The Badger women's basketball team went 0-2 over the weekend and will have a short week of practice to prepare for the Jackrabbits of South Dakota State Thursday.
Recently the Badgers have played two highly competitive contests against No. 11 Notre Dame and Marquette. The 4-2 Jackrabbits should provide the Badgers with somewhat of a break after their aggressive weekend; however, UW head coach Lisa Stone knows that she must keep her team focused on the task at hand.
"Every game is dangerous, there is not an easy one on the schedule. I'm happy we are playing at home, I like what I saw in our team and in our work ethic and effort [Sunday]," Stone said.
Despite the loss, the team responded very well to Notre Dame Sunday after a poor showing Friday against Marquette, where they shot 31 percent.
"They're believing they can win, they're upset that they lost. Our team is very positive. They're not down about the losses, they're excited to get back out there," Stone said.
Though the Badgers have proven they're ready to mentally bounce back, the team has not bounced back physically as of late.
Wisconsin has caught the injury bug the past week, losing starters Ashley Josephson and Kjersten Bakke to games over the weekend. Sophomore guard Janese Banks was also forced to wear goggles to protect an eye injury sustained Friday night.
"Injuries happen in athletics in any sport … having played the way we did on Friday, banged up, nicked up and with three starters out for the game. To play the way we did [Sunday], I'm extremely encouraged."
Out with the old, in with the new: Due to the injuries that the starters have sustained, the doors have been open for younger players to gain some experience on the court.
Freshman center Caitlin Gibson received her first start Sunday and made the most of her opportunity, going six of 10 from the field en route to a career high 12 points. Gibson also logged 24 minutes on the court, stepping up for the injured Bakke.
"To have the opportunity for somebody to step up and do, for instance, what Caitlin Gibson did yesterday. She became a crowd favorite. What a great chance for her to go against one of the top post players in the country and to be a presence for us," Stone said.
Gibson was forced to guard Fighting Irish's 6-foot-5 center Melissa D'Amico all afternoon and Gibson outscored her 12 points to 11.
"[Gibson] was going against some tough competition," Stone said. "She scored inside and I thought she defended D'Amico very, very well last night. I thought it was a big confidence builder but now obviously expectations rise and you want to see that every day."
Sophomores stepping up: This season, the Badgers have been relying on a pair of sophomore guards to step up this season after having excellent freshman campaigns.
Sophomores Janese Banks and Jolene Anderson have each improved over the offseason and are showcasing their ability on the floor and well as in the locker room.
The two guards have personalities that complement each other on and off the court, yet Stone is quick to note their differences.
"I think they are as different as they come," Stone said. "One is quiet and one is not, but they compliment each other on the court and off the court. They have different personalities and we're asking them to do a lot of things. They are doing very well from a leadership standpoint and productivity, on and off the court which bodes well for the future," Stone said.
