Temple’s women’s basketball team made some noise during the 2014-2015 season, turning an at-large bid in the annual WNIT (Women’s National Invitation Tournament) into an unlikely semifinals appearance.
The Owls put up a valiant effort but came up just short, falling to West Virginia 66-58 in overtime. The Mountaineers were unable to make the most of their opportunity, however, as they lost to UCLA in another close contest (62-60).
If Temple had been able to outlast West Virginia and put up an additional close victory in tournament action, would UCLA have been able to stop an underdog with such momentum built up? Did the Owls really have what it took to go the distance?
Flash forward to this season, and a cast of familiar faces aim to provide some answers in this year’s WNIT.
Guards Tanaya Atkinson, Alliya Butts, Erica Covile and Feyonda Fitzgerald were each contributors to the successes of the previous season, but were also present for that heart-breaking loss to WVU with a trip to the finals on the line.
Perhaps using that painful defeat as motivation, this foursome has turned in several fine performances this season and as a result, each has earned Philadelphia Big 5 Awards. In addition, the team also now finds itself making another impressive run in the WNIT.
After topping Drexel University 74-66 in the first round, Temple narrowly defeated Quinnipiac University 64-62 on Sunday. Another victory over Ohio in the third round this evening would see the Owls advance to the quarterfinals and put them one win away from a return to the Final Four.
“This win means everything to me,” Atkinson said in a video interview after the Round 2 victory. “…We just had to come out here, do what we had to do, follow all the game plans…I’m glad we all fought and we ended up on top.”
But exactly who is this fab four that fights hard game after game, and what roles do they play on their quest for another shot at a WNIT crown?
Atkinson, who has been solid on both ends of the court this year, is averaging 12.8 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. Her ability to go up and get the ball has provided her team with many additional opportunities this year.
Butts is the team’s sharpshooter, averaging 15.2 points per game. When you need to come away with something on the board in crunch time, you want the ball in her capable hands.
Covile is the crafty veteran who boasts an all-around solid game. The senior averages 9.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game and connected on a robust 87-of-98 free throw attempts during the regular season. She is also only the fourth player in program history to record 1,000 points, 750 rebounds and 150 steals.
Last but not least, there is Fitzgerald, who keeps the offense running smoothly. She leads Temple with 5.3 assists per game and is always spreading the ball around to the best possible option after assessing the defense. Fitzgerald is not afraid to keep the ball herself when the situation calls for it, though, as she is second on the team in scoring.
Without the example set by these four, Temple may not be in the position it is right now.
While the heart and skill necessary to continue advancing in this year’s WNIT are certainly there for the Owls, the fact that they are consistently competitive and will have most of this nucleus returning next season will only continue to stoke the fire should the squad fall short of its goal for the second year in a row.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
