Saint Xavier’s women’s basketball team improved three spots in the NAIA poll after a blistering 7-0 start to the 2016-17 season. With the help of convincing victories over No. 15 Briar Cliff University and No. 8 Davenport university, the Cougars are now considered the third best team in the country, behind Dakota Wesleyan and defending national champion Marian University.
The women’s offensive attack is averaging just under 97 points per game this season, while their stingy defense is holding opponents to only 66 points per game. A first team NAIA All-American representative from last season, junior guard Kara Krolicki currently leads her team in scoring with 20.4 points per game.
The Cougars faced two conference opponents prior to the team’s Thanksgiving break. Saint Xavier defeated Indiana University-South Bend 85-63 on November 19, and later ran Robert Morris University out of their own building by winning 111-52.
Krolicki led the Cougars’ offensive attack in both affairs, scoring a combined 40 points. Freshman Maddie Welter returned to game action against Indiana South-Bend for the first time since suffering a minor ankle sprain and scored 19 points in 26 minutes.
Balance is key to the Cougars’ offensive attack, as four players scored in double digits in each of the team’s last two conference victories. With the amount of depth at Bob Hallberg’s disposal, the long-time tenured head coach is able to counter opposing team’s defensive sets.
If opponents decide to play man-to-man, Saint Xavier can counter by attacking the rim with the strength of their guards, or allow junior center Brittany Collins to go to work on the block. If a team decides to play zone, the Cougars’ sharp shooters can rule from behind the three-point line, as they currently boast a staggering 45 percent mark in that category this season.
The women look to continue their dominance in conference against Governors State University on December 3 on the road. Saint Xavier will return home on December 10 versus Trinity Christian College at 1:00 PM.
The December 10th matchup can be listened to live on WXAV.com or 88.3 FM Chicago.
Mike Rankin
Senior Sports Editor