Women's Basketball: Finally, a taste of consistency

In a season of inconsistency, the Bulldogs, for one weekend, felt what it's like to be on a roll. For the first time this season, the women took two straight games, beating Columbia 82-52 on Fri., Feb. 6, and Cornell 60-45 on Sat., Feb. 7. The Blue (10-10, 4-4 Ivy) did it with surprising ease, as evidenced by their combined 35-point margin of victory. In its win over Cornell, the squad had two solid performances from a pair of junior veterans. Katy Grubbs, SM '99, scored 13 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while Autumn Braddock, BK '99, tallied 14 points. Grubbs netted 22 points in the game against the Lions.

Julia Tiernan/YH Katy Grubbs (13), SM '99, has been a leader all season.

Still, it was the defense that carried the Bulldogs to a strong weekend. "Defense is key," Braddock said. "All season we've been waiting for our offense and defense to click at the same time. This weekend, it happened." With a tough weekend coming, the squad looks for a continued defensive stand against Pennsylvania on Fri., Feb. 13 and Princeton on Sat., Feb. 14. "We need payback on Princeton," Braddock said of the Elis' intention to avenge their 69-58 loss to the Tigers on Fri., Jan. 9. "We played well in two straight games...and we hope that our good play continues."

The Tigers and Quakers are a combined 10-4 in the league, and currently are tied for second in the Ancient Eight behind Harvard. "It's definitely a big weekend," Braddock added. "We have to play consistently."

--Albert Chen

Back to Sports...