The Le Moyne women’s basketball team has recently ended their pre-season workouts, beginning season practices last week. With the first game of the season occurring on Nov. 12, the team has been mainly focusing on getting into shape and running down the court. Having ended the 2010-2011 season with a 4-18 record in Northeast-10 play, the ‘Phins hope to garner a winning record this year through their focus and hard work in the off-season.

In the pre-season workouts, the team has been working to implement their practices and plays into the game format.

“Coach is looking for us to run the floor really well this season and push the ball up the floor. Our conditioning workouts focused on long distance and sprint work,” senior forward Katie Hart said. “He is also incorporating a new offense into our game plan so that has been new for both returners and freshmen. It is something different and will hopefully allow us to create more on offense as players.”

Senior center Emma Cronk transfered from Binghamton University this semester.

“Paced basketball, like transition is what requires explosive steps and getting up and down the floor as fast as you can,” Cronk said. “Practice is filled with many drills that help us achieve this goal, along with helping players know their positions on the floor and also their role on the team.

“We are specifically working on integrating plays within our system one play at a time and repetitively trying to perfect them with individual breakdown drills that help us understand what our scoring options are.”

Last year’s season was not as successful as the team had hoped, suffering disappointing losses. The team has bounced back from these losses, focusing on being positive for the upcoming season.

“Being a transfer from Binghamton University, I was not a part of the squad last year, but I know I am excited to be here and help this team accomplish great things,” Cronk said. “I know the wins were limited last year and so a goal of winning more games this season is definitely on everyones’ goal list.

“The hardest thing is keeping a positive attitude all year as road games get tougher as the season goes on, practices are long, schoolwork increases near exams, etc. Being positive will help us achieve our goal of winning as practices will go by quicker and games will bring us all closer,” she added.

Hart reinforced these positive thoughts and reflected on the previous season.

“The team this year is working really hard and every one of us is so competitive that every day we are pushing each other more and more in practice. I think this is a great thing because if we can be this competitive in practice then hopefully it will carry over into games,” Hart said. “We have the biggest team we’ve had yet since I have been at school, I really think we could use our size and speed to our advantage.”

Hart and Cronk are two of three seniors on the squad this year, along with Morgan Rowland.

Entering her last season of collegiate basketball, Hart has “been working really hard this season because as a senior it is my last go-around. I just want to leave it all on the court this year and have no regrets. I do not want to look back and think I could have worked harder on some days. I just really want our team to have a great season this year and I will work as hard as I can to be a contributing factor in our success.”

Additionally, Cronk has been focusing on being a team leader.

“Being a senior I know that I am encouraged to lead this year. Being a leader my last three years at Binghamton, I feel that this is an expectation that I am familiar with. With having six freshmen come in this season, we have quite a young team so communication is essential within practice and in games,” Cronk said. “This being my last year to play basketball, every player wants to end on a good note. This is my last year to play college basketball and having a team that is confident in what we do, understands what we are trying to accomplish and gives it 100 percent all the time is what this team is all about, and I know our team is going to be ready for the competition ahead.”

Both seniors are positive towards the upcoming season, feeling ready to dominate games this year. With six new freshman, and the addition of Cronk, the team is new and young.

“Half our team is new and we have a new offense. We are starting fresh and hopefully that will transition into a winning season,” Hart said.

Through these new additions the team has come together, aiming to start strong.

“We started off on a good note and we just have to keep this energy up as our first scrimmage is just around the corner,” Cronk said. “We have a very fast team, with posts that can run the floor and spot up shooters that can get to their spots quickly for an open shot. It is going to be a great season so I hope we can encourage fans to come support us as we have a lot to offer and we’ve been working hard to show everyone what we can do this year! Go Dolphins!”