Matt Bodnar
Staff Reporter
One of the bright spots through all this snow that has fell in the region has been the play of the McDaniel women’s basketball team. McDaniel began the year flying under the radar, but the play of seniors Ali Mooreland, Sally Grace, Ashley Lyles, and Catherine Mills have propelled these ladies to the forefront of the conversation. From December to February, the women’s team reeled off 17 straight wins.
The Green Terror climbed atop the Conference standings and announced their presence as a legitimate championship contender as a result of their winning streak. Throughout the streak, the ladies displayed a multidimensional offense that worked the ball inside and kicked out for open shots.
The winning streak came to end on February 12, with a tough loss to Johns Hopkins. Unfortunately, the next game resulted in a loss to Ursinus. Despite the recent losses, the lady Green Terror sit at 17-6 overall and 15-4 in conference. With one game remaining against conference leader Gettysburg, McDaniel finds itself in third place. A win against Gettysburg would certainly shake up the playoff picture, with the ladies only a half game behind second place Muhlenberg.
Regardless of their final position in the standings, the women’s basketball team will be well prepared for their playoff match up. Coach Becky Martin will have this team ready to make some waves in conference playoffs and hopefully the national tournament. Coach Martin feels this team shares some characteristics with past championship teams. She points out, “A balanced offense with an inside and an outside game, good speed, upper class experience and leadership with a go to person in Ali Moreland.” Most importantly Coach Martin notices that this team has the heart to win. Regarding conference playoffs, Coach Martin believes, “If we can stay healthy, continue to progress and have a little luck, I believe we have as good a chance as anyone in the conference.”
Centennial Conference playoffs are set to take place in the near future. Be sure to get out and support the women’s basketball team, as they push their way towards a conference championship and more.
