Crusader Nation

4 Crusader Nation • Winter 2015 also knows the challenges that lie ahead to grab trophy number 12. The 2014-15 season ended in disappointment — an upset loss to Lehigh in the Patriot League tournament — which followed three straight seasons of champi- onship game appearances, but no titles. If the team ever needed an extra push heading into this season, there it is. "We got there but didn't win, and that means we weren't good enough," said Raquel Scott, a senior cap- tain. "That's our motivation. We shouldn't be comfortable with where we are now." And where they are, on the precipice of a new season, is in the gym, getting ready for a loaded non-conference schedule followed by a typically challenging league slate. It will be a months- long grind, for sure, but early signs suggest this year's out- fit has the chance to equal past feats and add another title to the trophy case. "With the senior leadership, the good mix of young and veteran players, and the hunger I've seen, there's a similar feeling this year to a lot of those [champion- ship] years," said Coach Bill Gibbons, who is entering his 31st season as Head Coach at Holy Cross. "It's a long journey and a lot of things can happen, but I'm really excited about the upcoming season." Starting over but starting strong That journey began nearly as soon as the final whistle sounded on March 6, 2015, when the Crusaders fell to the Mountain Hawks in the league quarterfinals at the Hart Center. The defeat served as a reminder of how cruel tournaments can be: win and you keep playing, lose and your season is over. "It was one of the worst games we had all season," said Scott, a First Team All- Patriot League selection last season. From that, however, has sprung the 2015-16 team's motto: All in. As in, all in during individual summer workouts straight through preseason, non-conference play, the league season and the league tournament. As in, all in with the singular goal of winning the pro- gram's 12th Patriot League title. "We don't want the pit in our stomachs from another loss," said Lisa Mifsud, a guard and one of the team's four se- niors. "It's all about working hard, preparing and being ready to win the league." That foundation gets laid during the summer, when the onus falls on each indi- vidual player to maintain her conditioning and basketball sharpness. "It's not an easy job, not with so many play- ers also juggling internships and various commitments, but it's a vital period," said senior guard Kate Gillespie. "That is where the discipline and responsibility come in," she said. "How hard are you working when no one's watching?" The proof came when the team reconvened on campus in September to start the fall semester: "All the players came back in shape," said sophomore guard Katie Doherty, a Patri- ot League All-Rookie team pick last season. "It looked like everyone worked hard in the summer to stay in shape and fix the things they needed to work on." Not that their coach would have expected any less of a team that returns nine of its top 10 players from a year ago. "I know the women have worked very hard this summer," Gibbons said. "That drive is there to get the trophy back and hang another banner." New and improved Winning the league title would further another of the program's and the players' goals: raising the profile Coach Gibbons reinforces his game plan. First Team and Academic All-Patriot League player Raquel Scott '16 lines up a shot.

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