The Guilfordian

A thunderous roar fills the gym and hearts pound over hard breathing and heavy stomping. The Quakers drive the ball down court, looking to take the lead with 1:27 remaining on the clock.

With the crowd on its feet and Guilford pushing for the go-ahead basket, junior Britanny Bumgarner lets loose a jumper that swishes the net and puts Guilford ahead 67-64 against Ferrum College in the fourth and final game of the Guilford College Classic.

Guilford started the season strong, boasting a 3-0 record. Earlier in the tournament, held Nov. 16 and 17, Guilford defeated Averett College 60-53 to open the Guilford College Classic. Later in the week on Nov. 20, the Quakers defeated rival Greensboro College 62-53. The three early wins are promising, as the ladies gear up for the long and grueling season.

"The first few games of the year have certainly showed maturity," Coach Stephanie Flamini said. "They never panicked; they stayed focused during the close games and won them. The team showed a lot of character and heart."

The Quakers begin Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) play on Nov.. 27, and they know a good work ethic, heart, and toughness are all keys to their success. Though they're young, these virtues have become standard for the team. They don't plan on leaving those traits behind as they take on Roanoke, away from home, in their ODAC opener.

"We were a really young team last year," sophomore Joclyn Terry said. "It feels great to have so many returnees get along as well as we do."

Youth is no substitute for hard work and focused practices. This year's team is driven to succeed and to show everyone how good they really are.

"Practices are good; we all get along great so they are usually fun, but at the same time competitive and intense," Terry said. "Everyone is working for a common goal, and that is to get each other better and win. We are ready to show the ODAC and the community what we have."

Coach Flamini feels similar. "The ODAC is tough and as long as we keep working hard and keep our focus, we should be able to improve on last year and we might even surprise a few people," Flamini said.

The team prides itself on not only their work ethic and chemistry, but also their improvements from last year. Not only are they older, but everyone seems to have improved their game by working hard in the summer and coming into the season prepared to win.

"We are a year older," Flamini said. "All of the freshmen are now sophomores, and everyone from the team last year has done a great job in the off-season at improving their game and working on their weaknesses. We are a little more mature and the players now know what to expect in ODAC play."

Though young, they're a very talented and mature group, looking to prove themselves in the ODAC and establish a respected program.

"We don't have any seniors, and only four juniors out of 14 players," Flamini said.

"We are in the process of building a program," Bumgarner said. "Right now, we don't have a senior on the team; we have four juniors and 10 freshmen and sophomores. Even though we are young, we have very high expectations this season. We just beat Greensboro for the first time in four years and we are 3-0."

Guilford's season is certainly looking positive and they seem poised to make a run at the ODAC title.

"The team has high expectations for this season," Terry said. "We would really like to win the ODAC, but our main goal that we are shooting for is 17 games. We have a countdown going: 14 more games to go (at least)."

Come out and support the Quakers as they take on Hollins College, Friday, Nov. 30, at home.

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