DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Tynesha Adams' accumulated playing time from her freshman season was probably less than what it took Kendrick Lamar to inventory the contents of his DNA.

But not only is the sophomore making the effort to stay on the court this year, it's to make those minutes count.

 It may be the old "stepping up" cliché, but Adams, who logged just nine sets in 2017, is expected to make a serious contribution for Bethune-Cookman as the Lady Wildcats open their 2018 season Friday against Texas Southern at the Sam Houston Invitational.

Adams has the potential to see serious playing time this season providing complimentary firepower to MEAC Preseason Picks Jordan Jefferson and Faith Landreneaux. In Saturday's Maroon and Gold Game, her eight kills were the day's second highest behind Sterling Williamson's 11.

Adams and DeLaine Fulton also were making a nice blocking tandem for the Maroon squad, giving Head Coach Brittany Williams a chance to expand her offense.

"Tynesha's a force on the right side and provides a dynamic we haven't had in a while," Williams said. "She's a middle who has transitioned. It gives our offense variety."

Williams knew Adams could be an important part of the plan this year.

"It's good to see her coming into her own." Williams said. ""She's been someone who celebrated her teammates and hyped them up. She's my hype person."

But should we heed the words of Public Enemy when it comes to hype? Adams has put in the effort to back up her words.

"Every day I was working to get better," Adams said. ""I'm very hungry. Every day I was working to get better."

Another promising thing to come out of Saturday's sweltering was the play of freshman setter Ryleigh Taylor, who double-doubled with 20 assists and 10 digs as she held her own with veteran J'Nai Higgins, who, while indispensable this year, is a senior.
Nothing wrong with planning ahead.
   
"I was excited to see her play like that," Williams said of Taylor. "We're going to need a floor general in the next few years."

After opening with Texas Southern on Friday, Bethune-Cookman will settle a beef with Drake Saturday morning before facing host Sam Houston Saturday evening.