Spotlight: Women's Basketball Season Wrap-Up Interview

This rendition of the Worcester State Women's Basketball team went into the 2022-23 season with mixed expectations. While the team had a number of senior leaders, many new faces joined their ranks. The Lancers were led by Karen Tessmer in her 28th season at the helm, one of the longest-serving coaches in the MASCAC. The season started off with a clash against in-town rivals Clark University. While the Lancers recorded their first loss of the season the more important thing was that they highlighted their overall talent keeping the game close throughout. 

The Lady Lancers after their initial match properly thrashed Anna Maria with the final score line reading 97-49. This blow-out win saw junior combo guard Nyah Thomas (Attleboro, Mass) record a modest 11/5/3 split. While this blowout win represented their highest scoring, the average total points per game numbers saw them rank 2nd in the MASCAC. 

Heading into the Winter break there Lancers had a record 4-6. A number of the losses on record were by small margins and the wins usually were very resounding. First year guard Siarra Francis (Marlogbough, Mass) had begun to get more used to the pace of play for college basketball. She saw some of her best action while on the team's trip to Hawaii, recording her first collegiate points in their first game of the trip versus Saint Benedict. While in Hilo the team enjoyed plenty of time in the sun and shared time bonding. The memories that they had certainly were some of the most memorable from the long 29-game season. 

After the Lancers returned from their tropical retreat the league campaign was set to begin. The Lancers had aspirations for a top 2 finish that would see them have a faster pathway to the championship game. Although the Lancers started out with a loss against Salem by only 4 points this team began to pick up their overall form, coming away with the 12 point victory when the two matched up just 24 days later. One player that really shined during conference play was senior point guard Madison Gutierrez (Holyoke, Mass). While she often came off the bench as the Lancers 6th woman on the court, her ability to facilitate offense in the half-court and on the break was certainly needed by the Lancers. 

Going into the playoffs the Lancers had acquired a 10-15 record. While more losses than wins were not what any members of the team desired, the season was one where many lessons were learned and experience was gained. The win column saw another notch in the tally after the quarter-final clash again against Salem State with the Lancers running away as the victors on the day with the final scoreline reading 80-57. This win saw the Lancers advance to the semifinals where a 3rd matchup between them and eventual MASCAC Champions Bridgewater State was scheduled.

With all their contributions on the season these three the players, Nyah Thomas, Sisi Francis and Madison Gutierrez have been selected for the season wrap-up review.

Questions:

How would you describe the preseason process and is there anything that you did during the summer and fall that helped you prepare for it? 

Thomas: Our preseason process is pretty intense. We have required workouts to get done during the summer as well as training for our timed mile which takes place in September. This previous summer we played in a league that allowed us time to work on our skills while also bonding as a team on the court.

What was your relationship like with the coaching staff throughout your time at Worcester State? 

Gutierrez: My relationship with the coaching staff was great. I felt very comfortable and valued as a player and a person. The coaches were always there when I needed them with anything.

When did you decide Worcester State was the school for you in your recruiting process?

Francis: I decided that Worcester State was the school for me during my recruiting process when I came and toured the campus in person as well as getting to meet the players. It was especially great to come and feel welcomed so quickly.

Which game do you feel like you played the best in and why do you think that was?

Thomas: My best game this season was definitely our third match-up against Salem State in the first round of our conference tournament. My whole team played great and our energy on the court was just unbelievable. I chipped in 18 points and I felt as though my composure and facilitation throughout the game definitely helped us achieve our ultimate goal and send us into the semi-finals.

How would you describe your overall game and do you feel that you were able to appropriately highlight your talents while at Worcester State?

Gutierrez: I feel like my overall game is shooting 3s or driving and finishing with a floater. On some days I was able to appropriately highlight my game and other games I felt like I was a little under-appreciated.

What were some of the difficulties that you and your teammates experienced during this season and how do you think you guys managed the adversity?

Thomas: One of the biggest challenges we faced this season was the fact that we had a much smaller team than last year. On days where people were sick or dealing with an injury, we had to learn how to push through practice with low numbers. I ultimately think it made us stronger and better prepared for next season. 

What is one memorable experience you had either in practice or in the training room that you would like to share? 

Francis: One memorable experience I had in practice was when I got to sing I Wish You Wanted Me by Steve Lacy. It was a great experience and I would do it again.

Of all of those who helped you throughout your collegiate  career, is there anyone in particular you would like to thank?

Gutierez: I would like to thank my teammate Nyah for always keeping me on the right track and my nana for always believing in me and never giving up on mentoring me.

What was your favorite away game and what were your go-to songs to listen to while on the bus? 

Thomas: Definitely, after we beat Rivier on the road. It was one of our closest games and the energy on the bus afterward was just ecstatic. We celebrated the whole way home from Connecticut!

Francis: My favorite away game was Westfield State. It was an intense game and my favorite go-to songs on the bus were definitely Dreams and Nightmares or Secrets. 

In the Playoffs what was the message the coaching staff laid out for you guys and do you feel like you executed well enough?

Gutierrez: Our coaching staff encouraged us to find a way to come together and play as a team while competing. As a result, it ultimately ended up being one of our biggest downfalls in our last game. 

How would you describe your relationship with some of the members of the men's basketball team, and do you feel like you’ve learned anything from them and vice versa? 

Thomas: I feel as though I have a great relationship with the men's team. We are all very friendly with each other which makes bus rides and events that much more enjoyable. Members from both teams also often stick around to cheer each other on and it just makes both of our programs that much stronger.

Time for some less serious questions 

Which of your teammates would be most likely to win a spelling Bee?

Abby St. Martin 

Which member of the coaching staff could still drop buckets in a game?

Coach Danisha Parks

Best cook on the team? 

Nyah Thomas

Most likely to bring the most family members to a game?

Lizzy & Erin Gallella 

Biggest trash talker?

Maddy Gutierrez

Who would not look out of place on a sports talk radio podcast? 

Katie Hurynowicz or Shelby Bourdeau

With all of that being said I am Malcolm Hawkins with another post-season wrap-up.