Author: Anthony Ostland
After winning seven of their last eight conference games in 2007, and opening up the 2008 conference season with an 8-2 record (including a current six-game winning streak), it’s no surprise that the Occidental Women’s basketball team is in a position to take over the number one spot in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (S.C.I.A.C.).
You would think their record would speak for itself. However, the Tigers are quick to remind critics of the relentless competition that is responsible for some of the year’s biggest upsets. Center/forward Stephanie Babij (first-year) commented on the ambiguity of the conference standings. “This year has been full of upsets. I think on any given night, any team has a chance to win; no team can be taken lightly or underestimated,” she said.
Occidental pulled one of the year’s biggest upsets, triumphing over number one ranked University of La Verne on February 2, 69-65. However, if you asked any one of the Tigers, they would say their victory was not characterized by “luck” or “chance.” Instead, the team says, it was a direct result of all the hard work and commitment the team has put into game preparation. “The win against La Verne may have been one of the biggest wins for this basketball program in recent years,” Guard Laura Mohler (sophomore) said. “Not only did it prove to the league how good we can be, but we reinstated the belief in ourselves that we can be the best team in this conference-that [we] are the best team in this conference,” she said.
Still, why call Oxy’s victory an upset? Going into the game, La Verne was not only boasting an undefeated conference record, but were also the defending SCIAC Champions. Oxy, on the other hand had fallen to La Verne in their first meeting, by 15 points. The Tigers have also had to face a number of unforeseen obstacles, including losing one of their most athletic defenders, Jessica Cross (sophomore). There was also an untimely season ending injury to one of the team’s most valuable contributors, Dior Williams (sophomore). “Dior’s injury was a huge blow to the team. Not only is she a phenomenal player, but she is an awesome teammate and leader,” Mohler said.
However, dealing with great adversity can spawn great triumph. Losing play-makers like Cross and Williams has given other players on the team the opportunity to step up and contribute. Newcomers like transfer Brianne Brown (Junior) (15.1 pts., 7.9 rebounds per game) and Stephanie Babij (first-year) (10 pts., 7.4 rebounds) have greatly increased the team’s level of play. Along with veteran players such as Stacie Roshon (senior) (15.9 pts., 4.9 rebounds) and Mohler (8.4 pts. per game and 67 assists), Oxy accomplished the unlikely win over the Leopards. Brown’s relentless efforts were praised in the victory over La Verne, scoring a double-double, tallying 33 points (29 in the second half) and 18 rebounds, earning her the SCIAC Athlete of the Week honors. Gillian Nugent (sophomore), Brittany Mally (sophomore), Samantha Rossi (sophomore) and Brittinee Yasukochi (sophomore) were irreplaceable contributors on the court as well, providing an energetic defensive effort and valuable possessions on offense.
Mohler went on to add that “despite Dior’s injury, I think our team came together really well and didn’t let her injury, and the loss of one of our best players, hold us back from becoming the team we are today.”
The key to the Tiger’s success is going to be a continued team commitment with the SCIAC Championship in mind. Maintaining a strong bond on the team has made working together on and off the court more efficient. “Our team chemistry on the court is really coming together,” Mohler said. “We are really getting a feel for each other on the court and it is showing in our [games].”
The Tigers are atop the rankings in nearly all of the team statistical categories in conference play, boasting the highest scoring offense in the conference (75.3 points per game), the largest margin of victory (+16.8), assists per game (17.11), rebounding margin (+5.8) and steals per game (11.37).
The Occidental Women’s Basketball Team is currently ranked second in conference play. This Thursday, the Tigers travel to face number one ranked University of Redlands, to whom the Tigers narrowly lost in the first go-around by one point. This game should prove to be a great match up between two of the best teams in a very competitive conference.
Don’t miss their next home game, this Saturday at 5 p.m. against Pomona, @ Rush Gymnasium.
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