The Playoffs are just around the corner for the Drury Women’s Basketball team. March 3rd will kick off the GLVC tournament and will be the first step for the Panthers in their quest for a title.

The women’s basketball team has been nothing but phenomenal for three years and counting now. They have risen to be one of, if not the greatest program in the country. The three-year stretch of dominance has included a staggering 81-6 record, a 32-0 season, and a national championship game appearance.

The Panthers remain hungry for a chance to win a national title. After going 32-0 in the 2019-2020 season, Covid would cancel the national tournament. The next season brought a focus and drive to get to the title game that they deserved after the incredible season they had accomplished the previous year. The Panthers were able to destroy in the regular season and make a run to the 2021 title game. In a fierce battle, the Panthers would fall just short of their ultimate goal as they were defeated by Lubbock Christian. The grind of long championship runs now has become the standard for the players and that is certainly the case for this season.

Forward Azia Lynch powers through a block for an easy two points. Lynch has pulled down more than 60 rebounds this season on the offensive and defensive side for the Lady Panthers. Photo by Byron King.

Forward Bella Sparaco echoed this belief, “It’s less of a goal and more of the expectation at Drury as a Women’s Basketball player. The standard is to win. There’s a huge emphasis on the national title this season because we’re more than capable of coming home with a ring in March.”

Sparaco also believes the Panthers have a mental edge over the competition thanks to the shared energy and drive this team has to win. Sparaco explained how “A lot of teams by playoff time are really gassed and ready to be done. I think going in every day with a positive attitude does a lot. Also, encouraging my teammates and bringing great energy to every workout, practice and game is more important than a lot of people understand.”

Terrion Moore from Kansas City, Kansas shoots a three. Moore finished the game against Missouri S&T with 9 points, 4 assists, and 3 forced turnovers. Photo by Byron King.

Senior guard Paige Robinson also has high expectations for this team. The Panthers are currently 25-4 with two games left before the GLVC tournament. Robinson believes that the team is ready for what’s ahead and they are all focused on one goal.

Robinson remarked that “We’ve had a really great start to the season so far and I expect us to build onto that. We know our end goal so we’re going to do everything in our power to accomplish that.”

When asked what makes this team special, Robinson stated that “This team is special because it has a deep roster that brings a lot of skill to the table. Everyone brings their A-game every day to practice, workouts and games.”

Special, a perfect word to describe what this run has been and what these players have meant for the university. The whole campus is excited to continue watching and supporting our Panthers. We have their back and are ready to watch them do some damage this postseason.

Article by Payton Hannah, featured photo by Byron King