Despite losing DeShaydia Mackey to an injury for the past three games, Tampa was able to maintain a record of 2-1 in those depleted matches.
The first game Mackey was out, Tampa fell to Florida Tech (10-4, 2-1 SSC) by a score of 51-46.
Junior guard Hailee Sullivan played over twice as many minutes as usual with the absence of Mackey. Sullivan was two for five from beyond the arc.
In the next game, Tampa faced Eckerd who, despite a 9-5 record, was without a win in conference play. Instead of relying on center Sheena Walton, both guards stepped up to the challenge despite Mackey still sitting on the bench.
Sullivan improved to 3-for-5, once again playing 27 minutes.
She was complemented by fellow guard Angela Guiu. Guiu put up a career-high 24 points and went 7-for-8 shooting from three-point range.
She played all 40 minutes in the victory over the Tritons.
In Saturday’s game against the Barry Buccaneers, Sullivan played all 40 minutes and Guiu played 38.
Though both played well, this time the forwards energized the team. Erica Woodard and Alexa Kane each recorded 10 points as well as eight rebounds apiece.
Kane also played 40 minutes in the 46-41 victory.
With Sheena Walton continuing to play strongly, though Tampa has suffered a loss in the form of DeShaydia Mackey, each member of the team has seized an opportunity and shown the depth of Spartan basketball.
The extent and exact nature of Mackey’s injury are unknown at this time. It is also unclear when she will be able to play again.
— Bobby Winsler, Asst. sports editor