The women’s basketball team began the 2010-2011 season with a 7-3 record. It was the team’s best start in university history.
The team recorded more home wins than any other season.
However, as Sunshine State Conference play began on Dec. 4, the team struggled to maintain their record. At home, the Sharks lost to Eckerd College and lower ranked team and rival Lynn University. On Jan. 23, they lost to the University of Tampa. On Jan. 26, they lost to Florida Southern University, the number one team in the SSC.
The team also struggled on the road. They’ve only won two away games so far.
Kathrine Higier, women’s basketball interim assistant coach said the team’s low performance may negatively affect players’ performance for the rest of the season. “I just think it is a mental barrier,” said Higier. “Getting up for away games is really important in this league and we’re going to have to turn it around in the second half [of the season].”
Priscilla Perez, senior guard, biology major, said, “We start off really flat, and for some reason, we don’t really get started until the second half.”
Perez said it’s up to the players to boost the team’s performance.
“We’re physically prepared. Our coaches do a great job preparing us, but until we change our mindset and change our attitude we aren’t going to win any games,” said Perez.
However, Quinessa “Q” Johnson, junior guard, psychology major said it is a heavy task.
“We have more pressure on us now to win games at the end of the season and it won’t be easy,” said Johnson.
