Opening the season with a 3-2 record was not the way the University of Tampa women’s basketball team wanted to start out. Despite a tough overtime loss to Georgia State and College in the second game, the Spartans have not played like the team that was picked to finish second in the Sunshine State Conference before the start of the season.
Junior forward Erica Woodard thinks the team will only get better, though, as they have already played some top teams, and the Spartans star player Sheena Walton will return from an injury within the next few weeks.
“I don’t think our record is really indicative of how we have played so far this season,” said Woodard. “We have some injuries to our key players, and we have played some really tough teams to start the year.”
Woodard was recently named SSC Player of the Week for her performances against Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, Michigan Tech and Lake Superior State. In the three games she averaged 12 points and 13.7 rebounds a game. Woodard said she was honored to be given the award, and it was a big accomplishment early in the season.
Despite the slow start Woodard has high expectations for the rest of the season. She is confident the team will continue to improve as long as they get better on defense.
“I think we are only going to get better,” said Woodard. “When Sheena [Walton] comes back she will bring a lot to the team both offensively and defensively. I think our new players have also exceeded expectations so far, and if we play better defense then we should be successful. We pride ourselves on playing good defense.”
Heralded freshman Tiara Cook scored 16 points in her first game with the Spartans, and junior college transfer Heather Graefnitz has played well at times. Graefnitz scored nine points in the team’s first game against Columbus State. Woodard believes both Cook and Graefnitz will be important for the team in the upcoming weeks.
UT will take on Rollins (3-2) in their next game on Saturday, Dec. 2. It is a big game for both teams as Rollins is trying to prove they are still an elite team after losing many seniors from last year, and Tampa is looking to establish themselves as one of the top teams in the SSC. It is the first conference game for both teams.
“I think last year’s experience will help us in the game,” added Woodard. “It was a big win for us when we beat them in the playoffs.” The Spartans upset the Tars in the SSC Championship game last year, handing Rollins their first defeat of the season.
Upcoming games: Vs. Rollins College Saturday Dec. 2 @ 2 p.m. Vs. Flagler Saturday Dec. 9 @ 7 p.m. @ Palm Beach Atlantic Saturday Dec. 16 @ 5 p.m.