ACC Media Day Turns Orange

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GREENSBORO, N.C. - The Atlantic Coast Conference marked the beginning of women's basketball season on Wednesday with its annual media day at the Grandover Resort in Greensboro, N.C. Representing the Orange at its first ACC media day were head coach Quentin Hillsman and sophomore guards Brianna Butler and Brittney Sykes.

The Syracuse contingent met with various media throughout the day, including a formal press conference, one-on-one interviews with television and digital media networks, and in-studio sessions TV analysts.

As expected, one of the popular topics with the media is the Orange's introduction into the ACC.

"We are going from one great conference in the BIG EAST, to another in the ACC," Sykes said. "We are really looking forward to playing all of these new teams and competing."

Coming off one of the best seasons in program history in which it went 24-8, advanced to the NCAA Tournament and finished the season ranked 22^nd in the country, Coach Hillsman knows new challenges await this season.

"We need to be a bit more athletic," Hillsman said. "We have to play faster and get up and down the court with the rest of the teams in this conference."

Butler and Sykes, both BIG EAST All-Freshman performers last season, are two of three starters returning for the Orange, in addition to several other returning key contributors as well as a freshman class of five that was ranked 10^th-best in the country.

"We are excited to be part of this new chapter and look forward to establishing Syracuse in the ACC," Butler said.

"Our expectations are high," Hillsman added. "A lot of coaches try to understate their teams and not put pressure on them. We put pressure on them. Winning is important, and we push our team to win."

The Orange opens the regular season on Nov. 10 at Washington State before returning home for four in a row at the Carrier Dome, beginning with Dartmouth at 7 p.m. on Nov. 14. Season and single game tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online, by phone (1-888-DOMETIX) or at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B).

Fans are encouraged to follow the Orange on Twitter (@CuseWBB), Facebook (/SyracuseWBB) and Instagram (@CuseWBB).

Syracuse University Athletics

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