With double-digit victories in each of its first three games, the women's basketball team will journey to Wheaton College on Saturday afternoon, confident in its ability to compete against any opponent.
At a respectable 3-1, the youthful Lyons should not be overlooked, however. Although they have five freshmen and no returning seniors, Wheaton has only fallen to Brandeis College, ranked fourth in the country.
"They are always a very solid team," senior tri-captain Jessica Powers said. "But in order to succeed, we need to continue to concentrate on ourselves and work on improving."
Tufts has relied on its aggressive defense and subsequent ability to create turnovers and hold its rivals to low shooting percentages. Compared to their own 44 turnovers, the Jumbos have forced 74 miscues from their opponents.
"Overall, I'm happy with the way we've played," coach Carla Berube said. "The defense is where it needs to be. We're playing hard, with a lot of energy and doing the little things right. Our defense is clearly our strength, but we haven't done a good job of converting turnovers into points."
On the offensive end, they have outscored other teams 190-141, shooting 36 percent from the floor and 41 percent from behind the arc. Only three games into the season, Berube continues to work on the main, or "continuity," offenses. As the year progresses and NESCAC games appear on the schedule, the team will focus on its zone offensive sets. Right now, however, Berube is content with the offensive effort.
"We're really taking care of the ball and not turning it over on offense," Berube said. "We're taking good cuts to get open and I'm pleased with the lack of turnovers on our part."
Powers has led the team in scoring during the first three games, with a season-high 22 points against Babson on Tuesday night pushing her average to 16.7 points per game. Junior guard Valerie Krah has provided substantial offensive support, putting up 11 ppg this season. The two combined for 40 of the team's 68 points in their latest victory against Babson.
Tomorrow's game against Wheaton will begin a month-long stretch of away games, three of which will be played in San Diego, Calif. during winter break. Powers, however, is not worried about the extended time on the road.
"We have the same attitude for every game," Powers said. "We have to come out with the same confidence no matter where we play. We just need to adjust to each new court by warming up and taking a few practice shots before each game. Obviously, we'll be excited when we finally get to come back home, but the long road trip should be fun."
During the trip, the Jumbos will hope to build on their already stable team chemistry.
"This year, we have a new team dynamic," Krah said. "We have great chemistry and we are comfortable playing together on the court. We're making strides everyday."
With classes coming to a close and finals looming ominously in the distance, the players see basketball as a refuge from their studies. As they will head to San Diego the day after Christmas, coach Berube will continue to hold practices during finals.
"The basketball court is definitely a release; it's somewhere to go to get rid of the stress," Powers said. "It will be a time to come together and get better as a team."
