Last weekend, Penn women’s basketball played its annual Red and Blue Scrimmage: a game designed to demonstrate what the team has to offer heading into the season ahead. Following a 15-13 finish last season, the Quakers have their sights set on a return to Ivy Madness and an improvement on last year’s controversial first-round exit.
It was abundantly clear during the scrimmage that the team’s returning stars are prepared to make their mark. Senior guard Stina Almqvist, a recently appointed captain, commanded the court from the beginning, with her slashing and low-post moves still in full effect. Coach Mike McLaughlin commended the leadership of Almqvist and senior guard Lizzy Groetsch, the team’s other new captain.
“In order to be a great leader, you gotta bring the best out of everyone,” McLaughlin said. “So I think we got two special ones.”
Another expected leader was sophomore guard Mataya Gayle. Coming off an incredible rookie season that saw her earn both Ivy League and Big 5 Rookie of the Year, expectations are high heading into year two. During the scrimmage, Gayle was quick on her feet and demonstrated the talent that will be critical to Penn’s success this season.
Gayle said that her stellar freshman year helped prepare her for the season ahead.
“Coming into my second year, now I know how competitive it is, and I just want to work harder,” Gayle said.
In terms of individual performance, it was also important to note that freshman guard Ashna Tambe played with the starters during the scrimmage, indicating that the coaching staff are expecting big things from her. Starting as a freshman is a major feat, so Tambe will be a player to watch this season.
The scrimmage was not without its issues, with several sloppy passes, indicating the team still has room to grow before the season begins. The Quakers are prepared to iron out those wrinkles.
“I think we’re still working on flowing the ball on offense, some of our defense-help rotations,” Groetsch said.
“I think everyone’s role is going to be a little bit different,” Almqvist said. “But I’m excited to see how it's going to play out.”
Role shifting and pieces moving can be hard to adjust to, so the team will most likely be focusing on getting comfortable with new responsibilities on the team. Gayle noted the team’s focus on “chemistry,” and that focal point will be critical as the group prepares for another season of stiff Ivy League competition.
“It’s just a really good league. It’s very talented kids,” McLaughlin said. “It’s a very well-coached league, you know; it’s going to be all about getting to the end result.”
Penn was picked to finish fourth in this year’s Ivy League preseason poll.
The Quakers will open their season on Nov. 8 against Merrimack, a team they defeated last season. Looking further, Penn is also preparing for the new Big 5 Classic, with this season marking the first year of the new pod format. McLaughlin emphasized the quality of the Red and Blue’s Big 5 opponents, Saint Joseph’s and Villanova, while Almqvist noted the additional enthusiasm brought on by the tournament format.
“I think it’s exciting,” Almqvist said. “It’s always exciting with the tournament. It makes every game more competitive.”
With strong upper and underclassmen leadership, along with promising rookies, the Quakers are prepared for the new season. And as with any new campaign, they have one goal in mind.
“Obviously our goal is to get to that championship,” Gayle said. “At least, from an underclassmen point of view, we want to do it for our seniors.”
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