UVSC's starting lineup infused with youth

OREM — On paper, there isn't much difference between last year's Utah Valley State women's basketball team that finished 4-22 and this season's edition that presently sits at 2-8.

But beneath the surface, one crucial detail clearly distinguishes the current team from its predecessor — youth.

Last year's squad was an overmatched bunch comprised primarily of upperclassmen, consigned to playing out its schedule with next to no hope for significant improvement.

This season, though, coach Cathy Nixon regularly sends out a starting lineup featuring four freshmen.

Although the infusion of youth has had its share of downsides (see: defensive breakdowns, overall lack of consistency), the good outweighs the bad because this year's Wolverines are undeniably talented and, if nothing else, exciting to watch.

Here's a breakdown of how Nixon's six true freshmen have fared thus far (two of the frosh come off the bench):

Robyn Fairbanks: the 6-foot-1 Canadian center has instantly become the team's centerpiece. Soft hands, solid fundamentals, and a deft shooting touch have all helped her to lead the team with averages of 15 points and seven rebounds per game. Despite spending most of her time down on the blocks, Fairbanks will occasionally step outside and drain a 3-pointer — she's 5-of-12 from beyond the arc.

Ashley Grimm: A 6-foot forward from Salt Lake City's Skyline High, Grimm was the last of the four freshmen to break into the starting lineup. Although she is averaging six points and almost five rebounds per contest, Grimm's toughness and leadership can't be measured in the box score. Not one of the more celebrated recruits entering the season, Grimm has been a pleasant surprise.

Sandy Marvin: Like Fairbanks, this Payson product has started every game of her college career. Marvin leads the team in minutes played, 3-point shooting, free-throw percentage, and averages over 10 points per game. She's had a Jekyll-and-Hyde complex with her home and away games, notching double figures in every home game without having done so in any of the four road contests. The team leader in turnovers (39), Marvin may be best suited to playing more shooting guard and logging less time at the point.

Hollie Beaman: She was a hot enough recruit coming out of Texas that BYU took a long look at her before finally deciding not to offer Beaman a scholarship. She is averaging eight points, four rebounds, and three assists per game. Like Marvin, the 5-foot-9 Beaman can play both guard positions.