Shrieks of intense commotion ricochet off the high wooden beams in Ragan-Brown Field House. The thunder of pounding feet and clapping hands quickly saturates the air, creating an energetic presence that captivates the audience and players. Here is where three-pointers, lay-ups, and free throws crash with skill and endurance to create an experience fueled purely by adrenaline. This is Guilford women’s basketball.The lady Quakers were faced with a wearing week, as they played four games in a span of just six days.
“This week has tested our stamina along with our winning motivation,” said captain Jasmine Wood. “Our energy may be broken down but that is when we help each other to continue playing 100 percent.”
Their Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) season opener was played at Roanoke College on Nov. 27 and proved to be a challenge for the Quakers, as they fell to the Maroons, 51-76. Junior forward and captain Tracey Croner had seven rebounds and 17 points.
“Our shooting percentage could have improved immensely,” Croner said. “Thankfully, we were able to prove our shooting capabilities in our games following Roanoke.”
On Nov. 30, in their game vs. Hollins, Guilford dominated the green flurry from early in the first half and finished with a 76-46 win.
“They were a very aggressive team,” said sophomore forward Kendra Dowen, who received a concussion after taking an intentional elbow to the back of the head. “Those are the type of teams that fuel my determination and power on the court.”
On Dec. 1, sophomore guard Ann Seufer led the Quakers to a 71-50 victory over Randolph College, scoring a game-high 13 points. Sophomore forward Alexa Williams, who was named student-athlete of the week, racked up a season high 10 rebounds and 10 points for her second double-double of the season.
“Our team has really shown their drive in the past games,” Williams said. “We have the ambition of winning a championship this year.”
In their latest game on Dec. 3, Guilford shut down Salem College early and came away with a 92-68 victory.
With no more games in December, the break in the schedule comes at a perfect time, with finals fast approaching.
“Now that there is a slight break in our schedule, I will be able to put more time into my studies,” said first-year guard Lauren LeFevers. “It was very challenging for me to complete any work on the bus or after games so now is time to crack down and prepare for my finals.”
Due to such a physically and emotionally draining week, Coach Stephanie Flamini has given her players suggestions on how to deal with this slam of a schedule.
“My advice to the players is ‘don’t procrastinate,'” Flamini said. “Get ahead during the slow times of the semester. Be aware that this time of the year is always a bit slammed with work so manage your time well.”
“We have our goal set of winning 17 games,” Flamini said about the team’s goals for the season. “This goal won’t be easy, especially with a long lay-off over Christmas. The dedication over the break will be important to our success early in the spring semester. If we don’t come back ready to go it could cost us our goal.