The Saint Xavier’s women’s basketball season may be over but we wanted to get one final recap of another great season. We talked to Sean Anderson, the voice of the Cougars for WXAV 88.3FM.
Let’s start off with the team’s final game. So, what happened?
Well, it was a tight game throughout, and it wasn’t until 2:48 in the 4th quarter when Kara Krolicki picked up her 5th personal foul where she subsequently fouled out of the game where the game started to get away from Saint Xavier. I wouldn’t say Dakota Wesleyan was a better team than Saint Xavier, but I think with the Tigers having a large contingent of fans at the arena gave them the slightest of edge, and in a game like that, that slight edge tipped the scales to Dakota Wesleyan’s side.
In your mind, did the team meet expectations?
Not only did they meet expectations, but they exceeded expectations. Again, I think people outside of the team played up the loss of Mikayla Leyden, but it still felt watching every team at that tournament, that SXU was still the most talented team. The team really didn’t seem like they were missing any pieces, and I feel you have to credit the group of seniors with that. They gave off the confidence that Saint Xavier belonged there, and they backed it up with their play.
They’re losing Kara Krolicki, Brittany Collins, and Tomei Ball. How will their loss affect the team next season?
I think all three were just natural leaders, and that is not something that can be developed in athletes. You are born with that and Coach Hallberg is not losing three great basketball players, but three great humans. On the floor and talent wise, it will hurt, because you’re losing two program greats and an underrated role player, but I think the biggest loss will be in the late game scenarios when you need players to rise up. We know the talent for the remaining nine players is there, but we will need to see players rise up and answer the call of being a leader.
Where would you rank Krolicki and Collins in terms of the program’s history? Are they the best that you’ve seen in your time calling games?
In terms of program history, Kara has to be the best player in SXU history. All-time leading scorer, two-time national player of the year, two-time CCAC player of the year, and again she had that killer mindset. Brittany is easily the low post player is Saint Xavier history, and is in the Top 10 in program history. I’ve only been broadcasting for three years, so I would say Brittany and Kara are in the Top 3 along with Mikayla Leyden.
Does the team have players in place to take over those roles? Are those players on the roster or will they be have to look outside?
Well, you really can’t replace what Kara, Brittany, and Tomei do exactly. The go-to scorer next year, will most likely become Maddie Welter, due to her ability to shoot from the outside. I do not see a player on the bench that can become that catch-n-shoot master that Tomei was, but we might see the 6th woman role develop into more of an energy player like Sydney Lovitsch or Cora Graffeo. Finally, I do not see anyone on the current roster fit Brittany’s role. That role might need to be filled from a new recruit, or from Coach Hallberg going to a smaller starting five.
Where do you see this team finishing next year?
I do not have a prediction yet. They have won thirty or more games in the past four years, so the bar is set high. I think it might take time for players to get comfortable in their new roles, but knowing Coach Hallberg and how talented the current crop of players are, I wouldn’t be shocked at another CCAC title.
Like Krolicki, Collins, and Ball their last game was also your last as WXAV broadcaster. Anything you’d like to say about your experience?
I’ve had the best job on campus for the past three years, and without it, my time at Saint Xavier would not have been as fun as it was. Massive thank you to everyone in athletics from the players, coaches, and staff for letting us go on all of the journeys I’ve been on. It’s been a true joy broadcasting these games, especially when the parents of the athletes mentioned they were listening or when someone at Saint Xavier asks for a shout out on the broadcast. It makes the job worth it. I would have still done it even if no one was listening, but it probably would have been a little pathetic doing this for no one. I’m honored to put this job on my resume because I feel Saint Xavier athletics needs more of a spotlight because we truly have great programs here. Also, a final shout out to everyone at WXAV for helping the broadcast go on. If it was not for Peter Kreten or the laundry list of producers I’ve had, there would be no broadcast.
Ernesto Hernandez
Sports Editor