The Union University women’s basketball team opened the 2020-2021 season with several strong performances. Ranked 19th nationally, the Lady Bulldogs now hold a 12-4 record.
Union split their most recent games against Delta State University, winning 78-62 on Friday, and losing 62-60 on Saturday, after previously splitting games with Delta State earlier in the season.
Both games were dependent on high-energy fourth quarters. Union had a strong play on Friday, outscoring Delta state 16-6 in the last eight minutes of the game. Saturday’s game was even closer, with a missed three-pointer by Union at the buzzer. Despite splitting the games, Union embraced the results.
“Our best performance was probably last Friday against Delta,” women’s basketball head coach Mark Campbell said.
Shanique Lucas, a sophomore guard and exercise science major, credited big wins this season to good shooting.
“We’ve always got really good shooters,” Lucas said. “We’ve got Emily Beard, who is a senior this year, and she was the top three-point percentage in the conference last season. She’s an amazing shooter.”
The team focuses on a mindset of competitive and relational growth.
“Our strengths are that we are learning and have the potential,” Campbell said. “I would hope that they enjoy the learning process and don’t mind being exposed. Growth mindset is very hard for most young people.”
The Bulldogs have a young team, including two sophomore starters and two freshman guards. Growth through experience is thus a key part of the coaching focus.
“Experience is a big deal and especially when they are your primary ball handlers. It takes time,” Campbell said.
Without the experience a majority-senior team brings, younger players can step into leadership roles.
“Coach Campbell doesn’t believe in captains. We’re really not a team that’s about seniority,” Lucas said. “We try to serve the team as quickly as possible, regardless of our age.”
One challenge the team faces is filling the leadership roles of graduated teammates. Jada Smith was a key part of the team in the 2019-2020 season and is one of the largest holes to fill.
“Last year we did have a veteran point guard that really led the team, and she was able to really take control of the team and pretty much everything ran through her,” Lucas said.
“I think we want things to be comparable, but it is a different group with different personalities. That means it will look different than the year before,” Campbell said. “I just never assume and try to be flexible as we all try to figure it out.”
Union faces off against the University of Alabama Huntsville at home on Feb. 19-20. A previous series between the teams on Dec. 18-19 gave Union their first loss at 62-60 but ended in a Saturday 78-74 victory.
