By JASON STACY
Missourian staff

After making the Sweet 16 for the first time in school history, the MU women's basketball team was looking forward to building upon its success.

Now, the Tigers are just hoping to field a team. In less than a month, the Tigers have lost three seniors to eligibility, three coaches and now two players a year early.

On Monday, junior guard Christa Millham, a transfer from New Mexico State, asked to be released from her scholarship. Meanwhile, the fate of junior college transfer guard Wendy Okeson appears a bit more murky.

Millham, a defensive stopper, who averaged 1.0 points in 23 games last year, plans to transfer to an NAIA school and hopes get her release in the next couple weeks.

Okeson, however, is in limbo. A former two-time junior college All-American, Okeson averaged just 2.6 points in 20 games at MU. She claims Missouri coach Cindy Stein is refusing to grant her release. Okeson may seek action for relief from her obligation.

"I asked to leave and she said she was dissappointed, but I would get a chance to play next year if I stayed," Okeson said. "She first said she was disappointed, but OK, she'd let me leave. Then she decided she wouldn't release me because she was disappointed in me."

Stein could not be reached at her home for comment.

If Okeson is allowed to leave, the Tigers will be left with only seven scholarship players returning for next season. Stein is also looking for a new coaching staff.