Loyola Ramblers WBB Team Improves to 9-4

I was back "On the Beat" as Loyola Ramblers women's basketball team defeated St. Bonaventure 57-40 to improve their record to 9-4. It was the perfect way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon.

The Ramblers started a bit slowly. The game was tied after Q1 and the Ramblers were up by only one at halftime. The second half was quite different. An 11-6 Q3 and an even better 28-17 Q4 sealed the victory. Emma Theordorsson and Naelle Bernard tied or the team scoring lead with 13 points. Theodorsson also led in rebounds with eight. Sitori Tanin led with two blocks and five players tied with two steals each.

The win evened the team's A10 Conference record at 1-1. They sit in 8th place of the 15 team conference. Of course, A10 Conference play just started.

Here are some team leaders through the first 13 games:

Games played-13: Bernard, Tanin, Theodorsson, Thoranna Kika Hodge-Carr and Jess Finney

Games Started: 13: Bernard, Tanin and Finney

Points Avg-11.o: Bernard

Rebound Avg-4.9: Theodorsson

Blocks-12: Tanin

Steals-16: Tanin

Assists-42: Kira Chivers

I have been so impressed with Coach Allison Guth from her initial press conference. Likewise, I have seen the team form into something special. There is a positive vibe around the team that is hard to describe even for a writer. I have been fortunate enough to see this build from my courtside seat.

The Ramblers were 15-16 last year. I predicted a .500 finish, which is close enough. This year, I predicted 20 wins and the team is definitely on pace, although the schedule does get tougher, but the Ramblers will continue to improve, too. Gentile Arena and Ramblers fans are in for exciting basketball.

The team is off until Thursday, January 2, when they start a two game road trip at Dayton, to be followed by a Sunday game at George Washington. They finally return home Wednesday, January 9 to host Virginia Commonwealth University.