COLLEGE BASKETBALL ‘86-87 : USIU: Gulls Have the Game, Now Are Getting the Name : San Diego Women

When Cassie Macias became coach of United States International University’s women’s basketball team four years ago, she started phone conversations to recruits or other coaches with, “We’re a small school in San Diego and yes, we are Division I . . . “

After leading the Gulls to their best-ever record (24-9) last season and a berth in the National Invitational Tournament, Macias has found she can drop the explanations.

“I don’t hear ‘USIU who?’ as much,” said Macias. “I even had some schools call me. We’re known a little more now, at least regionally.”

Last season, USIU won the first West Coast Athletic Conference women’s title with three freshman starters. This season USIU may even be younger, without a senior on the roster. Although the Gulls are a little more experienced, they have to replace the graduated Toya DeCree, the school’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder.

“We gained a lot of experience last year going to the NIT,” Macias said. “But we’re still young. I have to remember we don’t have any seniors.”

Point guard Sonya Carter, the WCAC Freshman of the Year last season, averaged 15.6 points per game. Also back are two junior forwards from England--Amanda Spry (6-foot-2) from London, and Fiona Murray (6-4) from Birmingham.

Sophomore Dawn Crinklaw (5-11), who started part of last season, and junior Daisy Mendes, who averaged eight points a game, give USIU added depth.

Macias has signed 5-10 Carolyn Davis, a junior college All-American from Central Arizona and 6-1 freshman forward Syrina Young, from Iowa.

“We’ve done a lot in a short amount of time,” Macias said. “What more we can do depends on a lot of things--how well we adjust to our nonconference schedule and whether we grow up.”

USIU opens its season against Connecticut Friday at the Lady Sunshine Tournament in Orlando, Fla. The Gulls’ home opener is Dec. 6 against UC Irvine at the Jewish Community Center.