It was evident that coach Bonnie Henrickson was excited after Kansas’ 76-55 victory against Iowa on Tuesday. After the game, an animated Henrickson said that she felt this was the Jayhawks’ best victory in her four years at Kansas.

After a disappointing 17-16 finish last season, it seems that the winds are finally changing for the Jayhawks (2-0). The team is off to a tremendous start with dominant victories against the Sacred Heart Pioneers and the Iowa Hawkeyes, the defending Big 10 Conference champions.

“I think we’ve got them (Kansas) brainwashed finally,” Henrickson said. “I think they understand how good they can be with that kind of work. It’s something players have to buy into and commit to the work it takes to be that good defensively, and these kids have.”

This season, Kansas’ recipe for victory has been an aggressive defense and a confident offensive attack. In previous seasons the Jayhawks’ hesitation to knock down shots hurt them greatly. After two decisive victories, it seems that the poise to put points on the board is finally there.

Led by junior guard Danielle McCray, Kansas has averaged 91 points in its first two games. McCray scored a career-high 29 points against Sacred Heart and 15 points with nine rebounds against Iowa. Her ability to score has ignited Kansas’ offense and gotten multiple players involved.

Defensively, Kansas has been impressive as well, scoring 24 points off 23 turnovers against Iowa. Henrickson cites hard work in practice and solid technique as the reason for the Jayhawks’ strong defense.

“I am more excited how we’re playing and winning than we’re winning,” she said. “It’s how we’re winning that I’m excited about.”

The Jayhawks hope to capture another victory this weekend, as they travel to play Saint Louis University. Henrickson said she was optimistic about this season’s team.

“The best part is we are going to get better,” she said.

— — Edited by Jennifer Torline