The women’s club basketball team is off to an impressive 11-0 start to the season. SHU is looking to continue their hot streak and make a run at regionals.
They met their cross-town rival, Fairfield University, on Feb. 1 for a two-game set. The Pioneers were able to pull out two exciting wins with both games coming down to the final minutes, 63-58 and 52-47, respectively.
“I think my favorite moment from this season was winning both games against Fairfield, a team we knew would be a tough battle,” said junior Gracie Patriarco. “We were missing our core big Taylor Gibbs the first game and lost our starting point guard Dayna due to injury in the first minute. It was amazing to see the team pull together and for different people to step up for not just one game but another right after.”
Head Coach Mike Murphy also attested to the team’s ability to overcome adversity.
“We showed our depth and the fact that at one point in time we had three freshmen, a sophomore and a junior on the floor when we made a run,” said Murphy. “We were down 18-1 in the first quarter, started chipping away and went on a heck of a run.”
The team emphasized their hard work and conditioning in practice which contributed to their late game success.
“Our goal is when you get to the second half of the second game, we want to be in better shape, we want to be better conditioned and we want to out execute them because we’re not tired,” said Murphy.
Junior Liz Portelli credited Murphy for pushing the team to be at their best.
“I mean, we definitely run a lot of practice. [Coach Murphy] tries to keep us in shape so that we know that at the end of the game, even though we’re tired, we have that mental toughness too that we’re like, I just got to close it, I got to finish it,” said Portelli.
The team is set to play Providence, who is number two in the conference with a 6-0 record, on Feb. 22. Senior Taylor Gibbs gave props to the team’s ability to show up ready to every game.
“Preparation for a team like Providence starts with knowing they’re going to bring their best game, so we have to match that intensity,” said Gibbs. “But it’s also about maintaining our own confidence and playing the way we know we can, no matter who we’re facing.”
The team is optimistic about the remainder of the season, with a focus on regional play.
“Hopefully, we can make a run in regionals,” said Patriarco.
Murphy is also hopeful for a successful finish.
“Hopefully, if things go well, we get to go to the regionals again and make some noise,” said Murphy.
Team chemistry has been another key to the team’s success. Portelli believes the bond they share off the court plays a significant role in it. “
Knowing each other outside of basketball helps on the court,” said Portelli.
Gibbs shared similar thoughts about the team’s chemistry.
“This team means a lot to me, it’s more than just basketball,” said Gibbs. “It’s about the bond we’ve built together and the growth we’ve made both on and off the court.”
With a strong foundation and clear goals, the SHU women’s club basketball team is poised for a strong finish to the season.
“Our record talks for us, so we’re doing something right,” said Portelli.
SHU women’s club basketball will play their next game on Saturday, Feb. 15 at the Valentine Health and Recreation Center at noon against Adelphi Universit
Source: Instagram, @shuclubwbb
