Last year in a post-season heartbreaker, the Loggers ended their basketball season in the semi-final round of the conference playoffs. With all players returning, the women’s team is ready for their next shot at the title and the playoffs.
“We didn’t lose any seniors…but we have different (but still positive) team dynamics with five new freshmen on a team with lots of experience and a new outlook on the season,” senior Lindsay Layland (Homer, Alaska) said.
The lady Loggers have set their goals high and have every intention of reaching them. “Last year we lost in the Northwest Conference semifinals and fell short of going to the NCAA National Tournament. With the entire team returning from last year and a talented new group of freshmen, we are building on what made us successful last year and have our goal set to make it back to the NCAA National Tournament. GBTN [Get back to nationals] is our mindset every day we step on the court,” senior Jocelyn Riordan (Lake Forest Park, Wash.) said.
In order to ensure that the team makes these goals, they are taking the necessary steps. “We take every day as it comes, and as coach always says, we need to take steps forward every single day. Every time we step on the court we are competing and working to get better. Right now it’s all about preparing for our preseason schedule, with tough games like SPU and a road trip in California. Those games get us ready for our competitive and challenging NWC schedule,” junior Kelsey McKinnis (Ashland, Ore.) said.
Women’s basketball is known for putting on a great game, but some games are especially anticipated by the team. “Of course every game is important, but we are playing some local powerhouses in Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University and Northwest University, which are big games that could assert Puget Sound as the team to watch in the region. I am also looking forward to any home games that we have so we can have Logger Nation and our loyal fans out there cheering us on,” Riordan said.
Playing home games is also exciting for the team. “[I am] excited for all of them, naturally, but home games during conference with our home crowd cheering us on will be amazing,” Layland said.
The team also is thankful for their supporting fans at home games. “We love getting that Puget Sound crowd and feeling the home court advantage. Especially with the new Logger Nation starting off so strongly in the fall, we are excited to see the support this upcoming season,” McKinnis said.
Women’s games start Wednesday Nov. 2 with an exhibition in Seattle. The first home game is against Whitman on Jan. 6.