Lady Cru shoots for win after loss

The season is off to a trying start for the women’s basketball team, which already has a 3-2 record.

However, the players have a positive focus.

Although the team took a loss for its season opener against Trinity University Nov. 21, 84-81, freshman shooting guard Jessica Kelly believes many schools and the fans will be amazed with the progress they are making.

“I don’t think they expect a lot out of UMHB just because of previous seasons,” she said. “They don’t rank us with everybody else. They kind of see us as the underdogs, but I think this year we’re really going to surprise all of Division III.”

Despite the defeat by the Tigers, the women came back with confidence and determination to reach their goal.

The team hosted its first home game against UT Tyler. The lady Crusaders led at halftime with a five-point advantage, but with 11 minutes left, the Patriots came back and tied the game at 53. After bouncing back and forth with close scores, UMHB took the win with a 73-65 victory.

Kelly said the chemistry the team established on and off the court had contributed to their accomplishment.

“Since the first day, we’ve kind of bonded. We’re trying to get a better feel of what everybody does. Having practice and running a lot have been a major part of it, too.”

She said having patience and control while they play are a couple of things the team needs in order to improve its game.

“Encouraging each other and stepping up if somebody’s having an off-night is something we need to keep in mind when we’re playing.”

Kelly said their success was led by more than just the team’s perseverance and ability to perform well on the court.

“Before each game, we have devotionals. We read over the Bible and put it in God’s perspective and think of what he would do on the court. We try to figure it out through his eyes, without taking it on ourselves.”

The success gave the players the assurance they needed as they took to the road to challenge the Mississippi Choctaws and Louisiana Wildcats.

Nov. 25 the Crusader’s took the edge in Clinton, Miss., to defeat D3hoops.com’s No. 20 team, Mississippi College.

Head Coach Kim Kirkpatrick said UMHB’s efforts to drive through the game were really the force the team needed to take the lead.

“We had great help off the bench to push us to our win. We got down 12 against Mississippi but just kept coming at them.”

With less than 40 seconds left in the game, senior guard Shannon Barnes made a layup for two. Kelly added two points with free throws, contributing to the victory with eight seconds left in the game for the 73-72 win.

“We played very well,” Kirkpatrick said. “We had a great team effort overall with five people in double figures.”

The Crusaders took their second win against Louisiana College Nov. 27 with a 67-61 final score, advancing UMHB 2- 1 overall and 2-0 in the American Southwest Conference as the team headed back home with confidence.

Kirkpatrick said the players persevere to develop daily as the season progresses.

“Our team is continuing to work on improving every aspect of our game with the same intensity that we finish a game.” She said although the players are determined to do well, each competition is a challenge, and hard work is essential for the wins.

“We are looking forward to the season, but our conference is tough, and there are no easy games.”

The Menlo College Oaks made that known Sunday afternoon as they defeated the Crusaders 74-65.

Senior point guard Julie Amabile said the loss was partially due to lack of concentration on the game.

“We got in a hole, and they kept scoring. We weren’t playing as hard as we should’ve been on the defensive end.”

Despite the loss, she said the team needs to remain confident and prepare for the next game.

“We need to make sure we’re focused all the time (and) cut mental lapses. Defense can always be better.”

The Crusaders will play the UT Dallas Comets at the Mayborn Campus Center today at 5:30 p.m.