CALIFORNIA -- Another basketball season starts at 5 p.m. today for the California University women when they play Wayne State at Hamer Hall in the annual Holiday Inn Classic.
This one, however, may be a little different from the last 23.
For the first time, the Vulcans are considered a bona fide contender for the NCAA Division II championship after coming close the past season.
Eight months ago, coach Darcie Vincent's third Cal team advanced to St. Joseph, Mo., for the Elite 8 with a 32-1 record and the No. 1 ranking in the country before bowing to Northern Kentucky, 45-43, in the semifinals.
A year ago, the Vulcans entered the campaign in the No. 20 spot.
This season California is listed No. 4 and returns most of last year's cast, including Player of the Year Becky Siembak and PSAC two-time first teamer Sara McKinney, who are expected to make up one of the country's top one-two punches.
Siembak, who also went to the Elite 8 in 2000 with Vincent as a Slippery Rock freshman and lost in the first round, is hoping the third time is a charm.
"Losing by two points left a bitter taste," admitted Siembak, a 5-11 senior who sat out the 2001-2002 season as a transfer. "We were so focused last year and don't want to have that same feeling this season."
Siembak led Cal last year in both scoring (621 points) and rebounds (347) and also averaged a team high 30 minutes.
Siembak,however, didn't finish the season on a high note since a back problem forced her to sit out half of the Vulcans' PSAC title win over West Chester and limited her playing time afterwards.
Siembak knows she won't be playing her final year pain-free.
"My back is doing a lot better but it still gets sore," she said.
As the Player of the Year, Siembak is prepared to be a marked player.
"There's a little extra pressure on me but I'm just going to go out and play hard," she said.
Is Siembak, who's presently student teaching at McKeesport High in special education, setting any individual goals this season?
"I just want to fill whatever role is needed as a scorer, rebounder or playmaker," she answered. "I want to benefit the team any way I can."
McKinney, meanwhile, will be trying to return to her freshman form.
After being named the PSAC West Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year with 537 points and 342 rebounds in her collegiate debut, McKinney -- a 5-10 junior -- had 376 points and 347 rebounds the past season.
The other returning starter is 5-4 sophomore Megan Storck, last years PSAC Rookie of the Year. Rounding out the starting five are 6-1 senior Sameera Philyaw and 6-2 junior Erin Dillon.
Philyaw, who's 12th on the school's all-time scoring ladder with 1,054 points, is no stranger to the lineup. She started 14 games last year after making 26 starts as a sophomore.
Dillon had four starts as a sophomore.
Cal's other returnees are 5-9 sophomore Lisa Gottuso and 5-8 senior Krystal Cornish.
CAL CLIPS: The Holiday Inn Classic will resume at 4 p.m. Sunday with Wayne State playing Mercyhurst. Both teams are members of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Wayne State is picked to win the South Division while Mercyhurst is tabbed for last place. Cal will play Mercyhurst at 6 p.m. Monday.
