SMC Basketball: Belles have high hopes for home tourney
By HEATHER VAN HOEGARDEN
Sports Writer
This weekend will be a true test for the Saint Mary's basketball team as the Belles host the Saint Mary's Roundball Classic.
Joining Saint Mary's in the tournament are the University of Chicago (1-3), 2002 Division III NCAA Tournament qualifier Savannah College of Art and Design and Rose-Hulman (1-4).
The Belles started the season off strong, despite losing their first two games to Franklin College (63-86), and Hanover (67-81), at the Franklin College Tip Off Tourney.
The Belles picked up their first victory of the season at home on Nov. 26, with their 67-42 victory over Manchester College. They enter this weekend's tournament on a positive note, as they hope to expand on their first home win. Despite the mixed results, athletic director Gregg Petcoff feels the team is meshing very well.
"This team is playing very well thus far, despite the two losses," Petcoff said. "When the subs go in, they don't miss a beat. Our expectations are rising, as we continue to win more games each year."
Looking to build on their upset of Kalamazoo in their final game last season, the team is still adjusting from the loss of last year's seniors as well as one player studying abroad this semester.
With only ten girls on the team, coach Suzanne Bellina knows each player needs to play well for the Belles to be successful.
"We are an extremely balanced team. Top to bottom, we are very strong," Bellina said. "This year's seniors want to go out on a high note, and the young players want to turn the program around, beginning with this year."
Saint Mary's faces Rose-Hulman at 8 p.m. Tonight's winners play Saturday at 3 p.m. Bellina is excited about the weekend's opportunities.
"We want to win the tournament. It is our home court, our tournament, and we always want to win it, but we never have," Bellina said." I think we have a great chance to win this year. We will just have to give 100 percent effort."
All Sports Stories for Friday, December 6, 2002
