By Aaron Heller //
Hood women’s basketball looks to throw out the last season and come back strong in 2024-25.
The Blazers finished last year with a 4-21 overall record and a 3-11 record in MAC Conference play.
Along with that, the Blazers did not win a single game on the road last year, going 0-13.
Senior forward Chanelle Lee hopes to do all she can to turn the upcoming season into a winning one.
“In order to improve the record we had last season, we need to continue to put in the work and give 110% of our energy every time we’re inside those four lines, whether it’s practice, a game, shoot around, etc.,” Lee said.
Senior guard Mari Faust is also looking to rally her team together so that they can all produce on the court this year.
Faust emphasized maintaining focus and effort throughout the entire game and avoiding slow starts or breakdowns in the second half. “Also, finishing strong and executing in high-pressure situations will make a big difference,” she said.
This season’s team will have coach DéRonté Polite’s first full recruiting class as the Blazers welcome nine new team members.
“With all our new incoming players and returners, we have plenty of talent that brings energy and depth to the team,” Faust said. “With all the new additions we have to the team, team chemistry is still developing and everyone is getting to know each other’s playing styles, strengths and personalities which takes some time, but this also means the team has a lot of room to grow together.”
The Blazers have yet to make an appearance in the MAC playoffs, with their last playoff appearance coming in the 2005-06 season while the Blazers were a part of the Atlantic Women’s College Conference. The Blazers won that year after defeating Mary Baldwin University 75-63 and went on to compete in the NCAA Championships.
“We have a very talented group of girls and a great coach, and I know this season my team will be able to compete with any team we come across,” Lee said. “As a team this season I hope we make a playoff appearance and even make it to the MAC Championship.”
The Blazers open their season on the road, followed by their first home game on Nov. 12 against Waynesburg University.
“I’m very positive that this season will be the best one yet,” Lee said.
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