Saint Xavier’s women’s basketball team is experiencing immense success this season and a National Championship is not out of the question. The Cougars are currently ranked No. 3 overall in the country and boast a healthy 18-1 overall record.
The one blemish on the year came early in January against No. 1 overall University of Saint Francis. In front of a raucous crowd at the Shannon Center, Saint Xavier fell 80-70 in a game that was not as close as the score entails.
The defeat was the women’s worst performance of the season. Saint Francis dominated the first half and went into the locker room with a 49-26 lead. For Saint Xavier, the deficit was too much to overcome.
Since the loss, the Cougars regained their composure and outscored their opponents 210-118 in two games. An area of focus following the Saint Francis defeat related to intensity.
“You don’t pick and choose when you want to play hard,” coach Bob Hallberg said, after a 113-50 win over Saint Ambrose University. “Regardless of who we’re playing, we have to come out with a high intensity level.”
Intensity was a key component of the win over Saint Ambrose, as well as the impressive 97-68 win over 15th ranked Purdue University Northwest on the road. Saint Xavier’s ability to bounce back after a tough loss is a good sign for the future of this team.
With the win over No. 15 Purdue Northwest, the Cougars own four victories over top-25 opponents this season. They will be forced to face the best if they have success in the NAIA tournament.
“We have the skills and have great players,” sophomore Emily Gorsch said. “As long as we come out every night the same way, we can definitely compete with those teams.”
Saint Xavier’s depth-filled roster gives them a chance to play with anyone in the country. Through 19 games, the Cougars are in the toughest stretch of their 2016-17 schedule.
The women currently own the top spot in the CCAC North Division with a 10-1 conference record and a one game lead over second place Cardinal Stritch University. The Cougars are set to face Cardinal Stritch on Wednesday, January 18 for a big matchup on the road.
Mike Rankin
Senior Sports Editor