Although Winter Term at DePauw is known as a time for students to relax, take a class outside their major or travel the world, the women's basketball team did not take a break or lose focus. Continuing their undefeated season with eight wins this Jan., they are ready to finish the season strong.
"We've had good performances from individuals, but our balance and depth is still one of our strengths," head coach Kris Huffman said. "Freshmen have seen opportunities to get in there and mix it up this January."
Playing Kenyon College for the first time at home on January 9th was a challenge for the Tigers. The 10-point win depended on DePauw's lead in the first half, 31-15.
"It was a battle through the whole second half," Huffman said. "They have two talented players, one guard and one forward which are hard to defend. They are a physical team."
Kenyon College was ready to play the Tigers the second time at Kenyon, but could not shut down top scorers, juniors Ali Ross with 17 points and Alex Gasaway with 15 points or top rebounder, senior, Ellie Pearson. With 5 minutes and 50 seconds left on the clock, DePauw only had an 11-point lead. They were able to run the floor for transition baskets to finish the game with a 20-point lead.
"It was a closer game than what the score said," Huffman said. "We were happy to get out with a win."
Even with Kenyon player, Maureen Hirt, scoring 26 points, the Tigers won their 39th straight regular season victory with a 77-57 win.
"It was a great win last night," Huffman said. "Kenyon is very talented and they had a great atmosphere in the gym."
DePauw has five more regular season games until the conference tournament this season. This weekend, they will compete against Allegheny College and Hiram College on Friday night and Saturday, both away games. Although the Tigers beat both teams by 36 and 42, they will be tough competition for the Tigers, with Allegheny recently beating Kenyon College.
"It's a tough week getting back from Kenyon last night and jumping on the road tomorrow," Huffman said. "The team has to just take care of themselves and come ready to play."