Coquese Washington knows her players' freshman years are full of transitions.

So it comes as no surprise to the third-year head coach when the freshmen tell her the speed of the game is so fast they feel like they're playing in a pinball machine.

But Washington tells her four freshmen to look at the Lady Lions' three sophomores as proof that the second year is when players begin to show improvement.

Sophomores Zhaque Gray, Emily Phillips and Renee Womack know what it's like to transition to the college game, and it's showing in their performance this year.

After being frustrated while struggling through their freshman year, the sophomores have become consistent contributors this season.

"I think there's such a night and day difference," Washington said of her sophomores. "They have a confidence about themselves, you can tell they are familiar with the college game."

Last season, none of the three freshmen earned a start. This year, Gray has started both games while Phillips and Womack have played important roles coming off the bench. Phillips and Womack have combined for 72 minutes, 10 points and 10 assists.

The team's returning leading scorer, Tyra Grant, said she's noticed a difference in the sophomore's play throughout the preseason and the first two games. Grant said the three players were committed to the offseason program, and she can tell by their play that they are relaxed on the court and more confident in their skills.

"Emily Phillips was the Energizer Bunny last year," Grant said. "And she still is, but sometimes it kind of went in the negative way, and she got down on herself whenever she'd miss a shot."

During the Lion's exhibition win over the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Phillips' cool and collected attitude was on display. When the Lions tried to roll the ball up the court to preserve the clock before the end of the first half, the guard had the ball bounce off her foot and go out of bounds.

In the past, Phillips may have gotten down on herself, but she responded by draining a 3-pointer early in the second half. A minute later, she tallied an assist and didn't seem fazed by her first-half miscue.

Gray has been the most consistent of the three and is averaging nine points per game. She said being able to watch and learn from last year's senior guards Brianne O'Rourke and Mashea Williams, helped her figure out how to play her position.

And it's the sophomore's desire to succeed this season that has their teammates impressed.

"They have something to prove," Grant said. "They're trying to come out and be a factor on our team this year."