High-powered Hornets figure to test Jayhawks

Following her team’s 82-48 victory over Pittsburg State on Sunday, Kansas University women’s basketball coach Bonnie Henrickson was already wary of tonight’s opponent, Emporia State.

“This will not be good to see on film,” Henrickson said. “There’s a lot we need to clean up because Emporia’s good.”

The Jayhawks’ final exhibition game pits KU against the No. 3 team in Division II – and the ESU Lady Hornets will arrive at Allen Fieldhouse with aspirations of knocking off Henrickson’s Jayhawks.

“We’ve got a team coming in here that should be playing with some confidence,” the fourth-year coach said.

The preseason favorite to win the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association are led by senior Michelle Stueve – a two-time All-American who averaged 18.2 points and 9.3 boards last season.

“She’s a matchup nightmare,” Henrickson said of Stueve, noting the guard’s ability to play inside and out makes her tough to defend.

If the Jayhawks want to beat ESU, they can do themselves a favor by cleaning up on the offensive glass. KU outgained PSU, 23-11, on offensive rebounds.

KU beat ESU, 90-65, in its only other exhibition matchup with the Hornets in 2005. The Jayhawks have won 21 of their last 23 preseason games.

Probable starters

EMPORIA STATE

F – Alli Volkens, 6-2, Fr. (0.0 ppg)

F – Becky Zabel, 5-10, Jr. (0.0)

C – Michelle Stueve, 6-2, Sr. (0.0)

G – Andrea Leiker, 5-8, Jr. (0.0)

G – Cassondra Boston, 5-6, Soph. (0.0)

KANSAS

F – Porscha Weddington, 6-1, Soph. (0.0)

F – Taylor McIntosh, 5-11, Sr. (0.0)

G – Danielle McCray, 5-11, Soph. (0.0)

G – Sade Morris, 5-11, Soph. (0.0)

G – Ivana Catic, 5-8, Jr. (0.0)

Tipoff: 7 p.m. today, Allen Fieldhouse.

Radio: Jayhawk Network, including 1320 KLWN.

Television: Sunflower Broadband channel 6.