Conference play is like going into battle. Conference play requires preparation, focus and an attention to detail. From game to game, the things that are required of you change; however, the one thing that remains constant is effort and a tenacious mindset. Playing in the NEC now is like a fight against yourself. In the 2013-2014 season, players and teams are so closely matched for skills and talent; it all comes down to who wants it more in the end. Games are always close, it's always a fight. Conference play is being part of that 5 that your coach calls on in the last seconds of the game to bring a W back to the Mount. Blood, sweat and tears isn't just a saying - it's reality.
For me conference play requires a lot of mental strength when your body wants to do differently. Conference play requires extra hours in the gym, alone. Doing whatever it takes to ensure that you have the upper hand on your opponent. Conference play is the bittersweet moment of my life right now. Super sad that it is coming to an end, but so happy and proud that I could be part of such a fun and enjoyable program. Lastly, NEC play is rewarding, exhilarating and worth the long bus rides, as well as shared loving and fun experiences with teammates and coaches. It's worth that gut-wrenching feeling you get before games because of the anxiety that overcomes my body. NEC is home, it's what I know! -#20 Kayla Grossett
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| Kayla scored 20 points agaist conference foe Wagner on January 18. |
Playing
in the NEC for the past 4 years has been extremely fun. Since the beginning,
the teams I have been a part of here at the Mount have always shown to be great
competitors in this conference. We have
continued to make a name for ourselves in this conference by showing that we
are here to win. Since my freshman year, we have always battled with
Bryant. I can’t remember if there was a
game that we played against them, that wasn’t a dogfight. Since we do not have a rival in the
conference based on territory, we pretty much make everyone our rivals! Quinnipiac (who recently left to join the
MAAC) was always a great game as well. Last
year’s game was especially a competitive, and high-energy game. We faced the undefeated team in the
semi-finals, losing by just 6 points. I
think the best thing about this conference, is that anyone can win on any given
day. The NEC Championship is anyone’s to take this season, and this is one of
the main reasons I love playing in the NEC.
This team, this year, has put in so much hard work, effort and passion,
I know that we can and will be winning the Conference Championship. -#32 Jessie Kaufman
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| Jessie scored 19 points against St. Francis Brooklyn on January 13. |
