Lady cavs prepare for opening tip-off

NINA SCIMENES STAFF WRITER NMS722@CABRINI.EDU

Game time is just around the comer. The women's basketball team has been eagerly preparing for the start of a new season. Wednesday, Oct. 15, marked the first official day of practice for the Lady Cavs.

"We have one year under our belt, and now we are ready to make some noise," Jennifer Skursky, a returning sophomore, said. The women's basketball team has a lot of experienced players. Ten returning players, including nine sophomores and one senior, have an advantage of being comfortable with their teammates' playing styles. Leading the team this year are captains Taryn Repici, the team's only senior, and sophomores Jackie Yoder and Lauren Budweg.

Repici is still currently recovering from a serious knee surgery that took place last year. She is not cleared by her doctor to practice with the team. Repici is determined to start practicing with the rest of the team soon.

There are only three newcom•ers to the team that look up to the upperclassmen. This year's freshmen are Alisa Siderio, Jen Euganeo, and Kira Brown. "All of them are great ballplayers, hard workers, and will push everyone else to do well," Budweg said.

With new players, new captains and a new workout, preseason has been more dynamic.

Pool workouts are a new addition to the team's conditioning-practice schedule twice a week. Ball tactics, side games, running and weight lifting were all included in the strenuous training sessions. Head coach Darlene Hilderband and assistant coaches Kate Corcoran and Steve Harrow are all familiar faces from last season.

Starting out with a clean slate, there are high expectations set to • improve upon their record in the past. Gaining more recognition in the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference is a realistic goal set for the entire team. Budweg said, "We would love to win the PAC and make it to the NCAA tournament." Last year the Lady Cavs only made it to the first round of the PAC. "This year we're planning on taking over," Hannah Welker, a sophomore, said.

Teammates are counting down the days until they play another intense game against Neumann College. The team is eager to get back at Neumann's team for a close game they believe they should have won last year. "The team has been working hard, hopefully it will pay off," Corcoran said.

Cabrini hosts the tip off games for the Lady Cavs on its home court. The Dixon Center is expecting fanatic Cabrini spectators at the night game on Friday Nov. 21, at 8 p.m., against Chestnut Hill. A double header is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 22 with Delaware Valley at 2 p.m., and Washington at 4 p.m.