A growth spurt
With three consecutive wins, the Jennies are showing signs of improvement.
Jessi Gerhards: Muleskinner
Issue date: 1/28/10 Section: Sports
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Central Missouri fell behind after a quick start against the Bearcats, but guard Deidra Dace led the Jennies back by scoring four points in the final minute of play.
Throughout the season, the Jennies have shown growth. Coach Dave Slifer said he has noticed the way the Jennies have matured since the start of conference play.
"Anytime you win, you feel better about yourself," Slifer said. "But I've been fooled before in the season, so hopefully we have learned our lesson."
The Jennies (10-8, 6-5 MIAA) will be tested again Saturday at home against Pittsburg State. The Gorillas' have been a challenge for the Jennies in the past, losing two of the past three games against Pittsburg State. However, Dace has a mindset for winning the game.
"We just need to make sure we keep our intensity throughout the entire game," Dace said. "It's easy to get jacked up before the game and kind of roll yourself to sleep. If we can keep the intensity, then we'll be fine."
The Jennies recently have had issues of falling behind after good starts. Against the Bearcats, the Jennies controlled the tempo for much of the game. With a lead in the second half, the Jennies watched the Bearcats turn an eight-point deficit into a two-point lead before the Jennies regain the lead for good.
In an effort to fix the problem before the upcoming game, Slifer knows two things that will keep the Jennies in the game.
"By playing great defense and taking care of the basketball," Slifer said. "We struggled defensively against SBU, and hopefully, we can throw a little zone in with our man-to-man."
Central Missouri has played a lot of close games this season, but Dace said Pittsburg State could be their toughest opponent.
"We're working as hard as we can in practice, and it's looking like it's paying off in games," Dace said.
Center Rebecca Roberts said she thinks having a positive attitude about the game and the rest of the season should help the Jennies.
"It feels good to be winning finally," Roberts said. "Hopefully, we can keep it up for the rest of the season and finish strong."
Slifer said he expects Pittsburg State to continue to play well after its win over No. 15th-ranked Washburn a few weeks ago.
But Roberts has a short, simple strategy for the game against the Gorillas.
"Don't play scared and take it to them," she said.
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