Sports
Back "On the Beat" with Loyola Ramblers WBB
I am excited with the start of the season for the Loyola Ramblers women's basketball team and will be covering the team all season.
Last week, I was happy to take my usual seat courtside at Gentile Arena for the Loyola Ramblers women's basketball team home opener. I always look forward to this season, as soon as Loyola's softball season ends.
The Ramblers started with a win in Milwaukee. Unfortunately, Thursday's game was a rough 55-46 loss to Green Bay. The Ramblers played a solid first half, trailing only by one point heading into the third quarter. Then it got ugly, as the Phoenix dominated with a 20-5 run. Showing grit, the Ramblers fought hard in the fourth quarter, but ultimately the deficit was too much to overcome.
Although the first quarter was close, the Ramblers had seven turnovers. Fortunately, they settled down and had only 18 for the entire game, while Green Bay had one more with 19. They shot 25% (2-8) in that first quarter. As bad as the third quarter was, a few less turnovers and a few more points in the first might have made a big difference.
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As for that miserable third quarter, the team shot a poor 16.67% (2-12). They were even worse from three-point territory, shooting only 14.29% (1-7).
On the positive side, in the second and fourth quarters the Ramblers shot 42.11% and 35.29% respectively. They finished with a decent 32.1% shooting percentage. Unfortunately, Green Bay shot 43.5%.
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Audrey Deptula led the Ramblers with 10 points. Clara Djoko grabbed seven rebounds to lead the team. She also led the team with three assists.
Immediately after the game, as usual Loyola coach Allison Guth spoke to the crowd. This time, she was a bit more animated, expressing her displeasure in the third quarter. Always positive, coach Guth promised better times. She repeated that in our conversation in her office.
This is a big year for the team and Guth. In her fourth year, she is coming off a 13-17 season. She has more first year players (three) than seniors and grad students (two), but that also means most of the players are her recruits. This is more her team than the previous ones.
I have liked and respected Guth since her introductory press conference. I believe great things are ahead for this Ramblers team.
