The Occidental Weekly

Media Credit: Joe Landers Off the Dribble Katelyn Rowe (first-year) goes in for a lay up against Pomona-Pitzer

Occidental's women's basketball team continues to progress as the season's victories roll in. The team dribbled through three conference victories over the break, defeating Pomona Pitzer, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps and Cal Lutheran University, and suffering only two losses.

With goals set high for spring season, the team spent winter break honing its skills and working toward SCIAC. "Practices over winter break were very productive. We improved our offensive efficiency and added defensive variety," Head Coach Heidi VanDerveer said.

During winter games and practices, the team grew in both skill and spirit. Guard Liz Little (first-year) said, "We practiced once or twice a day and then the rest of the time we just hung out and relaxed as a team, which was great team bonding."

The women emerged victorious from six of the eight games they played over the break, losing only to Whittier and Texas-Dallas. On the eve of the new year, the tigers defeated the Anderson Ravens 73-58, with notable points earned by Stephanie Babij (junior) and Dior Williams (senior).

Carrying their winning streak into the new year, the women defeated Pomona-Pitzer on Jan. 7 with a final score of 62-53. Yet two days later, the Tigers lost 78-72 to the Whittier Poets.

"After losing to Whittier, we've re-focused and tightened everything up," Little said. The new focus became evident on Jan. 14, 16 and 18 when the Tigers defeated CMS, the Cal Lutheran Regals and LSU. This winning streak will hopefully continue for the skilled team.

The team is looking to wield its newly-improved skill set when facing the upcoming challenges throughout the rest of the season, and is preparing itself to compete against a gamut of challenging opponents. "Both Redlands and Cal Lu are with us at the top of the conference and those games will definitely be tough battles," Makenzie Brandon (first-year) said. "We also need to prove ourselves to Whittier the second time around."

Although difficulties remain, the team has seen its share of recognition. On Jan. 18, Babij was awarded the SCIAC player of the week award. "I was quite honored to be recognized among all the great athletes in our conference," Babij said. "My personal achievement however, speaks to the greater success of our team as a whole."

As the second half of the season continues, success seems imminent and within reach for this enthusiastic group of women. Although the task is daunting, the women's basketball team is eager to see the season through. "I would say the team is excited and ready for a tough second half of season and a run into post-season play," Brandon said.

The team has high goals as it heads into the final stretch of conference games. The remainder of the season consists of six back-to-back conference games, and will be a test of the team's solidarity.

"Our first goal is to be committed to individual and team improvement," VanDerveer said. "If we come to practice everyday and improve, we will be in a great position to achieve our second goal which is to win the SCIAC Championship. We want to compete in the NCAA tournament and advance."

Garnering a place in the tournament seems tangible for the team, whom Little said possesses leadership, chemistry and competitiveness as key qualities.

The women's basketball team will again be facing off against Whittier College in a second round of conference play on Feb. 4.