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The women’s basketball team is not having the season they were hoping for. With a disappointing record of 4-14, the women are struggling to snap out of a fourteen game losing streak. “I’m not one for excuses, we are what we are,” said head coach Joanne Renn. “We are doing the best that we can.” The two most recent losses occurred over the weekend with games against Bridgewater College and Eastern Mennonite University. The women struggle to stay in the game when it comes down to the last five minutes. The majority of the games played have little difference in the score, not losing by more than thirteen points.
“We have had a lot of close games,” said junior tri-captain Devin
Allen. “That is what makes it so frustrating, the score is so close.”
Though these are rough times for the Lady Marlins, they still remain optimistic
about up-and-coming games. Although they have cut practice times by half an
hour and done away with early morning practices, the team continues to work
harder than ever. The team shows determination while they take it one game at
a time. “I won’t lose hope in my team,” said junior Leah Starkey.
“We will be that team that blows everyone’s minds.”
With only six games left, the women hope to bring home a few more wins and make
it to the ODAC tournament. The team will host Hollins University at 7 p.m. on
Fri. Feb.,14.
The golf team is practicing and preparing for what could be a very successful spring season. With a roster of 13, including one senior, two juniors, six sophomores, and four freshmen, the spring season is looking promising for the team. Due to the number of players on the roster, head coach Jeremy Marks will have to decide who he will take to tournaments based on a player’s performance in practices and at tournaments. The team is currently scheduled to attend seven tournaments this spring. Marks usually takes five or six players to a tournament at a time, and not all players are guaranteed a tournament trip. Marks has high hopes for the spring season. “I am looking forward to coming off the momentum we had during the fall season, finishing second in the state tournament,” said Marks.
The team stunned the 10 teams competing in the 2002 Virginia State Division III Championship tournament by finishing second in the tourney hosted by the Shenandoah Valley Country Club. The Marlins recorded their best showing in the state tourney by pulling together for a 626 total over 72 holes, which is the fourth lowest score in Virginia Wesleyan history. The effort topped the previous best, a 633 recorded in last year’s tournament in which VWC placed fourth in a field of 11 teams. The current group of Marlin golfers has recorded three of VWC’s top four 72-hole scores in 2002. VWC’s record score is 600, carded in 1981. The state tournament was the final competition of the fall schedule for the Marlins. Unfortunately for the Marlins, sophomore Lance Roberson, who made tremendous contributions in the state tourney, did not return to VWC this semester. Roberson’s final score in the tourney was 151. Not only was his final score his career-low at VWC, but it was also the fifth best 36-hole score in VWC history. Roberson placed third overall among the tournament’s top 10 scorers. There is no doubt that Roberson’s presence may make a difference in the fate of the team this spring season.
“Everyone is going to have to step it up out there with the loss of Lance,” said junior Larry Antinozzi. “Everyone is going to have to practice a lot harder.” The team has two practice tee-times a day, at 2:30 and 4. Depending on when players have class, they are expected to be on the course at Cypress Point at one of those times each day. “We hold our own fate, as it is up to us to use our time wisely,” said Antinozzi. “Sometimes we see coach out there at practice, and sometimes we don’t. We are pretty much on our own.” The Marlins play in their first tournament on Mon. Feb. 24, in an Old Dominion Athletic Conference match at Guilford College.
It’s a whole new ball game for the men’s baseball team this season. After losing to Bridgewater College in the ODAC Tournament last year, they have decided that things need to change. There have been a lot of positive changes to the baseball program this year, including a new assistant coach, Kevin Flannigan, a former player of the New York Yankees. They have also added pitching coach Chris Francis and nine freshmen to their squad. Nick Boothe returns as head coach.
Sophomore pitcher Adam Hamilton said, “We actually have someone to motivate us and really improve our pitching skills. Last year we didn’t have a separate pitching coach.” The team also has very strong leadership this year. The Marlins are led by senior captains TJ Adams, John Kasiski, Danny Rosendale, and Brandon Elliott. They all have very high hopes and expectations set for this season. “Our intensity level is very high,” said Rosendale. “Everybody wants an ODAC title this year and we are all very dedicated.”
After struggling last season, the men have decided to use all of their frustration and desire for the game to turn things around this year. “Positive attitudes is our biggest change from last year,” said sophomore Mike Supa. “We all want to win and are willing to work very hard for it.” Not only are the players assured of a successful season, but the coaching staff is also very confident.
“Our expectations are very high,” said Boothe. “We are looking forward to making the tournament and having great success.” During the Marlin’s preseason there have been many indicators that they will have a prosperous year. Team unity has been a huge factor for them. They have also been working harder and the pitching is stronger. “The emergence of our younger players and the leadership from the upper classman is the key to having a strong season,” said Flannigan. Senior captain TJ Adams has a similar outlook on the season. “As a senior, my hopes and expectations are very high for this year,” Adams said. “Thankfully a very strong group of freshmen have come in that will compliment our returning squad tremendously.”
The players and coaches are all looking forward to starting their season. “This
team has been a pleasure to be around,” said Boothe. “They are all
very hard workers. Their parents have done a great job raising these kids.”
The Marlins have their first game, which is home, on Wed., Feb. 19 at 2:30 against
Chowan College.
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