EDINBURG – With a 9-3 record, the UTRGV women’s basketball team is off to its best start in school history. Several incoming junior college transfers are playing crucial roles in the Vaqueros’ flying start.

“Yes I was expecting it,” said head coach Larry Tidwell. “When you out and recruit JUCO kids, one I think they have a chip on their shoulder. They want to prove that they can play division one.”

Guard Quynne Huggins has scored in double-digits the last seven games.

“When I opened up with everybody else putting good vibes out there, then I’m able to feel comfortable enough to focus on what I needed to do personally and what we needed to do as a team,” said Huggins.

Junior guard Jameka Dowell has been a defensive standout, but in UTRGV’s road win at North Dakota State, she led the way with 23 points.

“My thing is I think I’m getting my confidence up and my defense, whenever I’m playing good defense, it turns over to good offense,” said Dowell.

Although this is their first season together, the newcomers say the team is connecting well off the floor, which is a key reason for their success on it.

“I feel great because they’re my sisters,” said junior forward Krissy Sampson. “My long-lost sisters and we have great chemistry and we’ve only been playing together for a while now but we’re pretty strong so we’re excited.”

UTRGV’s next game is Sunday at Texas Tech.