W. Hoops has big hopes for its Big 5 opener

The Quakers have an 0-21 record against St. Joseph's. Today they will post inexperienced players against the veteran Hawks. Tonight's Big 5 matchup between the women's basketball teams from Pennsylvania and St. Joseph's pits youth versus experience. The Quakers (1-1) and the Hawks (3-1) play at the Palestra at 5:45 p.m. "They're a good team. Everywhere you look, they have the tools to be a very successful team," Penn coach Julie Soriero said. St. Joe's is counting on its experienced backcourt, featuring Megan Compain and Amy Facer, to lead them. Facer utilizes a quick first step to complement her pull-up jumper. Compain is more adept at shooting the open shot -- any open shot. "They have good guards who shoot really well and like to shoot," Penn forward Deana Lewis said. Compain comes into the game averaging 19.5 points on 18 shots per game, while Facer averages 10.3 points per game. "The main challenge is for our guards," Soriero said. Penn guards who will challenge the Hawks' experienced backcourt are young. The Quakers start freshmen Shelly Fogarty and Chelsea Hathaway. Soriero thinks Penn's youth could actually help. "St. Joe's might not realize how talented they are," Soriero said. Penn junior Colleen Kelly, the other guard who normally starts, strained her back earlier this week, but will play. Hope Smith and Amy Tarr will see some increased time if Kelly's back tightens. "We are concentrating more on our play than St. Joe's play," Tarr said. Penn will try to change its defenses so the Hawks guards cannot get in any sort of shooting rhythm. The Quakers also hope that will disrupt the St. Joe's offense. The Hawks have strong inside players, though. Forward Maureen Costello is averaging 10 rebounds per game along with her 12 points. Lewis and junior forward Michelle Maldonado will have to step up their rebounding to limit the Hawks' second-shot opportunities. Penn is coming off a November 26 loss to Navy in which it was outrebounded 50-33. The Quakers expect their effort to be stronger against the Hawks. "We will actually show up and play," Lewis said. On offense, Penn will face a tough St. Joe's defensive unit. The Hawks' taller players will make it difficult to get good shots off from inside the paint. The Quakers will look to establish balance between the inside and outside games. "We have to shoot the ball well from the perimeter and extend their defense. Then, we will get better looks inside," Soriero said. The Quakers will be trying to become the first Penn women's basketball team in history to defeat the Hawks. Overall, St. Joseph's owns a 21-0 series record against Penn. "We are not concerned about the history against St. Joe's, we are concerned about tomorrow night," Tarr said. "Even though we are trying to win every game now, the most important games come in January against other Ivy League teams," Lewis said. The implications of the Big 5 contest, however, make the game a little more meaningful than just any non-conference matchup. St. Joe's can not afford a loss to the Quakers and still expect to contend for the city crown. "There is a lot riding on their Big 5 success," Soriero said. The Quakers could use an early upset of St. Joseph's to help start a winning Penn tradition in the Big 5. "It is important for the spirit of women's basketball and the Big 5 tradition," Lewis said.