The Seton Hill University (SHU) women’s basketball team are playing strong and making it through the season without a problem. These girls are working themselves to the bone to be nothing but perfect out there on the court. Thanks to the help of Fern Labati, head coach, and Assistant Coaches Tony Grenek and Clarisse Garcia; these girls are keeping a steady 14-9 record this season and an 11-5 record in the conference.
By Michelle Polly
Staff Writer
The Seton Hill University (SHU) women’s basketball team are playing strong and making it through the season without a problem. These girls are working themselves to the bone to be nothing but perfect out there on the court. Thanks to the help of Fern Labati, head coach, and Assistant Coaches Tony Grenek and Clarisse Garcia; these girls are keeping a steady 14-9 record this season and an 11-5 record in the conference.
Practicing six days a week, battling it out with Charleston, West Liberty and UPJ for playoff spots, these girls have a lot on their plate. With only four regular season games left the Lady Griffins plan to keep their heads high and fight to the finish.
“I feel we can win a championship. Our team is eager, hardworking and ready to make it known we are capable of anything,” said Jenna Petrini, a junior. “It will be a difficult struggle but I have confidence in my teammates and the coaches that we can get the job done,” she said.
The team goals are to “win the WVIAC conference tournament, qualify for the NCAA tournament, win the NCAA National Championship, and have the best overall GPA for division II basketball in the nation,” said Coach Grenek. Last year the team was ranked third in the nation.
“I think we are doing very well as a team. We are all coming together and playing as one,” said Jordan Burkes, a sophomore.
With the committed, dedicated and motivated coaches and players, the team is headed in the right direction to accomplish their goals. “We are handling the NCAA very well. Everyone on the team is stepping up and we like the challenge” said Burkes.
The girls would most likely have to win out to get an at-large bid for the NCAA tournament. However, they do have the opportunity to compete and win the WVIAC Conference Tournament, which would give them an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.
“Our coach expects nothing less than the best from each and every one of us. She stresses the commitment that each of us have put in the hours of running, drills, and other workouts we have been at since the beginning of school. She explains that everything will pay off if we don’t let up and that we need to depend on each other on the court and off. She was right,” said Petrini.
“Our team loves being in the NCAA. It is an honor and privilege to compete for an NCAA championship and it is an honor for us to represent Seton Hill University on the basketball court as student/athletes and as coaches,” said Grenek. “Our players and coaches are like one big family who believes that we can win the National Championship.”