HAMMOND - Change can be good sometimes.

Andy Juscik hopes this is one of those occasions at Calumet College.

Juscik, the Crimson Wave women's basketball coach and athletic director, has a bevy of fresh faces in practice this season. Soon, he'll find out if change is good.

Truthfully, it can't be much worse than last year's 7-24 record.

"The program is still young," said Juscik who started the women's team five years ago. "We're still trying to build a consistent program."

The effort should be a little easier this season, with a good mix of seasoned vets added with the new recruits.

Dana Jeffries, a senior guard, is the Crimson Wave's leading returning scorer (7.4 ppg). She and center

Mersaides McCauley, a sophomore center, could carry the scoring load.

Junior forwards Jamie

Menzyk (Whiting) and Sylvia Montez (Portage) will also log significant time. Then there are freshman recruits and junior college transfers.

Erica Jones and Jeananna Pippine are JUCO transfers who should make an impact. Three of the four freshmen are talented and locally produced - an important note. Holly Martin and Ashley Barkey hail from North Newton, while Chelsea Martinez is from Crown Point.

Juscik hopes their local roots keep them at Cal College for extended time.

"Young ladies today move quickly," Juscik said. "They want to get their degrees and get going with their lives. If you get them to stay for four years, it's a blessing."