Fans get their first look at the team in action at scrimmage

 

When several hundred fans attended the Stanford women’s basketball team’s annual Cardinal vs. White scrimmage on Oct. 25, what they saw was a rough draft of what might be coming, not the finished product.

Fourteen of the 15 players got onto the court. Junior forward Nunu Agara was there but unavailable.

Joining them were several male practice players along with two SWBB alums, Fran Belibi, ’23, and Marta Sniezek, ’19.  These two, plus the men and two senior guards, Stavi Papadaki and Lauren Green, comprised the red (actually black) squad for the final three quarters.

Everyone else was on the white squad.

Although no official statistics were kept, several impressions emerged.

First, returning players looked good. It was especially gratifying to see senior point guard Talana Lepolo and sophomore forward Harper Peterson in action after they had missed most of last season with injuries.

Second, the five freshmen acquitted themselves well. For example, forward Lara Somfai made at least four 3-point shots, by my count.

Third, overall though, 3-point shooting needs to be more accurate, and the team needs fewer turnovers.

Going into her 26^th season, Betty Ann Hagenau served as the announcer. “This team is locked and loaded this year,” she said.

She introduced the coaches and staff along with the two interns, Amy Arnes and Karlie Samuelson. Karlie had been in a boot at the reception earlier in the week, but this time she was on crutches and didn’t appear to participate.

After the game, each player, starting with the freshmen, introduced herself.

Kate wrapped things up with “This is a team that’s going to get better and better as the season goes on.”

Fans might get a better picture of what’s to come when the team hosts Cal State LA for an exhibition game at 7 p.m. Oct. 29 and opens the season against UNC Greensboro at 7 p.m. Nov. 3, also at home.