Team not underestimating competition at exhibition

Despite its being an exhibition game, the IU women's basketball team is not underestimating the importance of such a game. The Hoosiers take on Premier Sports in their first of two exhibition games this season at 5 p.m. tonight in Assembly Hall. \nThis is IU's first contest since appearing in the NCAA Tournament last year. They face Premier Sports, a team they defeated in Bloomington last season 89-72. \nCoach Kathi Bennett, who begins her third year at IU, said she is looking to use the game as a learning experience.\n"I hope we will play very hard," Bennett said, who has a 37-25 record at IU. "We need to establish that intensity. That way we can set an intense tone early in the season, and it will benefit us later."\nAn exhibition game does not necessarily mean it is insignificant. IU players are treating it as a regular season contest. \n"When I'm preparing for the game Friday night in the locker room, there's going to be a whole lot of nerves," freshman Kali Kullberg said. "There's going to be more nerves then at any other point in the season. I think I'll be able to put that extra adrenaline to good use, though, by working hard on the court."\nSenior Lisa Eckart will make her IU debut, after sitting out last season after transferring from Evansville. She said she can't wait to hit the hardwood at Assembly Hall.\n"Just playing a game is going to be nice and so different," Eckart said. "Playing against some other competition will be refreshing. I haven't played in a game in so long I'm extremely excited and can't wait to see what it's going to be like when we actually take the floor."\nEckart said she is excited to see all the freshmen and is eager to see what they can do. IU welcomes six new faces to its lineup, including five freshmen. The Hoosiers have four new backcourt players, and they will probably all play Friday. Highlighting the quartet are freshman Cyndi Valentin, a Bloomington native, and junior LeeAnn Stephenson from Texas. \nMeanwhile, senior Kristen Bodine, who missed most of last season after tearing her ACL, will see limited action after spraining her ankle in practice about a week ago. Wednesday, Bodine practiced for the full practice for the first time in a week.\nKullberg described how she could contribute to this team, not only Friday, but in the games to come.\n"I can really bring energy and consistency," Kullberg said. "I can be a leader as a point guard and plan to do so. I also bring strength and a certain mentality to the team. I'm consistent, and I bring defense and an identity to this team. I can help better define this team."\nIU split its pair of exhibition games last year. While they defeated Premier Sports, they lost to the Reebok Lady All-Stars by one point.\nKullberg highlighted the demeanor of this team, even with their inexperience.\n"This team is so hungry," Kullberg said. "Coach always says we are so hungry. We have been practicing for over 20 days. We are real anxious to put on our game uniforms and play a game"