1991-92:
MIZZOU: The Tigers' only senior who will be looked to for leadership and scoring. A member of the Big Eight select team that traveled to Brazil during the summer for a six-game tour. Led the team last season, averaging 17.6 points per game overall and 17.2 during conference action. Grabbed 6.8 rebounds per game, Missouri's second-best total. The only player to start all 28 games for MU last season. Capped her junior year as a second-team all-Big Eight selection. Scored a career-high 30 points versus Iowa State on Feb. 24. Closed the season with seven "double-doubles" following a 23-point, 11-rebound performance against Oklahoma State during the Big Eight Tournament. Overall, she scored in double figures in 26 of MU's 28 games. Pulled down a career-high 13 rebounds versus Memphis State on Dec. 1. Tabbed the Big Eight "Player of the Week" during conference action in February, leading Mizzou to wins over Colorado and Oklahoma. Saw action in all 28 games as a sophomore, starting 18. Averaged 11.0 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. As a rookie, averaged eight minutes of play per game, including a start against Oklahoma State. Scored a season-high 14 points in her first starting role. Saw action in 20 of MU's 29 games.
HIGH SCHOOL: Led her Rainier Beach High team to the state finals with a 28-2 record in 1988. Averaged 13 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and three blocked shots per game. Was MVP of the Metro Conference as well as an all-district and first-team all-state selection. Also lettered in volleyball and track. On the track, led the 4x100-meter relay to the conference championship as a sophomore.
PERSONAL: Majoring in interior design. Enjoys reading and puzzles. High school coach - Ben Wright. Parents - Virgil and Betty Fields. Born Sept. 13, 1970.
RUTHERFORD ON FIELDS: "Ericka had a good junior year and should be even better this year. Being the only senior, she has to take the leadership role on and off the court. Ericka has great athletic ability and the potential to be one of the best to play here at Missouri. She loves the game, and spends a lot of time working at it. She should have her best year this season."
1990-91:
MIZZOU: Will be a key figure for the Tigers in 1990-91. Developed into an aggressive post player who has a soft touch with the ball. Started 18 games last year, playing in all 28. Averaged 11.0 points and 4.9 rebounds. Finished as Mizzou's fourth-leading scorer. Hit a career-high 24 points against Loyola-Chicago. Had 18 double-figure scoring efforts last season. Dished out nine times more assists than as a freshman, including a career-high seven versus Oklahoma. More than tripled her rebound total to finish with 138 boards on the season. Averaged eight minutes of play as a freshman, including a start against Oklahoma State. Scored a season-high 14 points in her first starting role.
HIGH SCHOOL: Led her Rainier Beach High team to the state finals with a 28-2 record in 1988. Averaged 13 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and three blocked shots per game. Shot 65 percent from the field and 78 percent from the line. Was MVP of the Metro Conference as well as an all-district and first-team all-state selection. Also lettered in volleyball and track. Twice tabbed as the volleyball MVP. On the track, led the 4x100-meter relay to the conference championship as a sophomore.
PERSONAL: Undecided on college major. Enjoys reading and puzzles. High school coach - Ben Wright. Parents - Virgil and Betty Fields. Born Sept. 13, 1970.
RUTHERFORD ON FIELDS: "Ericka had a good season last year, and we're expecting more of the same this season. She has the ability to play the forward and post positions with her quickness. She has been an enforcer around the basket and will be heavily relied upon for her post play. Ericka is a player that loves the game, and spends a lot of time working on her skills. She should only get better with each game."
1989-90:
College: Averaged more playing time as the season progressed last year and started against Oklahoma State. Averaged 2.7 points and 2.0 rebounds. Developed into an aggressive post player by the end of the season. Scored a career-high 14 points against Oklahoma State and had her best rebounding game of seven against Colorado. Consistency is a must.
Rutherford on Fields: “Ericka has really improved from her freshman year. She is an enforcer around the basket and has nice, quick offensive moves to get open. Her defensive skills have improved, and she will be pushing for a starting position with continued work.”
1988-89:
College: Will be counted on to help replace departed post player Tracy Ellis. Has the potential to become a force in the middle.
Rutherford on Fields: “She has got to develop her skills quickly and adjust to Division I basketball immediately. We need her to be a force inside for us on both offense and defense. She is strong, has good moves to the basket and has the potential to be a great one. She works hard and does what needs to be done in a quiet manner on and off the court.”
High School, Personal: Helped Rainier High School to a 28-2 record and the state tournament finals. Averaged 13 points and 12 rebounds as a senior, along with four assists and three blocks per game. Five players on her team averaged double figures. Shot 65 percent from the field and 78 percent from the free throw line. Was the most valuable player in the Metro Conference, as well as an all-district and first-team all-state selection. Was MVP of her volleyball team her final two years. In track, was on the conference champion relay team as a sophomore and finished third in the conference long jump as a junior. Major undecided. Parents are Virgil and Betty Fields. Born 9-13-70.