2008 Woodie Awards
Women's basketball headed to conference
Kari Joas, Features Editor
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The Red Hawks are headed to the conference championships, and looking to repeat last year's conference win.
After losing a couple of close games earlier in the season, the team has pulled together, earning them a spot in the upcoming conference tournament.
"Overall I am pleased with the outcome [of the season]. Anytime a team ends up in the conference [championship] is a good year," says Julie Johnson, head coach of women's basketball. "The team has had its ups and downs, but we have had a good time."
Junior guard JoEllen Buerger agrees the season has been full of highs and lows.
"We should have won a lot more games than we did. We hung together through a lot of rough spots," she says.
The Feb. 15 game against Beloit marked the end of the conference season for the women Red Hawks. They won by making a noteworthy showing with a 72 to 54 win that guaranteed their place in the playoffs.
"It's good to finish the regular season on a positive note. We are in the playoffs," Buerger says.
Senior Karalyn Dehn says it took a lot of work for the team to get where they are now.
"The biggest thing to accomplish was getting along as a team and team chemistry," she says.
The team has also improved on making plays and putting up points. This team chemistry has helped them on the court.
"The defense this past week has improved. The team is clicking more," Johnson says.
Yet, Johnson sees room for improvement.
"Depth and mental toughness needs to improve, as does our efficiency on offense by not turning the ball over as much. Also rebounding," says Johnson.
Improvement in these areas will help the Red Hawks to advance in the conference tournament.
"Improving the small things, that will make a huge difference," Johnson says.
Dehn knows that the team has their work cut out for them.
"I'm excited to play and have a chance at another conference. It's going to take a lot of hard work but I know that we can do it," she says.
Sitting top four in the conference, the women Red Hawks ended the regular season 12-4 in the conference and 15-8 overall.
Midwest Conference play begins this weekend.
"The post season is termed a new season. Who is going to play well-back to-back? Besides the X's and O's, it's mental toughness that teams bring onto the floor," Johnson says.