Sports

The Loyola University women’s lacrosse team has been honored as the 12th ranked team going into the 2011 season.  The Greyhounds will be led by seniors Grace Gavin, who was named 2011 preseason Big East offensive player of the year, Cara Filippelli, and Abby Rehfuss who were named to the 2011 preseason All-Big East team.  Other notable seniors– Meg Decker, Kellye Gallagher, Helen McCutcheon, Johanna Gibson, Mary Heneberry, Caroline Hager, Kelly Quinlan, and Meg Steffe will also help the Greyhounds this upcoming spring.  With a very vigorous schedule, the Greyhounds will have their hands full.  They will play eight teams that are ranked in nations top 20 Team Poll this spring.  The Greyhounds are in The Big East which is a very challenging conference, and it will certainly be a task for the Greyhounds.

The Loyola Greyhounds are on a run that can potentially take them to a land that they haven’t seen in quite sometime. This land I speak of has many treasures, treasures that a team strive for every year. The cryptic language I speak of may be freaking you out but don’t worry, it means something. So surely, many of you know that I am talking about Loyola’s great chances to actually win a MAAC Championship and find themselves in the beginning round of NCAA Tournament in March. In Conference play so far, they have found themselves 8-5 and continue to play strong on both sides of the court.

The women’s track and field team have been quite busy and have had some great accomplishments thus far. Track and field may not be a sport that everyone will want to go and watch and really support; however, as any sports enthusiast can attest to, track and field is a sport that requires true determination and the upmost need for real athleticism. In recent weeks, the girls of the women’s track and field have been proving that they clearly have nothing but the strong will and determination of a real athlete.

Swimming can be a very hard sport to follow but when you do develop the skills to be an avid and loyal fan, the benefits are endless. Loyola men’s and women’s swimming this year has been giving students so many reasons to follow these fine young athletes. From Freshman to Senior, each swimmer and diver has been contributing greatness to the name of Loyola Sports.

In Part 1 of this two part series, I spoke about Loyola’s offense needing some more passion and charisma. When looking at the other side of the court, the men’s basketball team seems to be lacking the power and strength that is needed to stay inside the paint and to keep other teams from penetrating and scoring. Also, it seems that the Greyhounds are not doing a great job at rebounds, which is a skill in which any nationally ranked team excels.

Thus far, it can be said that Loyola Men’s Basketball Team has not had some of the greatest breaks when it comes to getting wins instead of losses. The Greyhounds, as of today, are now 8-9 overall, having a 4-3 record in our conference, the MAAC. However, it is something that can not be totally looked upon with resentment and disappointment. The Greyhounds have had a very tough schedule since the beginning of the season, taking on #15 Georgetown and division rival, Fairfield.