Women's Basketball: Youth Sparks Lions

The year was supposed to be unpredictable for the Columbia women's basketball team. It was a year of changes as the team's seniors-who had survived four different head coaches over four years-would be leaving holes in the roster at the end of the season if the younger players did not step into the spotlight. Senior guards Megan Griffith, Brooke Carey, and Shasta Henderson had all seen a lot of playing time since their freshman year, while senior forward Becky Hogue was the only post player with significant experience down low.

But the freshmen, the first recruiting class selected by head coach Paul Nixon, did not disappoint. Freshman center Chelsea Frazier quickly became the go-to post player for the team, starting many conference games this year. She was supported by fellow freshmen centers Tracey Cole and Caitlin Stachon, who gave the team more depth and height than it had seen in recent years. In addition, the explosive duo of guards Danielle Browne and Sara Yee were able to support Griffith on the court, making the Lions a faster and more agile team.

When it came to action on the court, the season itself seemed to be just as unpredictable as the lineup.

Games that the Lions won easily the season before proved much more difficult this year, such as the loss to in-state rival St. Francis. Games that the Lions kept close in the 2005-06 season, like the matchup with Delaware State, became blowouts for the opposition this year.

But the Lions were also able to take past experiences and turn them around to add games to the win column. The 2005 game against Sacred Heart was a huge loss for the Lions, but this year's game went to overtime, with the Light Blue emerging victorious.

Looking at their record, though, it seems that the team hasn't made many improvements. The team's record changed from 6-21 in the 2005-06 season to 8-20 this year. But the two newly added wins came during conference play, when Columbia was able to upset Penn and Princeton, in addition to its now-expected victories over Yale.

The Penn and Princeton sweep was the first time that either basketball team at Columbia had a home-weekend sweep this season. It was also a morale-booster, as Penn and Princeton tied for fourth in the league, showing that Columbia could also be competitive in the league.

With Michele Gage returning to the court next year, and with the nation's best three-point shooter, Brittney Carfora, leading the way for the team, the Lions may finally have a season of stability in 2007-08.