[media-credit name=’BRYAN FAUST/Herald photo’ align=’alignnone’ width=’648′][/media-credit]It's safe to say the University of Wisconsin women's basketball team is not having quite the season it hoped for this year.

With five games remaining in the regular season, Wisconsin is currently 8-15 (2-9) and hoping to end the season strong if, for anything, to send the four senior captains — Kjersten Bakke, Ashley Josephson, Annie Nelson and Jordan Wilson — out on a high note.

Since the senior quartet came to the UW program in 2002-03, they have compiled a 37-63 (.370) record and would like to end this season unlike the previous three.

"Our seniors want to finish strong," head coach Lisa Stone said. "In our locker room right now we've got four sad seniors. We're going to get them back on track and throw the team on their back because we've obviously got some talented, young players, but our seniors want to finish differently than they have before."

Stone believes that the past experiences of disappointment for the seniors will give them an edge in turning this season around and helping the program build towards the future.

"This is the season that they want what they've been looking for all four years," Stone added. "And, you know, whether they're on the court or not, they're trying to provide as much leadership and find ways."

Stone continues to maintain optimism and insist that this disappointing season is not a lost cause, but she also acknowledges her team has yet to find its identity. Even with only five games remaining, Stone is hoping her team can show some flashes of their full potential and make a run in the Big Ten tournament.

"[The seniors] want to go out with a memorable record, and we still can, but we have to make a push and we're going to have to beat some tough teams, some ranked teams here at home," Stone said. "The Big Ten, there's certain parity and we want our seniors to help lead us as we try to make this late push and the charge into the Big Ten Tournament."

Although the current season has been far from successful — or even decent, for that matter — it will probably be written off by many for several reasons.

The team has endured more than its fair share of injuries and suspensions with Nelson, Bakke and Josephson all missing considerable time at one point or another this season, not to mention injuries to Brittany Cannon, Akiya Alexander, and Janese Banks.

Also, the lack of a true point guard is evident with Jolene Anderson and Janese Banks — both natural off-guards — sharing the duties.

Furthermore, the Badgers are an extremely young team and have been playing like it with a 0-6 record in games decided by six points or less.

Nevertheless, Stone believes her program is still headed in the right direction for the future.

"I truly believe what we're doing is right," Stone said. "We're staying the course and we're not flinching and we believe in what we're doing. There are not a whole lot of changes. We just need to get things done and find ways to win and not find ways not to win."

But for Stone, there may be some pressure to put together a winning season next year.

Currently in her third season on campus, this was supposed to be her breakout year after completing her first two seasons with 10-17 and 12-16 records, respectively.

And with Jolene Anderson and Janese Banks returning from superb freshman campaigns, all the makings were there for at least a .500 record and possibly a WNIT bid.

However, things just never came together and next year will be looked upon as Stone's year to shine with much of this year's young nucleus returning and McDonald's All-American Teah Gant arriving on campus.