The women's basketball team will tip-off its season this weekend when it hosts the first annual Tufts Invitational Tournament. The Jumbos will battle Bryn Mawr College tonight and either Endicott College or Smith College on Saturday. Tufts has not had much experience playing against the Centennial Conference team, but coach Carla Berube is preparing for what she believes will be a challenge and test for her team.
"We don't know much about Bryn Mawr," Berube said. "They are not a strong team but I am sure they will come ready to play. They have a new coaching staff, and a solid group of young players and I think this game will be a good measuring stick for our team."
The Jumbos will rely on a strong defense, which according to Berube, has been a key to the success for her team in her short career at Tufts. The strong commitment to defense allowed the Jumbos to capitalize and create many scoring opportunities last season. By pressuring Bryn Mawr and creating turnovers, the Jumbos should be able to rely on their scorers to lead them to a
victory.
"Our defense is our bread and butter," Berube said. "We're going to pressure them and we will work on getting into the passing lanes, rebounding, and forcing bad shots. Defense has worked for us in the past, and I know that it will create opportunities for us."
The Jumbos will also look to their veterans to carry the team. Berube hopes senior co-captains Allison Love and Erin Connolly will contribute as well as lead the freshman. The players are ready to kick off the season, and believe their preparation will lead to a victory tonight.
"We're excited to finally get on the court and play," Connolly said. "We've been training hard. The key to this game is to capitalize on our opportunities. The offense and defense have to work together, and when we get open shots or fast breaks we will have to score. If we play cohesively and communicate we expect to win tonight."
Berube expects a total team effort as well in order to win tonight. The Jumbos need everyone to contribute if this season will be a success.
"I expect the veterans to step up tonight," Berube said. "But I'm also interested to see where our freshman will fit in. Every player will have to be ready to contribute not only tonight but in every game this season. I think we are a strong team and I'm confident in my players to win games."
Tufts will play either Endicott or Smith on Saturday, but for now the Jumbos are focused on winning against Bryn Mawr. Tip off for the game is at 6:00 p.m. tonight in Cousens Gym.
