Written for Sport Tours International and originally published here:
https://web.archive.org/web/20200511232644/http://sporttours.net/news/news_2019/2019PRCoquiClassic
Six exciting teams are set to compete in the Puerto Rico Coqui Classic this season. The tournament, which takes place Dec. 20-21 in beautiful Puerto Rico, features an intriguing mix of mid-major and Power Five programs. Participants include Georgia Tech, Montana State, Rice, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, and Wichita State.
Three of the teams saw postseason play in 2018-19 and several return young players that had outstanding freshman seasons. It will be an exciting time in Puerto Rico as fans will have the opportunity to see established standouts and up-and-coming stars showcase their skills.
Georgia Tech
The Jackets enter the season with a new head coach at the helm. Olympic gold medal coach Nell Fortner takes over an experienced Georgia Tech squad that returns 2018-19’s second-leading scorer, junior guard Francesca Pan. The team looks to build on last season’s 17-13 finish with a talented mix of veterans and five sophomores.
Montana State
With the return of Bobcat standouts guard Oliana Squires and forward Martha Kuderer, Montana State has the personnel to best last season’s 16-15 record. Both Squires and Kuderer averaged double-figures in scoring in 2018-19. Squires also led the team in assists last season.
Rice
Since Tina Langley arrived at Rice in 2015, the team has been on an upward trajectory with record-breaking results in consecutive seasons. The 2017 WBI champions set records again last season with a program-record 28 wins, an undefeated conference season, and a berth in the NCAA tournament.
Texas A& M
Venerable SEC team Texas A&M went 26-8 in 2018-19 and advanced to their second consecutive Sweet 16. The Aggies return several talented players, including junior guard Chennedy Carter. The two-time All-American and two-time First Team All-SEC selection averaged 23.3 points per game last season, eighth in the nation.
Virginia Tech
With last season’s 22-12 record under their belt, the Virginia Tech Hokies have a good foundation heading into 2019-20. Head coach Kenny Brooks continues to elevate the program, which returns sharpshooting sophomore, Dara Mabrey. During her freshman year, Mabrey led the team in three-point shots made and averaged 11.2 points per game.
Wichita State
With a relatively young team under her leadership, Wichita State head coach Keitha Adams will harness her veteran coaching skills to help improve on last season’s accomplishments. The team returns Carla Bremaud, a member of last season’s American Athletic Conference All-Freshman Team. In an impressive first year, she led the Shockers in minutes, scoring and three-pointers made.
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2019 Coqui Classic
All times Atlantic Standard Time
December 20th
12 p.m. – Montana State vs. Wichita State
2:30 p.m. – VA Tech vs. Rice
5:00 p.m. – Georgia Tech Vs. Texas A& M
December 21st
12 p.m. – Wichita State vs. VA Tech
2:30 p.m. – Texas A & M vs. Montana State
5:00 p.m. – Rice vs. Georgia Tech