Team starts fresh

To one day be an All-American. To play in the NCAC tournament. These two goals were set by first-year Chamia Peterson as the women's basketball team prepares to open its season.

With all six of Coach Ann Gilbert's top six recruits playing this season at Oberlin, these goals sound about right for a very green and highly touted women's basketball team: loud and brash and hoping to improve upon last season's 2-22 record.

"Every person can contribute," Gilbert said. "In practice, every day someone different steps up."

Someone will have to - and not just in practice - as the team has only eight members with just one returner, senior Toah Nkroma. The only other player with college experience is sophomore transfer Nicole James. Gilbert cited both players as being key influences on the team thus far this year, but it will take more than solid play from two experienced players to win games.

Despite what appears to be a grim outlook from this perspective, Oberlin was not chosen by a coaches poll to finish last in the conference this year (Earlham claimed that dubious honor), reinforcing to some extent Gilbert's belief that her first-years will be able to carry the load.

"Their talent is unique. It's a different style of play that you're used to seeing here at Oberlin."

But there will be no time for players to adjust to the change in the level of difficulty from high-school to college basketball. If Oberlin wants to win games, players will have to take leadership positions immediately. Attitude is definitely a part of that.

Team chemistry will also be a crucial factor, which both players and Gilbert say is going well at the moment.

"We need to get to know each other more as a whole," said first-year Ikeya Hillman.

Peterson echoed these sentiments, "We've been focusing on being a family unit."

The team will receive its first test this coming weekend at a tournament at Walsh College, a Division II school. They play La Roche College, and then depending on the outcome of this game, will play either Waysnesberg College or Walsh for either the championship or third-place in the tournament.

Gilbert commented that she expects to win the first game, with the outcome of the final being debatable, depending on the team they play.

Shooting star:Sophomore Nicole James shoots.(photo by Whitney Smith)