Camel hoops teams off to fast start

The women's basketball team celebrates their recent 61-55 home victory over nationally ranked Tufts, improving their record to 8-0.
The women's basketball team celebrates their recent 61-55 home victory over nationally ranked Tufts, improving their record to 8-0.

The undefeated women’s basketball team notched its most impressive win of the season on Dec. 12, a 61-55 home victory over Tufts, who came into the game ranked ninth in the country.

The 8-0 Camels were led by Mairead Hynes ’18, who scored 10 of her team-high 15 points in the second half. Hynes added eight rebounds and two steals in the win.

“It was a great way for our student-athletes to end the first semester and a significant win for our program,” said Head Coach Brian Wilson.

As they have all season, the Camels also received huge contributions from their first-year players. Kylie Caouette ’19 chipped in 14 points and two assists, while Natalia Baum ’19 added 12 points. In the final minutes, Payton Ouimette ’19—the recent New England Women’s Basketball Association Rookie of the Week—sank six crucial free throws to seal the victory.

The Camels will now take their unblemished record to the West Coast for games against Chapman University on Dec. 29, and University of Redlands on Dec. 30, both in Orange, Calif.

The men’s basketball team is also off to a hot start, sitting at 5-2—the program’s best start since 2007-08.

The early season was highlighted by an 85-72 win over regional power Eastern Connecticut State University, who qualified for the NCAA Division III national tournament last season. Tyler Rowe ’19 led the way with 22 points, seven rebounds and four steals, while co-captain Bo McKinley ’16 added 12 points off the bench.

“It was a huge win for us. That’s the biggest win for us since I’ve been at Conn,” said McKinley.

The team will resume play on Dec. 29, when they face SUNY-Canton at the College of Staten Island Tournament.



December 14, 2015