Page 8 — LION’S EYE — February 9, 1996 ®. SPORTS &® Lady Lions Struggle to Fight Back By Michael Menichini Everything needed to be perfect for the women’s basketball team to have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs. With a record of 1-11, it’s obvious that the word "playoff" can be eliminated from the team's vocabulary list. The focus words for the remainder of the season should include: "Fundamentals", "fundamentals", and "fundamentals". “We are lacking the experience and fundamentals it takes to make this team gel together”, says Erin Donaldson, 2nd semester Liberal Arts. The team lost their experience when three of their top players went to University Park for spring semester. This has forced other women to play in awkward positions. It has affected them immensely. The only positive aspect that can be drawn from this year is that the women will have a season’s worth of experience heading into next year. This can be a huge asset in a league where virtually every team is learning to play with one another. Although the team may be in the doldrums, captain Erin Donaldson has given the team a glimmer of hope. Her three point shooting is keeping this team competitive. In their sole season win against PSU-York, Erin made an impressive six threes and finished the game with a career high 26 points. With the season half over, the women are anticipating a progressive change. “With each game, our team is getting better. 1 think we'll surprise some people down the stretch,” says Lauren McCabe, 2nd semester sport's medicine. With thirteen games remaining in the season, every game will be a battle. WOMEN'S BASKETBALL DATE OPPONENT TIME Feb 11 PSU Altoona 2:00 Feb 13 PSU Ogontz 6:00 Feb 15 PSU Mont Alto 6:00 Feb 17 Northampton C.C. 1:00 Feb 21 PSU York 6:00 Feb 24 EPCC Tournament TBA MEN'S BASKETBALL DATE OPPONENT TIME Feb 10 PSU Scranton 1:00 Feb 13 PSU Ogontz 8:00 Feb 15 PSU Mont Alto 8:00 Feb 21 PSU York 8:00 Home games in bold print. I OCK-TN FEBRUARY 10TH-17TH SIGN UP IN ROOM 137 OR 138IN THE COMMONS Lady Lions practice hard in preparation for their next game against PSU-Altoona on Feb. 11. Photo by Greg Jurkowski Playoffs Around Corner for Men’s B-Ball Give New Meaning to “We Are Penn State” By Pete Ranaudo The Delco men’s basketball team has made an impressive showing in the first half of the 95-96 season. The Lions flew out of the starting gate like a thoroughbred at the Kentucky Derby, winning 6 of their last 8 games. Currently the Lions stand at 9-5 overall and 6-3 in league play. “We are ready to make a statement by winning in the playoffs,” remarked an enthusiastic Chris Eggleston, the starting shooting guard. But just as the team chemistry began to work, something unfortunate happenned. The team came back from winter break to learn that they had lost teammates Vince Donia and Ron Bright, who had been great contributors to the team’s success. The Lions will especially miss Bright for his tenacious defense and the 18 points and 6 rebounds a game he took with him. Sophomore captain Mike Menichini commented, “We will miss Ronnie for his competitiveness and - athleticism.” One player remarked, “We are all frustrated by losing players, but all the coaches ask of us is to work hard and not to give up.” Head coach Bill Wiley is assisted by Joe Guinta, Joe DeMaio, and Dave Fisher. They command a team consisting of 6’4 sophomore/captain Pete Ranaudo, and 6'3 sophomore/ captain Mike Menichini, also seven freshmen, including 5°11 Steve Spinosa, 58 Jimmy Halligan, 6’3 Nick Kotsornithis, Intramurals in Full Swing; Participants Needed to Play In Ongoing Activities By Pete Ranaudo The intramural season is getting into full swing. Students can get involved in four very different activities; 3 on 3 basketball , floor hockey, badminton, and aerobics. “The intramural program is a way to get students physically involved in recreation, “ said Matt Clark, campus trainer and organizer of the intramurals. The activities are held in both the main and auxillary gyms during commons hour. On Mondays and Wednsedays floor hockey and basketball are played, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays badminton is played and aerobics classes are held. Teams are still being accepted to play in the contests; sign-up sheets are on the wall outside the Athletic Director's office in room 134 of the Commons building. Basketball teams need at least one woman on the floor at all times. Clark says this is to get women involved more in the games. In addition, the games will be as authentic as possible, with time limits and referees to officiate. One student remarked , “ Intramurals are lots of fun. It's good to get a workout a couple of times a week. “ For students who don’t know what to do with themselves at lunch time or have the urge to compete with others on campus, the intramural program is an excellent way to get the exercise they need and have fun at the same time. Everyone is welcome and Tiz Griffith , Athletic Director, encourages, “ We need more people out here!“ 6’1 Ben Craddock, 6’2 Chris Eggleston, 6’3 Mike Pralle, and 6°0 Jon Pettus. The Lions are on a roll coming down to the home stretch of the season and bulldozing into the playoffs with only 3 losses in league play. “We will win it all,” stated a confident Mike Pralle. All the players spoken with said that they were looking forward to playing the opening playoff game at home in front of a crazy, roaring crowd. One player stated that having homecourt advantage isn’t much of an advantage if there aren’t any fans at the games to intimidate the opposition and support the home team. So come out and support your Lions as they fight and claw their way to a championship. LACROSSE TRYOUTS Anyone interested in playing club lacrosse should report to the field across from the Athletic Center on the following dates, weather permitting: Mon., Feb. 19, 3:30 Wed., Feb. 21, 3:30 Fri., Feb. 23, 3:30 Mon., Feb. 26, 3:30 Wed., Feb. 28, 3:30 Thur., Feb. 29, 3:00. For more information, contact Dawei Yin at 668-1527 or dxy112.
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