For two straight weeks, Drury University’s women’s basketball team has been the No. 1 Division II team in the nation. Junior starter Daejah Bernard explains how the Lady Panthers made it here.

“I definitely think we got here from a lot of hard work, our coaches believing in us, us believing in each other, and well, winning games, I guess,” said Bernard, laughing.

New faces

Every team has pre-game jitters, but the Lady Panthers started the season with uncertainty.

“Coming into the year, we were nervous because there were a lot of new faces on our team. Lots of transfers and freshman. But we clicked fast and that’s really important to have success. I think at first, the freshmen were overwhelmed, but the upperclassmen really helped them take on their roles. We go well together,” said Bernard.

The team got this far through great teamwork, but talent is also at play. They have many strengths, but Bernard attributes their success to one in particular.

“As a team, we have true scorers, but on any given day any one of us can be the top scorer, and scoring points is what wins the game. Me personally, I’m usually defensive, but I can score, too. It’s important,” explained Bernard.

Photo via Drury Athletics.

Support

Bernard especially wanted to thank the team of coaches and personnel that push the Lady Panthers to be their best.

“Our coaches are very close with us, and they work very hard and try to be there for us even outside of basketball,” said Bernard.

For the first time in 14 years, the Lady Panthers have held the No. 1 spot in WBCA/NCAA-II coaches’ poll for two weeks straight. The team is currently undefeated, pulling 21-0, and scoring a total of 1,763 points so far.

But the season isn’t over yet. The Lady Panthers will play the University of Missouri – St. Louis at the annual Overflow the O this Saturday, Feb. 9. Bernard is confident that the gym will be filled.

“Overflow the O is usually packed anyway, but I think since we’re doing so well, the numbers are definitely going to grow,” she said.

Continue to support your Lady Panthers by attending home games and cheering loud!

Article by Delilah Gadd.