Season Review 2013-2014
On Wednesday, March 26th the Cambridge Women’s Blues Basketball team finished their extraordinary season with a fantastic 57-point victory over Bedford 1sts in the BUCS Conference Cup Final. This win perfectly capped off a season of unprecedented success, during the course of which the team swept away their competition, taking the triple crown of Conference Cup, BUCS League, and Varsity.
The Blues and
Coach Blaine Landis following their victory at Varsity
Following a large turn-out of enthusiastic players at try-outs, both the Blues and the Panthers fielded strong teams, and even at this early stage, optimism for a successful season was beginning to grow. The Blues were victorious in all but one of their BUCS games during Michaelmas term, giving them a strong advantage entering Lent term. Increasingly intensive training sessions and friendly games with strong neighbouring teams helped to propel the Blues to new heights. Cambridge's hard work led to their triumph in every BUCS game in this term, the team scoring more than 100 points in a single game on multiple occasions. These successes gave the Blues confidence for their greatest challenge of the season, taking on their Oxford rivals at Varsity.
Varsity was a resounding success for both the Panthers and the Blues, with both teams defeating their inferior dark blue opponents with style. Coached by former players Laura Tosatto and Stacy Gilfillan, the Panthers secured their fourth consecutive win against the Oxford 2nds in a close-fought encounter. At the end of the tense game, the score remained tied in the final few minutes of the fourth quarter, until Cambridge managed to break away with a four-point lead. With a final score of 52-48, the Panthers maintained their undefeated streak at Varsity since the inception of the Second Team in 2010.
Following a large turn-out of enthusiastic players at try-outs, both the Blues and the Panthers fielded strong teams, and even at this early stage, optimism for a successful season was beginning to grow. The Blues were victorious in all but one of their BUCS games during Michaelmas term, giving them a strong advantage entering Lent term. Increasingly intensive training sessions and friendly games with strong neighbouring teams helped to propel the Blues to new heights. Cambridge's hard work led to their triumph in every BUCS game in this term, the team scoring more than 100 points in a single game on multiple occasions. These successes gave the Blues confidence for their greatest challenge of the season, taking on their Oxford rivals at Varsity.
Varsity was a resounding success for both the Panthers and the Blues, with both teams defeating their inferior dark blue opponents with style. Coached by former players Laura Tosatto and Stacy Gilfillan, the Panthers secured their fourth consecutive win against the Oxford 2nds in a close-fought encounter. At the end of the tense game, the score remained tied in the final few minutes of the fourth quarter, until Cambridge managed to break away with a four-point lead. With a final score of 52-48, the Panthers maintained their undefeated streak at Varsity since the inception of the Second Team in 2010.
The Panthers and coaches Laura Tosatto and Stacy Gilfillan
The Blues game, although not as close-fought, was still just as exciting to watch, with fast-paced action from the tip-off. Co-captain Ashley Armstrong opened the scoring with five points within the first minute, and fierce fast breaks from Paloma Navarro and Hillary Costello kept up the momentum throughout the game. 3-pointers from Michelle Quay and strong work under the boards by Stephanie Polderdijk and Tatjana Brenninkmeijer helped to maintain the double digit lead until the final whistle. The game ended with an incredible final score of 79-47, representing the first Varsity win for the Cambridge 1sts since 2007 and only their second win in over twelve years.
Fresh from their remarkable performance at Varsity, the team smashed their competition in the final game of the BUCS league, defeating Cranfield University by a decisive 20 points. This result secured the team first place in their BUCS division, with a goal difference 124 points higher than that of the second place competitors. In a league that tests the quality of a sports team on a national scale, the success in both League and Conference Cup represents an impressive achievement for the team, reflecting the players' immense work and commitment to the club this season. Head coach, Blaine Landis, deserves recognition for his dedication this year as well. The team deeply appreciates his contagious optimism and constant encouragement, inspiring every player to train their hardest and seize every available opportunity on the court.
The Blues game, although not as close-fought, was still just as exciting to watch, with fast-paced action from the tip-off. Co-captain Ashley Armstrong opened the scoring with five points within the first minute, and fierce fast breaks from Paloma Navarro and Hillary Costello kept up the momentum throughout the game. 3-pointers from Michelle Quay and strong work under the boards by Stephanie Polderdijk and Tatjana Brenninkmeijer helped to maintain the double digit lead until the final whistle. The game ended with an incredible final score of 79-47, representing the first Varsity win for the Cambridge 1sts since 2007 and only their second win in over twelve years.
Fresh from their remarkable performance at Varsity, the team smashed their competition in the final game of the BUCS league, defeating Cranfield University by a decisive 20 points. This result secured the team first place in their BUCS division, with a goal difference 124 points higher than that of the second place competitors. In a league that tests the quality of a sports team on a national scale, the success in both League and Conference Cup represents an impressive achievement for the team, reflecting the players' immense work and commitment to the club this season. Head coach, Blaine Landis, deserves recognition for his dedication this year as well. The team deeply appreciates his contagious optimism and constant encouragement, inspiring every player to train their hardest and seize every available opportunity on the court.
Cambridge tops the
BUCS leader board!
This year's team consisted of a range of veteran Cambridge players, whose experience and knowledge complemented the enthusiasm brought by the players just beginning their Cambridge adventure. Through weeks on training and team bonding, both on and off the court, a great chemistry between the players developed and this unmatchable sense of camaraderie undoubtedly helped the team in achieving all their desired goals.
The club will be sad to see the departure of some long-standing players, as their studies in Cambridge come to an end this year. Forward Stephanie Polderdijk has played for both the Panthers and the Blues, displaying an inspirational dedication year after year. Sara Merino, a player who thrives in high pressure situations, has also played her last game with the club. Her positive attitude and infamous buzzer beaters will definitely be missed. The club owes a lot to former captain, and two-time ‘Player's Player’, Hillary Costello. Her determination under the boards was inspiring to watch, forcing her team mates to play smart and strong, just to keep up.
This year's team consisted of a range of veteran Cambridge players, whose experience and knowledge complemented the enthusiasm brought by the players just beginning their Cambridge adventure. Through weeks on training and team bonding, both on and off the court, a great chemistry between the players developed and this unmatchable sense of camaraderie undoubtedly helped the team in achieving all their desired goals.
The club will be sad to see the departure of some long-standing players, as their studies in Cambridge come to an end this year. Forward Stephanie Polderdijk has played for both the Panthers and the Blues, displaying an inspirational dedication year after year. Sara Merino, a player who thrives in high pressure situations, has also played her last game with the club. Her positive attitude and infamous buzzer beaters will definitely be missed. The club owes a lot to former captain, and two-time ‘Player's Player’, Hillary Costello. Her determination under the boards was inspiring to watch, forcing her team mates to play smart and strong, just to keep up.
A pre-varsity team bonding session
Another player the club will be sad to let go is leading scorer Ashley Armstrong, an extraordinary athlete who truly deserved her recognition as this year's ‘Most Valuable Player.' From the very beginning of the season, Armstrong inspired the team to work harder and play stronger. Though her passion and skill were clearly evident on the scoresheet after every game, no less significant were the intangibles she brought to the team as a leader. Her aggressive drives and ambitious passes continued to amaze even her own teammates until the very last game.
Despite losing these players, however, a strong squad will be returning with high hopes for continued success next year. Paloma Navarro has been appointed captain, and the team are excited for the enthusiasm this fiercely intense point guard will bring to the position. Elena Loche, a formidable defender, who has also successfully made the transition from the Panthers to the Blues, will also be returning to share her experience with new players. The return of current captain Maya Beano, who’s constant positive presence and shots that need to be seen to be believed, gives additional hope for continued success next year. Great things are also expected from freshers Molly Lewis, who struggled with injury this season but showed unfaltering dedication, and Tatjana Brenninkmeijer, voted this year's ‘Most Improved Player’. Finally, first-year PhD students Michelle Quay and Suil Collins have bounced back from their break from the game in their undergrad years, and are already excited to start the next season with as much enthusiasm and success as this one ended on.
Overall, the year has been tremendously successful for the club, and would not have been possible without the commitment of the players, coaching team and members of the CUWBbC committee, especially the ever-organised secretary Elena Loche, treasurer Ada Lo, president Sophie Miller and vice president Ira Guha, who kept things running smoothly both on and off the court.
Head Coach Blaine Landis reflected, "This team has been phenomenal from the start. This squad is the winningest team in Cambridge women's basketball history, having won the division, handed Oxford a decisive loss in the varsity match, and won the conference cup in resounding fashion. I’m incredibly proud of our achievements this year, and already look forward to the opportunities next year will bring.”
Another player the club will be sad to let go is leading scorer Ashley Armstrong, an extraordinary athlete who truly deserved her recognition as this year's ‘Most Valuable Player.' From the very beginning of the season, Armstrong inspired the team to work harder and play stronger. Though her passion and skill were clearly evident on the scoresheet after every game, no less significant were the intangibles she brought to the team as a leader. Her aggressive drives and ambitious passes continued to amaze even her own teammates until the very last game.
Despite losing these players, however, a strong squad will be returning with high hopes for continued success next year. Paloma Navarro has been appointed captain, and the team are excited for the enthusiasm this fiercely intense point guard will bring to the position. Elena Loche, a formidable defender, who has also successfully made the transition from the Panthers to the Blues, will also be returning to share her experience with new players. The return of current captain Maya Beano, who’s constant positive presence and shots that need to be seen to be believed, gives additional hope for continued success next year. Great things are also expected from freshers Molly Lewis, who struggled with injury this season but showed unfaltering dedication, and Tatjana Brenninkmeijer, voted this year's ‘Most Improved Player’. Finally, first-year PhD students Michelle Quay and Suil Collins have bounced back from their break from the game in their undergrad years, and are already excited to start the next season with as much enthusiasm and success as this one ended on.
Overall, the year has been tremendously successful for the club, and would not have been possible without the commitment of the players, coaching team and members of the CUWBbC committee, especially the ever-organised secretary Elena Loche, treasurer Ada Lo, president Sophie Miller and vice president Ira Guha, who kept things running smoothly both on and off the court.
Head Coach Blaine Landis reflected, "This team has been phenomenal from the start. This squad is the winningest team in Cambridge women's basketball history, having won the division, handed Oxford a decisive loss in the varsity match, and won the conference cup in resounding fashion. I’m incredibly proud of our achievements this year, and already look forward to the opportunities next year will bring.”
The Blues team show off their BUCS Conference Cup gold medals!