In Reply to: Re: A couple of other things that have changed for the better posted by Cachorro on March 10, 2026 at 11:26:10
What's changed - start with CLW at PG and Gianna Kneepkens in the lineup as well. Question was "what's changed?" Right there are two things that completely changed.
Last year, if they managed to stuff Lauren, we had to hope Londynn was having one of her good nights and her lack of size wasn't hurting us. THIS year there is Gianna and both Kiki and Gabriela are much improved three point shooters and CLW hits the three and Angela Dugalić can hit the three.
imo our defense is better this year. The bulk of the team is improved with another year's experience also..
And mentally we're better. The players are more confident and more experienced - which of course is part of why they're more confident. And they've learned from the loss to UConn and the loss to Texas - getting jumped at the start and falling so far behind that our comeback fell short.
The point about Ohio State is a good one - their quickness and athleticism is very impressive, It's kind of like the men's team playing Minnesota - they go five out, force you to play them one-on-one, everybody's out there like a cornerback out on an island by herself, Pass the ball around and move enough and you ought to get a good look at a shot. The team concept on defense isn't enough In that case, not alone. So yes, really quick and athletic teams are a challenge. We have to adjust and each and every player give it her all. Just as - on the other hand - our length especially on defense is our strength and every opponent has to deal with that as well.
Really looking forward to the tournament. On the women's side. And, with the men, hope we can continue our roll when it comes to opponents who play different styles - like Minnesota. Still feel Michigan is too tall for us inside plus have a number of terrific players - probably too much for us even playing our best. But where they are right now, having a chance to watch Donovan Dent play some more before he's done and Bilodeau - it's a real treat to get to do that. Hoping Dailey continues his growth and good play and watching Trent Perry and Eric Freeny is really fun. And Skyy Clark - sure hoping we get to watch him again next year but not holding my breath about that.
But four years since Gabriela and Kiki arrived on campus. What a joy this team has been and is. Pulling hard for them to finish it off and go all the way