Lady Monarchs coach: Defense first

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - She's only in her second season as the Lady Monarchs basketball head coach, but Karen Barefoot's high energy and defense first mentality is already transferring to the court.

"They're fun to watch because they're really getting after it and really getting after it every possession," said Barefoot.

Six games into the season, the Monarchs are one of the country's best on defense. They're forcing an average of 25 turnovers per game.

"Everyone is on the same page, we trust each other we're going to war for each other so it's been really easy," senior guard Jackie Cook said.

Cook is one of the few upper classmen on the team. The Monarchs have a total of nine freshmen and sophomores on the roster, including former Princess Anne state champion Galaisha Goodhope.

"I wanted to be a part of the this great ODU tradition," Goodhope said.

Goodhope brings exactly the kind of play Barefoot likes to see out of her athletes.

"You're not just playing a tough point guard that can play on both sides of the ball you're getting a player that knows how to win," Barefoot said.

The Monarchs' next test is North Carolina Central Friday, Dec. 7.