Owls' Ashford Adjusting Well

HOUSTON, TX -- This past Thursday, the Rice Owls defeated the Houston Baptist University Huskies 81 to 56 in an exhibition game. In that game, Owls freshman post Candace Ashford produced a double-double (13 points and 10 rebounds).

Ashford's performance is a solid example of how far she's come since the first time I saw her this summer during Rice's "open gym" games; and, she said so as well.

When did I first see you?
“At open gym this summer.”

How long ago was that?
“In July? So, it’s been a few months.”

How did you do in July?
(Laughing) “Not too well.”

Compare July to now.
“Huge step forward. I’m in better shape. I feel like I can do more around the basket. I’m rebounding better. I’m just better all around.”

What did you do to improve your conditioning?
“Preseason workouts pretty much got me there. Running on the track. Hitting the weight room. Everything helped.”

Talk about the first exhibition game.
“That game gave us a lot of confidence. Not just me, personally, but the team as well. Hopefully, everything we did well in the exhibition game will transfer over to our game on Friday.”

Has the team had a chance to practice in the ‘House of Tudor’?
“Not yet. We’re supposed to practice there on Thursday; so, we only have one day to get adjusted to it. Hopefully, everything will work out.”

How have you adjusted to school?
“Pretty good. Better than I expected I guess. So far, I’m doing well in all of my classes. It’s a lot of work; but, I’m managing it.”