Women's hoops tries to learn from ACC losses

There is a different feeling this year. If you were to ask those affiliated with the women's basketball program about this young season, that's what they would all say. Call it a sense of dedication, of promise, of youth; the team has a new aura about it as it looks toward what could be the program's most successful season in years.

Though the Tigers (1-3) got off to a rough start with losses to basketball powerhouses Georgia Tech and Wake Forest, the team's elevated level of play bodes well for the rest of the season.

"For 60 of the 80 minutes of play, we outplayed and outperformed two ACC teams," Barron said. "I'm pleased with the hustle and tenacity we showed in both games. It is important that we now learn from those games as we prepare for the remaining schedule."

Tonight's game at Wagner should provide the opportunity for Princeton to prove that it truly is a different team this year, and that it can learn from close losses and incorporate those lessons into future competitions while distancing itself from the dismal performances of past years.

Those lessons, many of which have been haunting the program for years, include execution on offense, rebounding and remaining focused throughout the game.

"We need to work on executing offensively the entire 40 minutes, and also playing smart in close game situations," junior co-captain Ali Smith said. "We want to bring the same intensity, focus and energy that we had against Georgia Tech to our game against Wagner."

With the adrenaline running after last weekend's big games, the team is eager to take on the Northeast Conference's Seahawks (0-3). When the two squads last met — in 2003 — the Tigers won the game by a 21-point margin, 65-44. Princeton outshot Wagner from the field and dominated the three-point statistics. The Seahawks, however, did post better free-throw numbers, of which, following the Tigers' fouling frenzy against Georgia Tech, Princeton will have to be wary.

The Tigers' three big contributors from the last Wagner game, sophomore Katy Digovich, and juniors Becky Brown and Katy O'Brien, are all returning and have already posted impressive numbers this season. Cementing this core is the freshman talent that has been delivering so far this year.

Princeton, however, cannot take anything for granted, as Wagner is not without strengths of its own. The Seahawks are returning several of last year's stars and have enough depth to depend on an array of players to contribute baskets, which will test the Tigers' inconsistent defensive abilities.

"This is a huge game for us. We need to prove to ourselves that we can play well away from home," Barron said. "We also need to guard against any letdowns after playing such highly regarded programs as Wake Forest and Georgia Tech. These games count just as much in the win/loss columns."

Win or lose, Wagner will be the beginning of a long journey for Princeton, and the players know it is up to them to capitalize on and make the most of the opportunity given to them.

"This team has a different personality," head coach Richard Barron said. "Our three captains are seeing the bigger picture and understanding what is necessary to compete at a D-I level. As they continue to grow, so will the team."