MOON TOWNSHIP – The RMU women’s basketball team is busy preparing for their quarterfinal matchup against Northern Kentucky Thursday night at 5:30 p.m.
First-year head coach Chandler McCabe has continuously pointed to her pride in both her team and her staff, praising their hard work and dedication. McCabe pointed to her faith as a major motivating factor, saying everything she prayed for is coming true.
“I’m really proud of this group,” McCabe said. “We’ve been saying since Point Park the next game is the most important game on the schedule. We’ve been trying to have a normal week.”
Isys Grady and Mya Murray were also excited, commenting on their somewhat underdog status as the team was projected to be last in the league.
The program ended last season on an 18-game losing streak and had a breath of fresh air since McCabe was hired a year ago.
“No one likes to be told that they’re going to be last.” Murray said. “We like proving everyone wrong.”
On the court, the team reported their growth on the offensive side, as Murray reported the team was initially timid offensively, but players such as Grady drove the line, especially against zones. Defensively, the team is proud of their well-rounded roster, giving them a competitive edge in the league.
In order to win games, the game must mean something bigger to the players, and that is exactly the atmosphere Coach McCabe has worked to create. Through dedication and a special focus on relationship building, McCabe has built more than a team, she has built a family.
“Everything is relationship driven.” McCabe said. “The basketball stuff is great. It’s why we’re here. That’s why I’m getting paid. You have to put in and pour your life into these young people.”
The team has faced off with Northern Kentucky twice this season, with a 63-59 Colonial win at their most recent matchup on Feb. 16. Hopes are high for another victory, but the team cannot succeed without the support of the student body.
“The student section came and we started killing it,” McCabe said. “[The fans] seriously translate directly onto the floor for us when you come. So, we really hope you guys can turn out. We got some hats to give away.”
This season will go down in Colonial history, leaving this Quarterfinal to be a do-not-miss event.
