The 2007-’08 women’s basketball team started out strong with wins on the road in California. They carried the momentum by beating league opponents they have had trouble with in past years. However, on their last road trip, the team lost against the University of Puget Sound and Pacific Lutheran University. The bi-week schedule left another game to be played at home against Whitworth, which resulted in another loss and a tough break in the confidence of the squad.

Reflecting on the last few games, sophomore Michelle Krall said, “We didn’t play together very well. There are just some easy things to work on that can be fixed.”

Before playing the conference leaders, George Fox University, last Friday, the team had to recover from a rough couple of games and prepared to face the top of the pack.

Coach Michelle Ferenz said, “George Fox is veteran team that starts five seniors. They’re also nationally ranked.”

After losing 55-47 against George Fox, first-year Becca Sexton said, “Despite falling short, it was well fought and a great way to end the first half of the season going into conference.”

The team has shown a lot of potential and hopes to take on the remainder of the season.

“We have seven freshman on the team this year,  matching the number of returners. They are an extremely talented  group of recruits who have been willing to take on challenges and are eager to learn the ins and outs of our program,” said senior Captain Kristina Francis.

Difficulties of the first half of the conference won’t stop the ladies from focusing on making this a well-fought season. Coach Ferenz acknowledges that they’ve been inconsistent, but said, “It’s a sign of a young team, and so we can only grow from here. There are a lot of veteran teams in the conference and it takes a lot to rattle their cages.”

Compared to other teams in the conference, Whitman tries to improve on any weaknesses that young teams typically have. The women seem to agree that consistency may keep them in the fight for the top spots at the end of the season.

“I believe we can  continue to play well and stay at the top of the conference to  qualify for a playoff spot,” said Francis.

The women play Willamette University and Linfield College at home this weekend.