HEAD coach Ryan Emery is confident battle-hardened Worcester Wolves women will “hit the ground running” this season.

After an “intense” training block Wolves start their National League Division Two North campaign against newly-formed Derby Trailblazers at the University of Worcester’s St John’s campus on Saturday (4pm).

Last season Wolves finished third only to lose narrowly to Sevenoaks Sun II in the quarter-finals of the play-offs.

But Emery insisted his side were coming back “with a renewed desire to accomplish something” this term.

“We have had an intense pre-season training three times a day and have played four pre-season friendlies all against teams in the leagues above us,” Emery said.

“These have been great learning experiences. This team are battle-tested and will hit the ground running.”

Dalia Jakubaityte left the club after graduating from the university but Emery has added Ellie Pierpoint from Team Birmingham, Inma Bautista from Valencia Basketball and Jessica Santos from Barking Abbey.

“I have got a group of hard-working and dedicated players in this squad,” Emery said.

“I retained four out of the five starters and the majority of the team overall.

“This is great because these players know what is expected here and how we operate and most importantly how to play with each other so we should be able to execute at a higher rate because of this.”

Emery is expecting big seasons from Grace Brownell, who has averaged 18.5 points per game in pre-season including a 28-point haul against Team Birmingham, and senior guard Chloe Hinett.

“I am looking for Grace to build on her success last season,” Emery said.

“There is no reason why she cannot lead the league in scoring this season as she has a fantastic ability to score the ball in a number of different ways.

“I am happy with her development and am looking forward to watching her grow and develop over this year.

“Chloe is a lethal three-point shooter and over the summer she has made strides to develop her offensive game around the rim.

“I have challenged Chloe to average over 10 points per game this season which she is more than capable of doing.”