SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield women’s basketball team captured its fifth straight win Wednesday night, returning to Blake Arena with a bang, defeating Emmanuel College 65-42.
“I thought [we] came out and competed, I thought we were ready,” Springfield head coach Naomi Graves said.
The Pride found their rhythm early, jumping out to a 10-point lead after a quarter.
It wasn’t just Springfield’s offense that was firing on all cylinders, it was the defense too.
The Saints came into Wednesday’s contest averaging over 60 points per game and were coming off of a 90-point offensive explosion against Westfield State – but none of that mattered.
A frontcourt led by Angela Czeremcha and Lindsey Laughlan, who combined for three steals and two blocks, made sure baskets at the rim were hard to come by, while Jaélen Daubon, Rachel Vinton and Amanda Leary patrolled the perimeter, stonewalling Emmanuel from penetrating.
The strong defensive showing resulted in a 21-point halftime lead for the Pride.
“Our main focus in practice has been our defense,” Vinton said. “We do so many drills in practice, and with [scouting the opponent], and so we know what to do in the game. Our whole entire game starts with our defense.”
Another reason for Springfield’s lead was the ability to take care of the basketball. The Pride only accounted for four turnovers in the first half, and 10 total – their lowest mark of the season.
“We’re getting smarter [on the offensive end]” Graves said. “We have an unselfish team. We make the extra pass.”
With a big lead, Graves decided to go to her bench – playing a game-high 13 players – showcasing Springfield’s depth and talent its roster provides.
“We need to get deeper to know that we can play with anyone,” Graves said. “We’ve gotta keep everyone healthy. I can’t be playing [Vinton] or [Czeremcha] 37 minutes a night.”
After losing to Bowdoin on Sept. 11, the Pride have rattled off five straight wins – four of which have been by double-digits.
“I think our team is really serious about making a strong run this season,” Graves said.
Vinton agreed.
“This team is fully bought in, it doesn’t matter who’s scoring as long as we are,” she said. “This team is special because so many people can score. If it’s not their day, they’re doing the little things that no one else sees.”
Vinton, along with Czeremcha and Leary all finished in double digits, while Czeremcha recorded her third straight double-double in a 16-point, 15-rebound performance.
The Pride (6-1) will return to the court six days from now, where they’ll host Worcester St. next Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Springfield Athletics