Sports
Women’s basketball: ‘Cats starting off strong
By: Kyrstin Ratliff
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Webster’s Dictionary defines success as a “favorable or desired outcome.” But what does this term mean to the Ohio women’s basketball team?
According to Ohio head coach Semeka Randall, the success of this team is directly attributed to the players.
“I think this team is gaining more and more confidence in playing with one another and leaders are stepping up,” she elaborated.
Statistically, the Bobcats average 62.5 points per game and are currently 8-7 (1-0 in the MAC). The Bobcats head to Kent State on Saturday to prepare for tomorrow’s game against the Golden Flashes. A win over the Golden Flashes would advance the Bobcats to a 2-0 start in the conference—a feat that they have not accomplished since the 2001-2002 season.
For this Ohio team, though, success transcends beyond these simple statistics. Sophomore guard Shavon Robinson admits that the prospect of accomplishing this 2-0 conference start acts as motivation for the game against Kent State, but does not add any extra pressure to the team.
“It’s more about one game at a time than looking ahead,” she said—a thought echoed by Coach Randall and junior forward Tina Fisher.
“There comes a point where you just get tired of losing, so things had to change this year,” Robinson said. This mentality is showcased each time the Bobcats step on to the court.
Fisher said that the team has come together this season, not only on the court, but off the court as well. The bonding the team has done off the court has allowed them to support and trust each other more during the games. Robinson adds that the all of the players have the same goals this year which allows them to focus on obtaining success.
With six freshmen and only one senior, the Bobcats are a relatively young team. Junior point guard Ashley Fowler explained that while many of the previous teams have been very talented, she believes it is the development of this talent that has led to success so far this season. She said that this can be seen through an increase in intensity and competitiveness in practice.
As the Bobcats look forward to the rest of the season, they need to keep their team chemistry, focus on staying healthy and, on the defensive side of the game, stop opponents’ scoring drives. With these improvements, the Bobcat’s hope to achieve success—a success defined by the players and coaches of this team.