Editor's note: Louisiana Tech's Brooke Lassiter, a senior guard and two-year co-captain, will share a weekly diary with ESPN.com throughout the season.

Nov. 20, 2001

For those of you who have had the pleasure of visiting the small, southern town of Ruston, La., you know there is not much entertainment available for the normal college student. Now that school is out for quarter break, our fellow classmates and friends have gone home for the holiday and the campus is completely empty. However, the "ghost-like" atmosphere should allow our team to be well-rested and focused on the upcoming games.

	Brooke Lassiter averaged 10.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 5.0 assists last season.

This team will need to be very focused, as we are approaching a very difficult stretch in our schedule. Tonight, McNeese State, an in-state school, comes to the TAC (Thomas Assembly Center) for our first game since beating Michigan in our home opener last week. We need to get off to a good start against McNeese and really do the things our coaches have been urging us to do. This year's team has not been very quick out of the gates, if you will, and we want to try to play a solid game from the jump ball to the final buzzer. Hopefully we will play well and come away with a victory!

As we approach one of the most difficult three-game stretches in our program's recent history, our team needs to really come together and carry out our individual roles in order for us to be successful. I am extremely excited about our trip to Knoxville to play the Lady Vols on Friday and look forward to what should be a great matchup.

The Tennessee game always has such a great atmosphere because of the history the two programs bring to the table. Two of the best coaches in the game (arguably ever), great athletes on each team, and two cities that love women's basketball combine to create an extremely exciting environment for all to witness.

I recently had the opportunity to meet Spencer Tillman, former Oklahoma Sooner tailback and Super Bowl champion, at our Fellowship of Christian Athletes luncheon. Mr. Tillman had so many good things to say and is such a great representative for all arenas of athletics. It was a thrill for me to be able to visit with him and to listen to his words of wisdom!

I want to take a moment to thank all of the fans who attended last Friday night's game against Michigan. We greatly appreciate all of your support and want you to know that you all do make a difference for us. I couldn't imagine having to come in to the TAC and deal with such an enthusiastic group of fans cheering for the opponent. Keep up the good work and thanks so much!

Because this week is Thanksgiving I want to encourage each of you to reflect on the many blessings we have been blessed with as a nation and as individuals. I'm a little sad I will miss our family's Thanksgiving meal at my grandmother's house, but I know they will be cheering for us while we are in Knoxville. Mom, dad, and my sister, Lindsey, will be in Knoxville with me so at least I will have my immediate family there for support.

Happy Thanksgiving to all and have a great week!

Brooke