Women’s basketball remains undefeated at 21-0
The University of Indianapolis women’s basketball team continues to rewrite the record book as they reach 21-0 and climb to second place in the country. UIndy received two of 26 possible first-place votes in the latest USA Today/ESPN Division II Top 25 Coaches Poll.
The Greyhounds defeated Wisconsin-Parkside, Jan. 30, 72-59. Junior forward Samantha Meissel had a game high of 17 points, while senior guard Jessica Canary scored 15 points.
Senior forward Sarah Fenneman looks to pass to a teammate in the women’s game versus Lewis. The ’Hounds tallied their 16th win in a 78-59 victory.
Indianapolis continued expanding on their record winning streak with a 65-51 victory over St. Joseph’s College Jan. 28. Double-doubles from Meissel and Canary paced the Lady ‘Hounds.
A 74-64 win over Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) rival University of Southern Indiana on Jan. 21 broke the previous school record of 17 consecutive wins held by the 2002-03 team.
LeAnn Freeland, head coach of the women’s basketball team, said their success to a number of different things, including last year’s postseason run.
“The sweet sixteen trip last year enabled our players to see how good they could be,” Freeland said. “We only graduated one player from that team and our returners came into this season with a clear vision.”
Confidence is a key to having a successful season. Our players understand there is often a fine line between winning and losing
Senior guard Katie Dewey said that despite the records and awards, the teams strives to remain on track.
“We enjoy getting rewards because we work hard and deserve them, but we will stay focused,” Dewey said. “While we may have the record for most consecutive wins, there are other records we don’t have, like our school’s first national championship!”
When asked how she keeps her team focused, coach Freeland recognized the importance of the mental aspect.
“Confidence is a key to having a successful season. Our players understand there is often a fine line between winning and losing,” Freeland said. “They have maintained their focus on the little things that separate them from other teams.”
Dewey, Canary and Meissel have all been rewarded with player of the week accolades. Meissel has won three times this season, including back-to-back nominations in the past two weeks.
Freeland advocates focus on the present, not long term goals.
“I always feel in our league every game is big,” Freeland said. “We take one game at a time and focus on what we need to do in practice to play the best in the next game. We don’t have time to look down the road.”
Meissel reflected on the hard work the team has done and the rewards it has helped them obtain.
“The best part would definitely be showing ourselves that all the hard work we did in the off-season paid off,” Meissel said. “We felt as if we were the only teams practicing at times, but through all the running, plays and weights, we created our chemistry and maturity that we bring on the court now. We are a more together team than I have ever been with. These girls are not just my teammates, they’re my best friends.”
Indianapolis looks to continue their undefeated campaign Feb. 4 at home against Rockhurst University.
