and chipped in 71 overall assists.

But that's it. Yale will have to replace, among others, two 1,000-point career scorers in center Katy Grubbs and forward Autumn Braddock.

Sophomore Caitlin Blair will rejoin Denit in the backcourt, where Blair played before injuring her knee last season. Blair had been leading the team in steals. Other guards include sophomores Jamie Riposta (5.0 ppg) and Kate Merker. Even highly acclaimed freshman Helene Schutrumpf will get a chance to fill in at the guard spot.

With the graduation of its starting frontcourt, Yale looks to old backups and new recruits. Junior Alyson Miller, who was averaging more than 10 ppg before succumbing to a torn ACL in January, will try to return. Sophomore Meg Simpson is the Bulldogs' toughest frontcourt defender and should see a starting role. The center spot is securely in the hands of 6'1 junior Lily Glick, who was the team's third-leading scorer last season at 7.2 ppg.

Backus says she is up to her new challenge.

"I'm thrilled to be in the Ivy League," she said. "It's not for everyone, but I believe in the philosophy of the league. It's a perfect fit."