 "Photo: Chris Ripley")
 "Photo: Chris Ripley")
The Lady Mavs have far exceeded their expectations with their play this season.
“We all expected to be good, we knew we had the experience, but being undefeated in the conference was past our wildest dreams,” said Mandy Sahhar.
Coach Pete Lonergan had three reasons why he thinks his team has been so successful this season. “Chemistry is very positive and they all play well together. They are willing to put the team ahead of their personal interests,” he said.
Team captains Laydee Ankoma- Mensa and Mandy Sahhar both believe chemistry has had a huge part in their successful season.
“I love playing with everyone of the these girls everyday at practice and at each game. That chemistry will win us a championship and get us to NCAA’s,” said Mandy Sahhar.
“All the players in the starting lineup are playing well,” said Lonergan who added that the team has also received exceptional play off the bench.
“No matter who is in the game everyone plays a part in some shape or form. We are going to continue working together and do everything to exceed our goals,” said Ankoma-Mensa.
Being a successful team has everything to do with picking each other up when someone is having an off night. It is always tough to stay motivated through a whole season, but the Lady Mavs had two extra forms of motivation to help them achieve the success they are having.
“We wanted to prove to everyone who doubted us that we weren’t going to make it this far, that we could do it,” said Akoma-Mensa.
“We have taken everyone’s doubts and are using them to fuel us to win every game. Being told we were suppose to be 4th in the conference made us wanted to prove them wrong,” said Sahhar.
“I am very proud of the progress the team has made especially considering they were picked to be 4th in conference and are now in 1st place with a 13-0 record,” said Lonergan.
The Men’s basketball team is having their own great success this season that has given the Lady Mavs extra motivation. “The guys team being good made us work that much harder. We didn’t want them to outshine us like last year and as much as we want them to do well, we want to be even better,” said Sahhar.
The Lady Mavs have a 16-2 record on the season with 7 games left before playoffs. The only two losses the Lady Mavs have helped them learn a valuable lesson.
“We realized the way we need to play, that when we work as a team we can accomplish anything if we put our minds to it,” said Akoma-Mensa. “If they win five out of the seven games, they will be able to wrap up 1st place in the conference and host the playoffs. Their ultimate goal is to host playoffs, win a championship and go to the NCAA’s,” said Lonergan.
“All the credit goes to the girls who have been tremendously unselfish, when you combine that with their skill level, they are fun to coach and fun to be around. They are overall a very good team,” said Coach Lonergan.
Be the first to comment on this article!