NCAA WOMEN: Lady Vol Basketball: Prepped and Ready

The question should be asked: how does a basketball team follow up on a season that saw it fall one win short of a national championship?

If that team happens to be the University of Tennessee Lady Vol basketball program, the answer is simple: strive for no less than an unprecedented seventh national championship.

With all the major components back from last year's squad accompanied by a stellar incoming class of freshmen, the Lady Vols are retooled and ready to play. If all components can work together successfully, the team should end their season at the Final Four in St. Louis.

Head coach Pat Summitt is already seeing signs of success in her team, even though the regular season doesn't begin for several weeks.

"Our team's personality appears similar to last year's squad. I think that the seniors will help dictate the attitude and character of the team. As rookies, Kara Lawson and April McDivitt demonstrated focus and a strong mental approach to each game that I hope can carry over to the new freshmen," Summitt said. "I feel that our club will play hard, but I want them to be great. They have shown a serious commitment to being a Final Four and National Championship contender through individual workouts and the off-season conditioning, so I hope it pays off."

Senior guard Kristen "Ace" Clement echoes Summitt's thoughts on the team thus far.

"We are really excited about this team," Clement said. "We have great conditioning and so we've been able to go straight to learning rather than working to get in shape. I have a good feeling about this year's team and can't wait to get into the competition."

A major component from last year's squad, consensus National Player of the Year Tamika Catchings, is expected to excel even more this season. With the development of the incoming freshmen and sophomore forward Gwen Jackson, Summitt expects to move Catchings into her natural role at small forward.

One player who will take to the court in the four-spot and allow Catchings to switch roles is incoming frosh Ashley Robinson. Robinson, a 6-5 consensus first-team prep athlete, should shine in her collegiate role and will team up alongside 6-5 junior Michelle Snow as "twin towers."

"Ashley Robinson has shown great promise within the individual workouts and could really help our squad on the frontline," Summitt said. "The experience of competing every day in practice will benefit her, as this is clearly the most competitive environment she has ever been a part of. Without a doubt, Ashley has the chance to be an impact player for us."

Without a doubt this year's Lady Vol squad could be headed for the promise land -- that national championship -- one more time.

Time will tell, but last year's finish certainly didn't hurt matters any.

"I think that the disappointment from Philadelphia translates to a greater sense of urgency," Summitt said. "After what happened against the Huskies, that result should be more than enough motivation for our team to do extremely well."

Just days before the first exhibition of the season, her team's thoughts show that motivation.

"We're planning on going all the way and finishing the job this year," Jackson said.