By Grace Malec, Sports Editor
With a vibrant kickoff to the season at neon themed Saints Slam, the Aquinas Women’s Basketball Team is back for another season of competition, currently ranked number eight in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Coaches Poll.
The team started their season off by playing University of St. Francis at home, putting up a fierce fight and forcing the game into overtime play; then losing in overtime by a close 68 to 70.
This year’s women basketball team displays a wide variety of talent, with lots of newcomers. With seven freshmen and five sophomores, the younger team is looking to prove themselves in the conference this season.
Athletes on the team note the team’s unique and positive atmosphere and environment, creating a place where all members of the team can learn, grow and flourish. “This year’s team has really come together to create a great atmosphere. We work together everyday building on each-other’s strengths and focusing on details. We can’t wait to see how our season plays out,” said junior Paige Guernsey.
The team’s atmosphere comes from the vast amount of time that the members spend together, on and off the court. “Being a part of this team has been a fun and rewarding experience, we spend a lot of time together on and off the court, and have learned and continue to learn how to trust and communicate with each other,” said junior Claire Gregwer.
Every member of the team has been putting in work to achieve their goals and contribute to the collective success of the team as a whole. From summer workouts, to pre-season work, to lifting, to practice, all members of the team have pushed themselves to be the best they can be, while still remaining in it together. “We work to get better everyday and I think pre-season and summer workouts really proved we are all in it for the same reasons and are able to get through the hard stuff for each other,” said Gregwer.
After just one game with a tough finish against the University of St. Francis, the early accolades began rolling in for the Saints. Gregwer was named the WHAC defensive player of the week for the first time after totaling 27 points and 11 rebounds. “This is my first WHAC player award I’ve received so I was really excited and proud of myself,” said Gregwer.
The WHAC 8th ranked Saints of Aquinas Women’s Basketball are back in action on Nov. 16 at 5:30 p.m., taking on the Goshen University Maple Leafs at Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center and then playing the Cougars of St. Xavier University at home on Nov. 17 at 1:00 p.m.
#25 Paige Guernsey, a junior on the Women’s Basketball team – Photo by Grace Malec
#24 Claire Gregwer – Photo by Grace Malec
Paige Guernsey at Summer Training – Photo by Grace Malec
The Saint 