Women’s basketball team opens season strong

The women’s basketball team has put forth a great effort so far this season with their 7-1 record. There are several factors that could be attributed to their successful start, including the addition of a new coaching staff and the return of several experienced members of last season’s team. The Engineers are also new members of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) this year.

Senior Rebekah Forsyth stated, “There is a lot of excitement about this season because we have a lot of great girls on the team, we have a lot of talent, and we just moved into the HCAC.”

I attended the Anderson game last Wednesday and a couple of things stood out to me when I eyed the Engineer bench. The first thing I noticed was the sheer number of players on the team. This year there are 13 women on the roster in comparison to only 9 on last year’s squad.

The second thing I noticed was that the coaching staff had changed. I immediately took a double take because standing at the sideline was none other than Coach Jon Prevo, who took on the responsibility of head coach of the women’s team at the end of September. Prevo had been the assistant coach of the men’s team for the last 12 years. Joining him in the huddle as assistant coaches were Pina Lissaman and first-year assistant coach Robin Downs.

Sophomore Liz Ridgeway commented on the new coaching staff, “I think that Coach Prevo is a great coach because he really knows basketball. He always works so hard to make sure we are well prepared to face our opponents so that we can really do our best. Coach Lissaman and Downs are amazing, too. Not only do they know the game, they know what it’s like to be a high level female athlete. They are not only our coaches, but they are our friends,”

Another key factor in the early success of the team is, of course, the team members. Ridgeway said, “The girls are great! Not only is this one of the most talented teams in our conference, but because we are all friendly and care for one another, I really believe we are going to go far.”

The Engineers have six returning members from the 2005-2006 season, including three starters. The team has also added five new members that will bring about much needed depth.

Freshmen Julie Hart stated: “I’m excited that I was able to join the team during such a great year. The girls are amazing and we have a great start to the season. Coach Prevo really knows what he’s doing, and I’m excited about the rest of the season and the three more to come.”

This was supplemented by junior Katie Tharp. “I think that we will be really good this season. We have a ton of talent, and we now have a coach that knows how to use it. Coach Prevo is a great coach. He really knows the game, and he is trying his best to relay his knowledge to us; he is doing a great job!”

The Rose-Hulman women’s basketball team plays its next game at home against Bluffton University tomorrow at 1 p.m. Senior Rebekah Forsyth said, “We appreciate all the faculty, students, and staff that come out and support us. Our fans are great and we absolutely love them!”