"Nothing changes if nothing changes."
 
The Linfield women's basketball team follows a new creed in 2022-23, entering the season with a clean slate and refreshed mindset.
 
The Wildcats look to make strides that will stack more games in the win column. But that'll be difficult to accomplish without first changing their sense of urgency and intensity during practices and upcoming non-conference games.
 
"We've mixed up our offenses and threw in some defenses that fit who we have in our personnel. We're hoping for the best, and so far, so good," said eighth-year head coach Casey Bunn-Wilson.
 
The win-loss records from a year ago weren't an accurate depiction of how competitive Linfield was on the court. In many cases, the 'Cats were a few key moments away from turning Ls into Ws. The goal this season is to clean things up and limit extra opportunities for opposing teams.
 
"A gift and a curse last year was that we were in a lot of our games," Bunn-Wilson said. "Some of those games, we were right there and lost by 10 points or less. Hopefully we can get over that hump and capitalize."
 
HUNGRY FOR IMPROVEMENT
The energy in Ted Wilson Gymnasium has been positive to begin the season. The players put in a lot of work during the offseason on the court and in the weight room.
 
"I give my team a lot of credit for last year, fighting through all the adversity and finding a way to still enjoy the season. But we don't want to do that again."
 
Fundamentally, the 'Cats are hitting shots and making reads that they weren't quite able to nail last year. Five seniors, one junior and five sophomores, two with freshman eligibility, return with another year of collegiate experience under their belts. Those returners have taken six talented freshmen under their wings to show them an improved version of what it means to be a Linfield basketball player.
 
"I've liked a lot of things. They're working hard. They've been grinding. The chemistry is good. They're gelling a lot more quickly this year compared to last year."
 
SETTING THE TONE
The success of any college team starts with the senior class, and this year's seniors have kept the rest of the team in check.
 
Alexis Heald, Jordan Worthington and Janessa Yniguez all saw significant playing time last season. Heald started in all 24 games, finishing second on the team with 26.5 minutes per game. The reintroduction of Paige LaFountain, who missed the 2021-22 season, will be a nice addition to the Linfield backcourt.
 
"Paige will be great for us at the point guard position. She's steady and even keeled. She brings a lot of experience and her basketball IQ is high. We just need to get her back to the level of competitiveness that she was used to playing, and she's getting there quickly."
 
Due to NCAA regulations, the players spend much of the offseason running workouts without the coaching staff. As seniors, their jobs are to keep the team organized and get their teammates to where they need to be both physically and mentally.
 
Every little intangible act contributes to not only building team culture but maintaining it as well.
 
"They make sure we're implementing our culture and program expectations without coaches there. That's where I think they're the most invaluable."
 
YOUNG NO MORE
Last year's freshman class was one of the bright spots for Linfield. Gillyan Landis, Elyse Waldal and Rowan Cusack all had starting opportunities and were forced to mature quickly.
 
"They know what's coming and know what to expect in a long season. I'm excited to see how they develop and continue to grow. I'm expecting a lot more from everyone."
 
Landis was named an honorable mention to the All-Northwest Conference Women's Basketball Team. She started in all 24 games, leading the 'Cats with 11.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game while shooting 44.4 percent from the field and 74.6 percent from the free throw line. She scored in double digits on 12 occasions and led the NWC with 32 blocks.
 
Waldal led Linfield with 22 three-pointers, connecting on 28.9 percent from beyond the arc. She averaged 7.7 points and four rebounds per game. Cusack finished with 43 assists and 24 steals. Her buzzer-beater three-pointer on Feb. 4 gave the 'Cats their lone win of the season, a thrilling 62-59 victory over Whitworth in McMinnville.
 
Anna Dazey and Riley Cusack, twin sister of Rowan, are still freshmen in terms of basketball eligibility. Both provide a boost of speed and energy in the backcourt. While speed continues to be a strength for the 'Cats, the height and athleticism of the freshmen will certainly play a role in the team's success.
 
"Our freshman class is talented. They're long and athletic. We're going to be a little taller this year, so that'll be good. Just like every freshman class, they'll take some time to get there, but they're going to be competing for minutes."
 
ON THE HORIZON
Linfield opens the season on Saturday, Nov. 12, at TWG. The 'Cats will host the NAIA's Oregon Tech before heading to College Place, Washington, to take on Walla Walla on Nov. 15.
 
"I'm looking forward to our team executing our offense, bringing the energy and playing hard. We're quick and athletic and are hoping to run and do things to offset other teams' size and physicality. We have a huge emphasis on rebounding and defending."
 
The 'Cats will be at Pacific's Ken Schumann Classic on Nov. 19-20 and UC Santa Cruz's December Classic on Dec. 16-17. They will open NWC play in Oregon, hosting cross-county rival George Fox on Dec. 2 before playing the Boxers in Forest Grove the following day.