The Pitt-Johnstown Lady Cats basketball team is relatively young, and injuries burden the team this season.

According to a coach’s poll, the team is projected to finish eighth in the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference preseason standings, but Head Coach Sasha Palmer said she has higher expectations.

Palmer said team members have a good work ethic and shows signs that lead her to believe they can be successful.

“We just have to learn how to win,” Palmer said. “ We have great players, we just need to put it all together.”

Sophomore Kaitlynn Fratz, former conference freshman of the year, needs to step up for the Lady Cats’ success.

Fratz has averaged 21 points through the first five games this season.

“You realize how you’ve grown, and you just need to help and guide them.”

Junior Rachel Johnson, Pitt-Johnstown’s leading rebounder, is averaging seven rebounds per game this season.

“It takes time for freshman to adjust from high school to college, and they’re learning,” Johnson said.

Although expectations are high, the team’s record is 2-3 with an 0-3-conference record.

The team’s most recent loss was to projected conference champions Fairmont (W. Va.) State University, which has five returning starters and the former conference player of the year, in a 66-69 nail-biter.

The Lady Cats’ losses all have been by three points or fewer.

The team pulled off a 73-72 overtime win Saturday against Davis & Elkins (W. Va.) College.

The team is to play this Saturday at home against Wheeling jesuit (W. Va.) University