RUSTON – Historically, Louisiana Tech has been a program that has won the battle of the boards.

However, last season's Lady Techster basketball team struggled in that area, being outrebounded on the year – one of the few times in program history.

As head coach Brooke Stoehr looks at her team photo for 2019-20, she does so with hope for an improvement on the glass, boasting a roster with more size and athleticism.

"We definitely have more size than we've had the past few years," said Stoehr. "With that size comes the athleticism to move and do some things defensively and on the boards we weren't able to do last year.

"We have to continue to develop our young size and athleticism, but I'm excited about their willingness to compete and be coached. The opportunity is there for this interior group to have a big impact on our team this year."

That group includes two returners and four newcomers, all standing 6-foot or taller, including 6-foot-3 MeMe Amand, 6-foot-3 Anna Larr Roberson, 6-foot-2 Mahoganie Williams, 6-foot-2 Amariah Stanard, 6-foot-1 DeAndre'a Alexander and 6-foot Bre Harris.

Harris and Alexander both look to build off their freshmen campaigns that saw them each see action in at least 25 games. Harris averaged 4.5 points and 3.3 rebounds and came on strong towards the last third of the season, including pulling down a season-high 13 rebounds in the final game of the season against Charlotte.

"Bre gained solid experience as a freshman last year through conference play," said Stoehr. "She played her best basketball during the second half of the season and that experience will be vital for this group. She can score in and around the paint and has a nice face up game. We will count on her leadership and experience in the post."

Despite averaging just 1.7 points and 2.1 rebounds a game, Alexander did some of her best work against P5 teams, including recording season highs with seven points and eight rebounds in a win over Ole Miss and seven boards in a win over Alabama.

"Drea has the size and strength to defend in the post and keep people out of the paint," said Stoehr. "Her offensive development will be important in her sophomore year as she brings depth to the post group."           

Amand comes from Hill College where she spent the past three years, playing two while sitting out the 2017-18 season due to an injury. She was named all-conference last year after averaging 10.4 points and 6.4 rebounds a game. She left ranked in the top 10 in program history in points, rebounds and blocks.

"MeMe brings solid experience to our group in the post," said Stoehr. "She moves well and has the ability to score with her back to the basket and finish around the paint. She works hard to gain position on both ends of the floor and has the opportunity to impact our young post group."

Three true freshmen fill the rest of the corps of posts. A pair of local products will suit up for Tech in Roberson and Williams. Roberson is a six-time all-state performer from Cedar Creek High School where she left as the program's all-time leader in points and rebounds. She led the Cougars to the district title this past season and a 28-3 record.

"Anna Larr adds size and athleticism to this post group," said Stoehr. "She shows up to work each day and has been very consistent. Her touch and ability to finish will be beneficial for this team."

Williams played for former Lady Techster Amber (Obaze) Ford at Ouachita High School in Monroe during her high school career. She was named the district Freshman of the Year in 2016 and was an all-state performer as a freshman and sophomore.

"Mahoganie's ability to move quickly and at a fast pace gives us an added dimension on the defensive end of the floor," said Stoehr. "She can guard multiple positions and has the ability to effect shots. Her versatility and ability to play facing the basket will be an asset to our team."

Stanard signed with Tech out of Tucker High School in Georgia where she earned numerous district, regional and even national honors. She helped lead the program to three straight regional appearances, including the Georgia Class 6A state title game in 2016. She was named to the ESPN Hoop Gurlz National Top 100 for the Class of 2019.

"Amariah has nice length and has the ability to alter shots in and around the paint," said Stoehr. "She can stretch the defense for us and shoot the three."

Tech will open its season Nov. 7 against LSU-Alexandria at 11:30 a.m. at the Thomas Assembly Center in its annual Education Day Game. It is the first of 17 home games this year for Stoehr and Co.

Season tickets for both the Louisiana Tech men's and women's basketball campaigns are on sale. In a concerted effort to reach a broader range of its fan base, Louisiana Tech Athletics is offering more family affordable season ticket prices this season.

Men's basketball season tickets, women's basketball season tickets and combination season ticket packages have been reduced by as much as 67 percent over last year in some cases with a reduction of no less than 15 percent on all packages.

To purchase season tickets, call the Tech Ticket Office at 318-257-3631, email techtickets@latech.edu, or log onto LATechSports.com/tickets.