The St. Francis Prep Lady Terriers basketball team finished with only two victories overall, but, their sense of camaraderie grew down the stretch of the season. The hype of the season did not quite match up with the execution on the court, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t work hard.
The Lady Terriers victories came against Baruch College Campus and St. John Villa, in the New York State playoffs. Just around the time of the game between St. Francis at St. John Villa the team began to cultivate a sense of togetherness, as well as a team identity. Many obstacles faced the Lady Terriers this season, as they fought hard to remain close in games against the tough competition.
Caitlin O’Doherty, senior forward on the Lady Terriers, said that this season proved to be a great learning experience for the young team.
“One of the obstacles we faced this season, I think, was that we had a very young and inexperienced team, but at the end of the season we really started to come together,” she said. “We love Prep and I think that really showed through our hustle on and off the court.”
Even though they’re young, the team has showed a willingness to do what is necessary to win – and a level of dedication that is rare for such a young squad.
This year’s team consisted of five seniors, two juniors and four sophomores – a very young and inexperienced group. The players anticipate next year will be more successful because of the valuable experience on varsity that the sophomores and juniors soaked up this season.
Hardship galvanized this group of girls and gave them the strength they hope to carry into next season. The Lady Terriers are content on practicing on their individual games and playing in summer leagues. They undeniably came together at the end of the season, which they hope to carry into next year and beyond.
“It’s been a rough season, but as a team we pulled through it,” said junior guard Veronica Ganzi. “We can lose every game, but we worked hard and most importantly, we did it together. That’s what we had to take away from this season.”
