Women's basketball is turning into a contender on the court

By Gina Massetani

Rebuilding is not always an easy task. The women's basketball team is recovering well after finishing last year with a record of 5-27 overall and 1-13 in West Coast Conference.

Bouncing back this season, Santa Clara is right in the mix with a record of 8-16 overall, but more importantly 4-6 in conference. With the goal of finishing in the top four in the conference, the Broncos' next four games are critical, especially considering Santa Clara fell to Saint Mary's (75-70) and San Diego (65-57) in their last two games.

Third year Head Coach Jennifer Mountain explained that the Broncos have tried to focus on a more balanced scoring attack.

With five Broncos in the top 30 in conference in the scoring category it is evident that Mountain's goal is being achieved.

Redshirt senior Lena Gipson is averaging a double-double on the season with 12.5 points per game and 10.7 rebounds per game, which includes a 22-point effort against San Diego. Sophomore Meagan Fulps is adding on 11.7 ppg.

"Our confidence level is much higher," said Mountain. "I think we are maturing as we get a little bit older...We still aren't where we need to be, but they are starting to believe in themselves and each other and that goes a long way for the team."

Redshirt sophomore Lindsay Leo added that the team struggled to come back from large deficits last season. However, this season the Broncos proved to have a different mindset when they fought back from 20 down against LMU to end up on the winning end; it is all in the confidence.

Since 10 of 14 players are underclassmen, Mountain and her staff are in the midst of training the players to compete against some of the toughest competition around.

"Whenever you have a young team like this you have days where you are going to struggle and we certainly have our picks of those days," said Mountain. "However, the nice thing about this is they are getting a lot of experience at a very young age. In a lot of schools you wouldn't see playing time until your junior year. Our girls are coming in and actually playing minutes and contribute. They are getting some experience that will definitely pay off later."

Chemistry should not be overlooked on this Bronco roster.

"Our team dynamics are outstanding," said Leo. "We have so many different personalities on the team and we all feed off of each other. We are all so comfortable with each other."

With a smile Mountain added, "They are very unique. On a daily basis they just floor me sometimes."

Santa Clara has not escaped rough patches this season, but the team is battling to finish in the top-half of the WCC, currently sitting in fifth place.

Four games remain for the Broncos, and Mountain expects that defending penetration will be key if the team is to pick up wins.

"We have given up too many points to our opponents," said Mountain. "It's really going to come down to defense."

Santa Clara will go up against Gonzaga, who currently sits atop the conference, tonight at 7 p.m. Saturday, the Broncos play host to the University of Portland on Senior Night at 2 p.m.

Contact Gina Massetani at gmassetani@scu.edu or (408) 551-1918.