After having three non-title seasons, the Lady Chargers and Brandan Harrell, women’s head basketball coach, take a different approach into this year’s basketball season.

The coaches have gone about their recruitment in a different way than previous years.

Harrell said that this year’s class is based more on character than ability. This year’s team has higher academic standards, more self-discipline and more drive to be the best.

With aspirations of competing for a conference championship, the Lady Chargers have a tough schedule ahead of them.

Almost half of the scheduled games this year will be played against four different top 25 nationally ranked teams.

They will be looking to test their talents against the defending national champs, Chipola, on Nov. 13. One game against Chipola will be held at home, and the other game will be played on Chipola’s home court.

Although they have a tough schedule ahead, the real pressure will be the pressure they put on themselves, according to Harrell.

China Henderson, a returner coming off an ACL injury, said, “We are going to get at it.”

The team is expecting good things overall.

Deana Blankinship, another returner, said, “This year the chemistry, attitudes, and work ethic are far different than last year’s team.”