By Cullen McAllister, Bryan Vo and Diego Juarez-Velazquez
The women’s basketball team has a chance to double last year’s win total during the final two weeks of the season.
The Pirates improved to 4-16 on January 26 when it beat rival Northern.
“It felt great… it felt good to get that win back,” said senior Jasmine Chapman.
Fans described a competitive and intense atmosphere, and the win boosted the team’s morale as it headed into the season’s final week.
Last year, the team won three games. The players attribute the improvement to better preparation. The team gets ready with pre-game music and pep talks from team leaders that set a competitive tone for each game.
This, combined with changes in coaching strategies, improved communication on the court, and contributions from new players, has led to more wins.
“I’d shout out our point guard Beck [Arredondo],” Said senior Shameia Holder. “Even though she is a freshman, she is still trying her hardest.”
Holder said that the team could be even better if players keep working on harnessing their athleticism and utilizing their strength.
“I feel like we’re going to become something in the next five years,” Holder said, “I’m pretty sure about that, if we keep the same coaching staff.”
Chapman agrees.
“We can do nothing but progress from here,” she said.
The Pirates next play Chapel Hill on February 6.
Photo credit: @pirateathleticsmedia
