BLOOMINGTON - Illinois Wesleyan women's basketball opponents will have a clear focus this season in senior All-American Christina Solari.

The Titans, however, are eager to offer a warning that a less restricted view of IWU's talents might be prudent.

"That is not a factor," said Wesleyan coach Mia Smith when asked about attention to Solari. "Christina is actually a phenomenal post passer. She would just as soon let them shoot a 3-pointer than her shoot the 2-pointer. She's a very unselfish player."

Solari averaged 14.2 points and 10.1 rebounds last season while earning College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Player of the Year honors. She helped the Titans to a 30-1 season that fell one game short of the Division III Final Four.

"Our team is totally different than last year," Solari said. "This year we're a lot younger and being younger makes us buy into things more. We're all more committed to doing whatever coach says full out."

The Titans must replace graduated starters Mallory Heydorn, Claire Sheehan and Colleen Caplice, who combined to average 29.7 points.

"Roles have to be filled and the juniors will be the ones to do it," said junior Hope Schulte, the other returning starter who averaged 8.5 points. "We were really deep last year. It's not going to be a shock because they did play a lot last year, too."

Juniors Nikki Preston and Stacey Arlis move into the starting lineup with junior Holly Harvey and sophomore Brittany Hasselbring slated to share point guard duties.

Smith expects to again make frequent use of a bench that will include junior Sarah Cotner, sophomores Kylie Castans and Karen Solari and freshman Melissa Gardner.

"We think we can be better," said Smith, whose team meets Division I DePaul on Friday in an exhibition at Chicago. "I think we'll be the same exciting team. I have a lot of faith in these young ladies."

If the Titans are indeed better, they might be part of the Final Four, which will be held at Shirk Center the next two years.

Titan women

Coach: Mia Smith, 12th year (11-year record 199-95)

2008-09 record: 30-1 (14-0 in CCIW)

RETURNING STARTERS

Christina Solari, C, 6-0, Sr.; Hope Schulte, G, 5-10, Jr.

OTHER RETURNEES

Carrie Williams, G, 5-6, Sr.; Sarah Cotner, C, 6-0, Jr.; Stacey Arlis, F, 5-10, Jr.; Nikki Preston, F, 5-10, Jr.; Jessica Hinterlong, F, 5-10, Jr.; Holly Harvey, G, 5-7, Jr.; Brittany Hasselbring, G, 5-8, So.; Kylie Castans, G-F, 5-9, So.; Amy Burton, C, 6-1, So.; Karen Solari, G, 5-8, So.

NEWCOMERS

Melissa Gardner, G, 5-8, Fr.; Haley Kitchell, G, 5-6, Fr.; Michelle Bilek, G, 5-7, Fr.; Sam Rubright, F, 5-9, Fr.; Mackenzie Floyd, C, 6-1, Fr.; Elizabeth Henderlite, C, 6-2, Fr.

EXHIBITION

Friday-At DePaul, 5:30 p.m.

REGULAR SEASON OPENER

Nov. 17-Blackburn, 7 p.m.