The last time we covered the Calvin women’s basketball team, the Knights held a 5-0 record heading into conference play. A little over a month later, the team continues their streak, sporting a 13-0 overall record with 6 wins against conference opponents.
Calvin was undefeated entering their first conference matchup with Albion. The Knights cruised to a 84-57 win. Next on the conference calendar was Trine University, a team that currently sits fourth overall in the conference. Calvin was three points shy of the century mark as they defeated Trine 97-50.
After two consecutive wins versus non-conference opponents, Calvin played three games in a span of eight days, all of them resulting in wins against conference rivals.
Calvin defeated Olivet, Adrian and Alma 83-73, 76-53 and 101-73 respectively. The team has shown its grit and resilience throughout the season, something echoed everyday in practice as noted by head coach John Ross.
“Our practices are very competitive as we have 15 players that really get after it and work hard. We are constantly working on getting better with our run and jump press and our 1-2-2 press. We also do our best not to do the same drill on consecutive days,” said Ross.
According to Ross, one of the significant reasons that the Knights are undefeated halfway into their schedule is consistent play from team veterans and the game-to-game effort of every player on the team. There have been three different leading scorers in Calvin’s past five conference games with significant support from reserves Kelsey Pollock, Anna Timmer, Ali Spayde and Bre Luurtsema.
“We continue to get contributions from several different players each game,” said coach Ross.
Seniors Breanna Verkaik, Kayla Engelhard and Hannah Acre, are team leaders in points and assists per game, continuing to lead the charge of the full-fledged team effort.
“Our success so far this season would be due to the team as a whole,” said Verkaik. “I have a lot of faith in this team and know that if we set our minds to it and keep working together as a unit we will be able to accomplish a lot.”
The team stands atop the conference tied with rival Hope College, who they will face in Holland on Saturday the 17th at 3:00 p.m.
